Lawrence City stormwater board adopts flat 2026 budget after adding $160,000 in revenue

The Lawrence City Stormwater Advisory Board on Oct. 27 adopted a flat 2026 budget after staff reported newly identified stormwater revenue and discussed reserve balances.

Board Chair Brad Klopfenstein opened the budget discussion, and staff member Sean McTush told the board the current-year revenue is shown as $2,000,259.09 and that the fall property-tax distribution, normally received in December, will determine whether the department reaches a $2.2 million target next year. McTush said the city receives a larger share of property-tax disbursements in the spring and the balance in December.

McTush reported that 112 properties were added to the stormwater tax roll after staff identified omissions and that prior annual rate increases had not been implemented in 2021–2024. He estimated those additions and updated impervious-area charges represent about $160,000 in additional potential revenue, though he noted taxes could go delinquent and the figure assumes full payment.

“We added it to the stormwater tax for new parcels that were developed and for impervious area that hadn't been captured; it's about a $160,000 in revenue,” McTush said.

The board discussed year-to-date spending ($918,000) and remaining encumbrances; McTush said he expects roughly $500,000 to roll into the restricted, non-reverting reserve account. He also noted $176,138 previously budgeted for a personnel position in 2024 was not used and is not expected to be used in 2026 due to a mayoral hiring freeze.

Board members asked about whether the reserve funds earn interest and whether the account could be moved to an interest-bearing instrument. Tracy Boyd requested a follow-up by email; staff agreed to consult the treasury/finance office and report back. Board members also asked about bond exposure; staff said there is no stormwater bond liability at this time.

After discussion, Rob Schleifer moved and Tracy Boyd seconded adoption of the 2026 budget. The motion passed by voice vote.

The board closed business and adjourned following the vote.