Shawnee hears FY2027 budget presentations for police and fire; both request roughly $300,000 increases

City staff on June 22 presented final FY2027 budget materials for the police and fire departments, the two largest departments by total staff and together accounting for roughly 50% of the city's operational budget. Doug Donahue, the city’s communications director, summarized the presentations.

According to the meeting summary, both departments requested modest increases — described as "about $300,000 apiece" — for next fiscal year. The police department’s request includes funding for a new dispatcher position. The meeting summary did not provide line-item budget documents, a breakdown of how the additional funds would be spent, or the sources of the increases.

Donahue also said City Manager Paul Kramer provided an update on the capital improvements program with specific references to Shawnee Town 1929 and Rail Creek Park. Staff outlined key dates in the budget process: July 13 for council intent on the revenue neutral rate; July 27 for the council vote to adopt the capital improvement program and to receive the full proposed FY2027 budget from the city manager; a budget open house is scheduled Aug. 12 at Shawnee Town Hall (5:30–7:30 p.m.); and Aug. 24 when the council will vote on the revenue neutral rate resolution and accept the 2027 budget.

Donahue noted one council member was absent and that votes are based on the seven members present. The meeting summary directed residents to cityofshawnee.org for agendas, materials and archived minutes where budget documents and official vote records may be posted.