Commission reaches consensus on 1-mill tax increase for 2027 budget

Fire Station 6 expansion scaled back to offset budget deficit

City to overhaul employee healthcare plan to save $1 million

Officials look to reduce $2 million annual jail housing fees

Stormwater utility rates to increase 7.5 percent annually over three years

Lawrence pursues historic 'Opportunity Zone' designations

Costco eyes late October opening, brings 120 jobs to Lawrence

9th Street reconstruction reopens ahead of KU football opener

Commission to address business impacts from Wakarusa and 23rd Street construction delays

Commission reaches consensus on 1-mill tax increase for 2027 budget

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Following substantial debate over competing budget proposals, the city commission reached a reluctant consensus to direct staff to finalize a 2027 budget featuring a 1-mill property tax increase. While Vice Mayor Mike Courtney pushed for a flat mill rate and suggested a one-year freeze on wages to the top one-third highest-paid employees, a majority, including Mayor Brad Finkeldei, ultimately agreed to proceed with a staff-recommended compromise known as "Option 3." The plan preserves 2.5 percent to 5 percent employee step increases but trims various municipal expenditures, including street maintenance, to keep the tax hike lower than the initially proposed 1.9 mills. A final vote on the budget is scheduled for Sept. 15.

Fire Station 6 expansion scaled back to offset budget deficit

LAWRENCE, Kan. — To rein in property tax increases, the city will delay hiring three of the 15 requested personnel for the new Fire Station 6 expansion until 2028. The 2027 budget will now fund 12 minimum-requirement positions to provide continuous emergency coverage and alleviate department overtime, a combined move that staff estimates will save the general fund approximately $500,000 next year. A city commissioner expressed concern that delaying the additional relief staff could lead to future overtime shortfalls and broken promises to Douglas County, which temporarily funded several shared positions in 2026 under the expectation the city would pick up the costs in 2027, but the reduction was ultimately deemed necessary to achieve the 1-mill tax rate consensus.

City to overhaul employee healthcare plan to save $1 million

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city of Lawrence will overhaul its employee healthcare benefits for 2027, offering a new high-deductible plan and increasing employee premium contributions to better align with national market rates. The plan design changes are projected to save the city over $1 million, reducing the employer contribution per position from an initially proposed $19,000 down to $17,700. The move comes as the city grapples with rising health insurance costs that threatened to further strain the general fund and necessitate higher property taxes.

Officials look to reduce $2 million annual jail housing fees

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city is actively exploring options with Douglas County to reduce its $2 million annual budget for jail housing fees. A city commissioner, whose name was unavailable, highlighted the high expenditure during Tuesday's budget hearing, prompting Police Chief Rich Lockhart to confirm that alternative cost-saving measures are currently under evaluation. While specifics of the negotiations were not publicly disclosed, commissioners expressed a strong desire to collaborate with the county to lower the financial burden on city taxpayers without compromising public safety.

Stormwater utility rates to increase 7.5 percent annually over three years

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Residents will see their stormwater utility bills rise over the next three years following the city commission's unanimous approval of a 7.5 percent annual rate increase. Starting in 2027, the standard residential rate will increase by 81 cents to $11.52 per month, generating revenue to fund an estimated $100 million backlog in rehabilitation and capacity projects. Municipal Services and Operations staff noted the new three-year rate cycle aligns with the previously approved three-year cycles for the city's solid waste and water rates.

Lawrence pursues historic 'Opportunity Zone' designations

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence is pursuing new federal Opportunity Zone designations under a state-nominated round, a move poised to spur significant economic development across the city. During his regular report, City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry commended Economic Development Director Susie Carson for gaining "great momentum" with state officials to designate the tax-advantaged zones, calling it a historic first for the city under the new OZ 2.0 framework. City staff plans to provide a comprehensive briefing to the commission once official confirmation of the state's nominations to the U.S. Treasury is received.

Costco eyes late October opening, brings 120 jobs to Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence's new Costco Wholesale Corp. location is gearing up for a late October grand opening and will begin hiring for 120 permanent positions, plus seasonal roles, next week. A city official, whose name was unavailable, reported that the retailer is already setting up promotional tents around the community to register new members ahead of the launch. The highly anticipated warehouse is expected to be a major sales tax driver for the city and has reportedly drawn management talent from across the country to Lawrence.

9th Street reconstruction reopens ahead of KU football opener

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The 9th Street reconstruction project will reopen to traffic this Thursday, arriving just in time for the University of Kansas' first home football game. A city commissioner, whose name was unavailable, celebrated the reopening during a commission report, noting the completion brings much-needed relief to a vital downtown-adjacent corridor. While additional minor work remains in the area, the opening marks the end of extensive closures that had heavily impacted local neighborhood traffic and nearby businesses.

Commission to address business impacts from Wakarusa and 23rd Street construction delays

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city commission will review potential relief options for local businesses impacted by the ongoing Wakarusa Drive and 23rd Street construction delays. Prolonged road closures and detours have severely restricted customer access to nearby commercial corridors, prompting business owners to urge the city for financial assistance or expedited completion schedules. City staff is expected to present a framework for mitigating the economic fallout and improving communication with affected stakeholders in the coming weeks.

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