Proposed 2027 budget sparks debate over police cuts to fund fire station

City explores new fees to offset budget deficits

Commission prepares for transit sales tax ballot measure

City and county negotiate new fire medical cost-sharing formula

Split vote establishes demolition moratorium in the University Place neighborhood

West Lawrence development approved despite push for higher density

City manager finalists set to visit Lawrence in late May

Lawrence prepares to host Algeria's national team for the 2026 World Cup

Proposed 2027 budget sparks debate over police cuts to fund fire station

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city commission's preliminary 2027 operating budget discussions Tuesday revealed potential widespread reductions in city services to cover a funding gap for the expansion of Fire Station 6. To avoid a property tax mill levy increase, city staff presented a scenario with 3 percent to 4 percent departmental cuts. For the police department, this would eliminate the downtown foot patrol, end the community service technicians program, and reduce the school resource officer program from six officers to two. The proposed cuts drew strong pushback from off-duty law enforcement, school security personnel and residents, who argued the city should not compromise police staffing and school safety to fund a fire station that will not open until 2029.

City explores new fees to offset budget deficits

LAWRENCE, Kan. — As part of the 2027 budget discussions, the city commission directed staff to investigate new user fees to generate revenue and prevent property tax increases. Proposals include a fee for repeat commercial false fire alarms and exploring the reintroduction of fares for the city's public transit system. Commissioners agreed that any proposal should include a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the administrative burden of collection would outweigh the revenue generated.

Commission prepares for transit sales tax ballot measure

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Faced with a projected transit funding deficit by 2030, the city commission directed staff to prepare a ballot measure for November that would increase the city's transit sales tax. The city's transit director requested repealing the existing 0.2 percent sales tax, set to expire in 2029, and replacing it with a 0.3 percent tax. The increase is intended to help offset inflation and maintain the city's fare-free system and current route frequencies until the next major service contract negotiations in 2029.

City and county negotiate new fire medical cost-sharing formula

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence and Douglas County are working to implement a new funding formula to split the costs of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical. Previously based largely on staffing ratios, the revised multi-year approach would incorporate additional operational factors to reduce volatility from small staffing changes. If approved by both governing bodies, the proposed new agreement would result in a cost split of 59.7 percent for the city and 40.3 percent for the county. This adjustment would prevent major year-over-year cost swings, which under the old formula could shift roughly $300,000 between governments for every one percentage point change in the department's fire-to-EMS staffing ratio. The updated model is expected to provide greater financial stability and reduce pressure on Lawrence's budget.

Split vote establishes demolition moratorium in the University Place neighborhood

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The city commission voted to approve a temporary demolition moratorium in the University Place neighborhood to protect structures while the area seeks historic district designation through the State Historic Preservation Office. The measure passed in a split vote, with the dissenting argument raising concerns that restricting new development and density in walkable neighborhoods can worsen the city's affordable housing shortage. Supporters said the moratorium was a practical step to prevent demolition of older homes while the review proceeds.

West Lawrence development approved despite push for higher density

LAWRENCE, Kan. — In a 3-1 vote, commissioners approved the final reading of an ordinance for the Floret Hill residential development, located at the southeast corner of Bob Billings Parkway and Kansas Highway 10 in west Lawrence, despite calls to increase the area's housing density. The measure faced opposition with arguments that the project should be sent back for consideration of higher-density zoning that could create more affordable homeownership opportunities. A majority of the commission supported moving the current project forward to avoid delaying construction, while noting that future annexations in west Lawrence are expected to face higher-density requirements.

City manager finalists set to visit Lawrence in late May

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The search for a new city manager is nearing its conclusion, with finalists expected to visit Lawrence on May 20 and 21. The city commission has scheduled a public meet-and-greet for the evening of Wednesday, May 20, followed by an executive session interview process on Thursday, May 21, as it moves toward selecting a replacement for City Manager Craig Owens.

Lawrence prepares to host Algeria's national team for the 2026 World Cup

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Lawrence is celebrating its selection as the base camp for Algeria's national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is set to use Rock Chalk Park as its training facility, an arrangement expected to bring international visibility and an economic boost to the local hospitality sector. City and tourism officials have been preparing for the event for months as part of broader World Cup planning.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us