Lawrence local news summary

Commission approves intent to issue $157 million in bonds for capital projects

City staff provides report on community building youth access costs

Industrial rezoning prompts rural water capacity concerns

County adopts new charter to oversee mental health crisis system

Data shows 27 percent drop in ER visits for mental health crises

Referrals to state mental hospital plummet by 65 percent

County reports success in reducing jail population with mental illness

Data system helps track and support high-needs individuals

Future of local crisis hotline vs. national 988 line to be studied

Commission approves intent to issue $157 million in bonds for capital projects

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The City Commission voted 4-0 Tuesday to approve a resolution declaring its intent to issue general obligation bonds to fund a series of capital improvement projects. The resolution, described by city staff as a routine procedural step, sets a maximum spending limit for the city's 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (projected at approximately $157 million) and allows the city to begin the legal process for a future bond sale. The action does not represent a final authorization to spend the funds, as each project will require multiple future votes before any debt is issued.

City staff provides report on community building youth access costs

LAWRENCE, Kan. — As part of the city manager's report, commissioners received a staff memo from Interim Parks and Recreation Director Lindsay Hart detailing cost and usage data related to reopening the Community Building for expanded youth access. The report, compiled in response to a previous request, estimates it would cost the city $18,000 annually to staff the building for approximately 12 hours per week during after-school hours. According to the memo, current data shows the building sees an average of only one to five youths on most weekdays, though that number rises to roughly 15 on Wednesdays due to early school dismissals. City staff noted that the $18,000 option would effectively be a "band-aid" solution and that a more in-depth study would be required if the commission wished to explore the option further. The item is expected to be a topic for discussion after the new commission is seated.

Industrial rezoning prompts rural water capacity concerns

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — A recent county decision to rezone a rural property to light industrial has raised concerns about the capacity of rural water districts to support such development. Commissioner Karen Willey reported Wednesday that she attended a Rural Water District #6 meeting where board members expressed worry about their ability to meet water demand and Kansas fire code requirements for a new landscape company. The issue highlighted a potential gap in the county’s planning process, prompting a broader conversation about how to ensure infrastructure needs are addressed before rural commercial and industrial zoning changes are approved.

County adopts new charter to oversee mental health crisis system

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — In a move to formalize governance of its expanding mental health services, the county commission voted 4-0 to approve a charter for the new Douglas County Crisis Response Coalition. The coalition, comprised of county and city leaders, law enforcement and behavioral health providers, will provide oversight and data-driven recommendations for the entire crisis system. The charter establishes a vision for a coordinated, client-centered system that minimizes unnecessary emergency room use and law enforcement involvement. Bob Tryanski, director of behavioral health projects, said the group will help guide the county’s network of services, including the Treatment and Recovery Center.

Data shows 27 percent drop in ER visits for mental health crises

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Emergency department visits for mental health issues at LMH Health have fallen significantly since Douglas County began implementing its new crisis system components. Data presented to the county commission on Wednesday showed a nearly 27 percent reduction in such visits between 2018 and 2025. Officials credited a series of interventions funded by the county’s mental health sales tax, including the integrated crisis team at the hospital and the opening of the Treatment and Recovery Center, for diverting individuals to more appropriate care settings and reducing the burden on the local emergency room.

Referrals to state mental hospital plummet by 65 percent

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Douglas County has reduced its monthly referrals to Osawatomie State Hospital by more than 65 percent over the last several years, a key success metric for the county’s local behavioral health initiatives. Behavioral Health Director Bob Tryanski reported the decline Wednesday, attributing it to the creation of local crisis stabilization options like the Treatment and Recovery Center. To further improve care, a county delegation recently visited the state hospital to strengthen coordination for patients who require involuntary commitment, and a follow-up visit with judges and prosecutors is planned.

County reports success in reducing jail population with mental illness

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Efforts to keep people with serious mental illness out of the criminal justice system are showing positive results, officials told the county commission. As part of the national Stepping Up initiative, the county has seen a downward trend in jail bookings and a decline in the percentage of inmates with serious and persistent mental illness. Officials credited programs like behavioral health court and improved crisis interventions for the success, noting Douglas County continues to maintain one of the lowest incarceration rates in the nation.

Data system helps track and support high-needs individuals

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — A real-time data system is helping county partners identify and coordinate care for residents who frequently interact with emergency, law enforcement and behavioral health services. The “My Resource Connection” platform generates a “Familiar Faces” list of the top 15 highest utilizers, allowing a multi-agency team to huddle weekly to manage their complex needs. Officials said the system is critical for collaboration and they are now exploring ways to use it to identify individuals in immediate crisis, not just those with a long history of high utilization.

Future of local crisis hotline vs. national 988 line to be studied

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Kan. — Douglas County’s crisis response leaders will analyze call data to determine the future role of its long-standing local crisis hotline in relation to the national 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. A deputy director of the county’s emergency communications center told commissioners Wednesday that while many residents still use the familiar local number, a large percentage of calls come from a small number of repeat users. The study aims to ensure resources are used efficiently and that residents receive a consistent response whether they call the local line or the national 988 number, both of which are currently answered locally.

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