Lawrence local news summary

City Commission Passes 2026 Budget With Property Tax Increase in 4-1 Vote

Site Selected for New Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Station 6 in Northwest Lawrence

Lawrence Water and Wastewater Rates Set to Rise 7.9%

Recreation Center Fees Finalized as Part of 2026 Budget

Budget Earmarks Funds for Farmers Market, Small Business, and Neighborhood Programs

Commission Signals Support for Expanded Utility Assistance Programs

Douglas County Works With Peer Urban Counties on a 2025-26 Legislative Push

Vacancy: Non-Lawyer Member for 7th Judicial District Nominating Commission

City Commission Passes 2026 Budget With Property Tax Increase in 4-1 Vote

LAWRENCE – The Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday approved the 2026 city budget, adopting a plan that includes a 0.488 mill levy increase to fund several community and public safety initiatives. The budget, known as “Scenario B,” passed on a 4-1 vote following extensive public comment and commission debate. The additional revenue will fund one new firefighter position, two police officer positions, a $175,000 allocation for the Farmers Market capital project, $25,000 for small business support, and $20,000 for neighborhood programs. Commissioner Lisa Larsen cast the lone dissenting vote; Mayor Mike Dever, Vice Mayor Brad Finkeldei, and Commissioners Amber Sellers and Bart Littlejohn voted in favor.

Site Selected for New Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Station 6 in Northwest Lawrence

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Commissioners approved 555 Stoneridge Drive as the location for LDCFM Station 6, aligning with the City of Lawrence’s vote the prior day. The ~12,983-sq-ft station is slated to finish design in 2026, begin construction in 2027, and be operational in 2028; the current capital estimate is about $12.96M (cost share city/county per LDCFM formula). The city commission directed the City Manager to develop a future budget proposal that includes a property tax increase, estimated at ~3.25 mills, to fund the staffing and operational costs for the new station.

Lawrence Water and Wastewater Rates Set to Rise 7.9%

LAWRENCE – Lawrence residents will see their utility bills increase next year after the City Commission voted 5-0 to approve an average rate hike of 7.9% for water and wastewater services in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The increase, effective Jan. 1, 2026, will support ongoing and future capital projects, including upgrades to the Kansas River Wastewater Treatment Plant and the new Municipal Services & Operations (MSO) campus. Staff noted typical single-family households will see increases in the 8.3%–8.5% range.

Recreation Center Fees Finalized as Part of 2026 Budget

LAWRENCE – The city’s plan to implement new membership and daily fees at recreation centers was officially confirmed with the passage of the 2026 budget. Acknowledging public feedback, the approved budget includes a revised Parks & Recreation fee schedule with lower rates than originally proposed and adds $50,000 from the General Fund to offset revenue impacts. Finalized resident rates include approximately $12/month ($120/year) for adults; $20/month ($200/year) for households; $8/month ($80/year) for seniors; non-residents pay more; youth and income-qualified residents are free.

Budget Earmarks Funds for Farmers Market, Small Business, and Neighborhood Programs

LAWRENCE – The newly adopted budget includes seed money for three community programs: $175,000 for the Lawrence Farmers Market’s permanent pavilion design; $25,000 for small-business support; and $20,000 for neighborhood associations (with emphasis on LMI neighborhoods). Commissioners indicated they expect further details on administration in coming months.

Commission Signals Support for Expanded Utility Assistance Programs

LAWRENCE – During discussion on rising utility rates, several commissioners expressed interest in expanding assistance programs beyond seniors (e.g., consideration for disabled residents and low-income households), noting bond covenant limits on using utility revenue for such aid and pointing to the General Fund as a potential vehicle.

Douglas County Works With Peer Urban Counties on a 2025-26 Legislative Push

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Commissioners reported collaboration with the state’s other large counties (Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Wyandotte) on shared priorities for the upcoming session (e.g., tax structure, housing, public safety). Douglas County also publishes its own 2025 legislative statement.

Vacancy: Non-Lawyer Member for 7th Judicial District Nominating Commission

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Douglas County is seeking a non-attorney member for the 7th Judicial District nominating commission. Statute requires non-lawyer members be qualified electors of the county; there’s no sub-district residency requirement for a single-county district like Douglas.

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