Lawrence City Council June 17, 2026

The Lawrence City Council held a special hybrid meeting on June 17, 2026, primarily focused on discussing and approving the fiscal year 2027 municipal budget amendments proposed by Mayor Brian A. DePeña. The amendments included reductions in advertising, planning department staffing, fire department assistant chief position, and emergency management, alongside adjustments in motor vehicle excise revenue to maintain a balanced budget. Councilors debated budget priorities, including concerns about inspectional services revenues, housing issues, and transportation contracts, particularly the school bus contract with NRT. The council approved the budget in segmented motions covering finance, inspectional services, water and sewer departments, and the remaining budget portions, incorporating the mayor's amendments. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of collaborative efforts during the budget process and expressions of appreciation for city staff and council members' dedication.