Personnel & Budget and Finance Committee  August 27, 2026

The Lawrence City Council Personnel & Budget and Finance Committee met on August 27, 2026, to discuss several procurement and budget-related items. Key procurement discussions included the appointment of Shane Rodriguez as part-time first city attorney, with a salary of $75,000 for 20 hours per week, and the authorization to expend $3.1 million from a settlement fund related to the Columbia Gas explosions for clean and efficient municipal energy projects. Committee members expressed concerns about the lack of detailed project documentation and the need for clearer spending plans before full council approval. Another item approved was the expenditure of $204,993 from a competitive grant for energy efficiency projects at the high school. The committee also reviewed and recommended approval of a collective bargaining agreement with the Lawrence Police Superior Officers Union, including salary increases and changes to cell phone usage policies. Additionally, authorization to expend $114,192 for street marking projects was discussed, with requests for more detailed project lists. Finally, the committee recommended approval of a $150,000 expenditure from the cemetery's revolving fund to cover operational costs. Motions to forward these items to the full council were passed, with some items tabled pending further documentation and clarification.