City Budget Pushes Fire, Transit, Raises | Lawrence News

City leaders are pushing a bold 2027 budget totaling $415 million, centered on expanding fire and medical services, boosting public transit, and giving city workers a raise — all funded by a proposed 2-mill property tax hike, dubbed a “last resort” to avoid deep cuts. The plan includes 21 new hires tied to a new fire station opening in 2029, restoring a cut fire truck, and a 2.5% wage bump plus experience-based raises. Rising healthcare costs and a proposed 0.1% transit sales tax increase are also key. Police won’t face cuts, and jail costs may shift elsewhere. The city commission hasn’t voted yet — they’ll set the tax cap next week, with final decisions due in September. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3c37efabccad114c