Lawrence Budget 2027: Taxes and Transit | Lawrence News

Lawrence’s 2027 budget proposal is heating up—with a property tax hike and a transit sales tax vote on the horizon. The tax rate jumps from 33.712 to 36.060, partly to fund Fire Station Six (opening 2029) and bring Engine Six online sooner for faster emergency response. Plus, city workers get a 2.5% wage bump, rising healthcare costs, and potential labor deal funding—adding $15M to payroll for nearly 1,000 positions. Voters will decide on a 0.2% to 0.3% transit sales tax increase, critical for keeping buses fare-free and building a downtown transit station. Commissioners will vote on the tax cap this month, with final budget approval 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/ee428ec00e7f9147