City Commissioner Howard Hill suggested that the city tap into a $50,000 contingency fund in its proposed 1984 budget to increase funding for a plan to attract new businesses and industries to Lawrence. But the full commission decided it would leave the fund untouched for the time being. The city was getting its final budget figures for 1984 ready for publication and eventual approval.

The school board decided to publish its 1983-84 budget calling for a 4.1-mill tax increase, bringing the total rate to 51.93 mills for the coming year. The board had hoped to keep the increase lower but said budget demands prevented it from doing so.

Mary Lou Wright was elected the new school board president after four new members took their seats. Lorraine Michel was voted vice president. Roger Pine was the outgoing president. Jane Rutledge, Maggie Carttar, Dan Pulliam and Bob Palmateer were the new board members.