The Lawrence Housing Authority was facing a steady increase in operating costs and a decrease in income, leading board members to discuss with city commissioners various ways to boost income. City Manager Buford Watson suggested raising rents, but board members responded that the LHA had to follow federal guidelines for rents, which were then set at 30 percent of tenants’ income. The average rent at the LHA’s public housing units was $125 per month.

The Lawrence school board approved an expansion project which would attach a larger gymnasium at Deerfield School. The current gym, which was 3,220 square feet, was reported as being inadequate even for 1985 enrollment figures, and the school was facing increased enrollment in the near future.

City commissioner Howard Hill distributed a memo to fellow commission members urging them to stick to a short-meeting policy. A recent meeting had lasted 6 1/2 hours, not ending until 1:30 a.m.