When Douglas County commissioners gather next week for hearings on the county's 2027 budget, they'll have about 40 requests from community agencies. There's a common theme shared by nearly all of them — they're not currently included in the county's recommended budget.
County commissioners told staff in May to prepare a flat property tax rate – or mill levy – for next year’s budget, as the ...
As the United States of America’s 250th birthday approaches, here's a roundup of rules on fireworks, celebrations, and changes to local services in Lawrence and Douglas County.
While Lawrence does not allow the sale or use of fireworks within its city limits, in unincorporated Douglas County, fireworks may be discharged only on private property with the owner’s permission and supervision. The use of ...
Douglas County's new truancy program will move forward despite lingering concerns about how it will serve students and families.
Since last year, the county has been working on developing a truancy program for elementary and middle school students – “EveryDay Counts” – and it will be run by Douglas County Criminal Justice Services’ Youth Services division. But there have been some concerns, even from ...
Douglas County staff have proposed a $201.5 million budget for 2027 that keeps the property tax rate flat, with budget hearings beginning next week.
The proposed property tax rate, also known as the mill levy, is 40.669 mills. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value. That rate could change, however, as county commissioners have the final say during the budget process. The process begins next ...
A local education leader is raising concerns that Douglas County's proposed truancy program would replace direct services for families with a case management approach as commissioners revisit the proposal Wednesday.
“To me, this sounds like going backwards,” Lawrence school board member Bob Byers said.
The new program was put forward after county commissioners decided to not allocate funds it previously ...
Leaders of a rural fire district are proposing a 2027 budget that would maintain service levels, however, they want Douglas County commissioners to consider up to $1.29 million in additional funding — and a property tax increase — to hire additional staff to meet service demands.F
The proposed 2027 operating budget for Consolidated Fire District No. 1 – which provides fire protection, emergency medical ...
