To the editor:

I’m writing this letter in regard to the raising of property taxes, fire protection and other expenses. For years I’ve been the vice president of the North Lawrence Improvement Association. When city staff, fire and medical and city commissioners have attended our meetings, I’ve mentioned the need for a fire station in North Lawrence. All we’ve heard is that the city can’t afford it. Now we hear that two new fire stations will be built elsewhere in town. Really.

There are trains that run through North Lawrence carrying hazardous materials and the ICL plant that also has hazard issues. Now the city says there’s the need to decrease the number of fire personnel on each unit from four to three. This would allow the extra personnel to be moved to the new fire stations when they are built.

Next, raising property taxes falls on all property owners — owner-occupied and rental. This places pressure on landlords to raise rental prices for many of the blue-collar workers in town. Also, many homeowners will be taxed out of their homes.

Now we hear the city needs to spend $6.1 million on our swimming pool, which is only used three months a year. I say raise the sales tax and let the KU population help to pay some of the city budget shortfall. Yes, prices are falling on many things since the pandemic, but I see no way that the city will ever lower property taxes.

The City Commission and the city manger need to take a closer look at the issues and make some adjustments. They need to learn how to make a healthy budget for all people in Lawrence.

Jeff Joseph,

Lawrence