This time last year when Lawrence Mayor Deb Whitfield presented the city’s proposed budget for 2026 she didn’t have good news to share.
The city was preparing to operate in a deficit, partly due to an expected revenue loss after a 2025 state tax bill cut taxes for residents and businesses.
But this year the message was the opposite.
At a Sept. 16 city council meeting, Whitfield presented the city’s proposed 2027 budget of nearly $56 million with a projected surplus of $1.3 million.
“Almost all funds, including the general fund, are in much better shape than we expected last year,” Whitfield said.
Whitfield attributes the city’s improved financial health, in part, to a hiring freeze she implemented last September, the elimination of long vacant positions and a wheel tax ordinance passed last year. The hiring freeze was lifted this spring.
In contrast, the 2027 budget includes a 3% salary increase for city employees.
Here’s a look at how else Lawrence plans to spend on city services including public safety, infrastructure and parks in 2027.
Public safety
Funding for public safety makes up nearly 60% of the city’s proposed budget.
Next year’s priorities for the Lawrence Police Department include creating a dedicated group of officers for a traffic unit. They will be able to deploy radar speed signs to alert motorists how fast they’re going on certain roads. The department will also expand employee wellness initiatives and develop outreach programs for youth.
Lawrence Fire Department plans include improving training facilities, purchasing 14 sets of new firefighter gear and mitigating building issues at two stations.
Infrastructure, sanitation and streets
About 20% of the proposed budget is planned for the Department of Public Works projects, trash collection, street repair and maintenance.
Lawrence plans to continue implementing drainage improvements and sidewalk replacements. According to the proposed budget, the city will “pave and strip patch as many roads as possible.” Construction of a roundabout at 75th Street and Oaklandon Road will also be completed next year. And the city hopes to create a blight elimination program.
The city’s streets department has plans to replace or purchase several pickup trucks and snow plows. The department will also attempt to purchase dump trucks that don’t require commercial driver’s licenses. Not enough of their drivers have commercial licenses.
Parks and Recreation
The city plans to remodel the community center at Lawrence Community Park. There will also be improvements to several park facilities, including the addition of security cameras in all park locations and a keyless entry process for park rentals and restrooms.
Construction of the Upper Fall Creek Trail Extension will also begin, heading north from the state park along Lee Road to 71st Street to Fall Creek Road. The city expects most of the construction to be complete in 2027.
What’s next
The Lawrence city council finance committee will start to review the proposed budget Oct. 5. The public can participate in public comment of the budget Oct. 15 at the Lawrence Government Center, 9001 E. 59th St. The city council is expected to vote on the budget Oct. 21.
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Mirror Indy reporter Darian Benson covers east Indianapolis. Contact her at 317-397-7262 or darian.benson@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @HelloImDarian or on Bluesky @darianbenson.bsky.social.
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