The Lawrence city council on Oct. 26 unanimously passed the nearly $56 million 2027 budget, which includes more money for roadwork.
Road and infrastructure projects the city hopes to accomplish next year include the completion of a roundabout at 75th Street and Oaklandon Road, and the creation of a program to reduce blight caused by vacant buildings and illegal dumping. The city’s streets department has plans to replace or purchase several pickup trucks and snow plows. In all, funding for street repair and maintenance was bumped 50%.
Last year, Lawrence was prepared to operate in a deficit, partly due to an expected revenue loss after a 2025 state tax bill cut property taxes for residents and businesses. However, when Mayor Deb Whitfield proposed the 2027 budget last month, the Democrat said the city was in “much better shape.”
The 2027 budget has a projected surplus of $1.3 million. Whitfield attributes the city’s improved financial health, in part, to a hiring freeze implemented last year and the elimination of long vacant positions. City employees will get 3% pay increases.
“We know the fiscal environment will present challenges, but Lawrence is in a stronger financial position because we have made difficult decisions, maintained discipline, and stayed focused on priorities,” Whitfield said in an emailed statement. “With this budget, we will continue to do so.”
Seven members of the all-Democratic council voted to approve the budget. Councilors Liz Masur and Rick Wells were not present.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletters.
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.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
