The Lawrence City Council held a budget meeting on May 29, 2025, focusing on various departmental budgets and salary considerations amid ongoing financial challenges. The meeting began with a discussion on salary raises, where a council member expressed concerns based on the city's current situation and feedback from constituents. The member highlighted efforts to balance the budget while acknowledging the importance of services provided by the domestic violence unit.

Following this, the council moved to the Bellevue Cemetery budget presentation. Director Carmen provided an overview, stating that the budget remains level-funded, with minor adjustments made to accommodate overtime expenses related to cemetery operations. The director noted that overtime costs had not been previously accounted for, leading to budgetary discrepancies.

A council member raised questions regarding the salary increases recommended by the Collins Center, pointing out that the proposed raises could lead to significant increases, suggesting that the budget may not be as level-funded as presented. The discussion underscored the complexities of budgeting in light of salary adjustments and the need for careful financial planning.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the challenges ahead as the council continues to navigate budgetary constraints while ensuring essential services remain funded. Further discussions and decisions regarding the budget are expected in upcoming meetings.