Lawrence City Parks Board members on July 9 reviewed the city's budget schedule, discussed possible revenue reductions, and raised funding questions for park paving and stormwater work at Veterans Park and Community Park.

City staff said budget-preparation documents were due back from department heads on Monday the 14th and that staff would compile proposed budgets for executive review before the council introduction and final adoption dates discussed at the meeting. The board heard that the city's controller is leaving at the end of the month and that the city is using the services of Crow for budget preparation assistance.

Board members discussed projections that city revenues could fall next year, with one member saying they had been told to expect "anywhere from a $500,000 to $2,000,000 reduction" in 2026 revenue. Staff said the administration is planning within a constrained framework and will prioritize essential services and personnel costs.

Members also discussed funding for paving and stormwater work at Community Park and Veterans Park. The stormwater/street staff reported a quote for stormwater-related design and work that they described as "less than $200,000" (one board member referenced a possible $150,000 estimate), and board members estimated paving costs at about $400,000. The board noted that bond funds passed in the prior year had bought trucks and utility vehicles, and members said much of that bond money has already been spent.

On the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, staff cautioned that ARPA money cited in earlier conversations is tightly restricted. One board member quoted the statute's limits and said ARPA funds typically must be used for capital projects, not routine maintenance; examples discussed included new playground installations and paved trail construction. The board noted deadline questions for obligating ARPA funds: members recalled an obligation date of Dec. 31, 2024 and said they understood the deadline had been extended into 2025, but they asked staff to verify current federal deadlines and encumbrance rules.

No final appropriation or binding commitment was made at the meeting. Board members asked staff to gather up-to-date cost quotes, confirm funding-source eligibility (bond funds, ARPA restrictions, stormwater allocations) and report back with action recommendations.