Statement from Mayor Deb Whitfield

The following statement can be attributed to Mayor Deb Whitfield on the passage of the Lawrence 2026 Civil City Budget

The Lawrence Common Council has adopted the proposed budget for 2026 – it will now become law upon my signature. I thank the members of the Common Council for their work.

Despite the effects of SEA 1, which resulted in a $1.1 million loss in available property tax levy for 2026, the adopted budget retains all the high-level services, including public safety, that Lawrence residents have come to expect. It will be challenging, but our Police, Fire, streets, trash pick-up, code enforcement, and our wonderful parks will see no reduction or interruptions in service.

Along with virtually every city, town, and taxing unit throughout the State of Indiana, we are now in the SEA 1 era. Despite the hardships and uncertainty imposed upon us by the Indiana General Assembly through this law, we met the challenge in this budget process. Now we must, along with our fellow local officials throughout the State, convey to those in State government from the Governor on down, the long-term adverse effects of SEA 1 and work for genuine reform.

In the meantime, I have complete faith and confidence in the leadership of our public safety divisions and the men and women who provide these services to the city, trusting that they will make the necessary adjustments as they arise.

I look forward to continuing the dialogue and working with the Common Council on crafting, reforming, and preparing for the 2027 budget process while meeting all the challenges that come our way.