Lawrence Journal World in Lawrence, Kansas

City budget cuts delay hires and services in Lawrence

Mayor Sue Hack indicated recommendations would be examined, but the commission will likely adopt them. A $78 million emergency package cuts $48 million in payments to counties and cities, risking over $1.3 million in 2003 for Lawrence. Hiring of five detectives, three fire personnel, dispatchers, a staff attorney, a long-range planner, and a civil engineer is delayed through the 2003 legislative session. Police capacity is strained, planning slows, and nonessential purchases are halted as the city braces for tighter budgets.