Douglas County Commissioners set the 2021 county budget for publication during a public meeting July 9. They recommended a budget of $125.5 million with a flat mill levy of 46.430 mills.
Commissioners reviewed $2.8 million in requests for additional funding. Of those requests, they approved four for a total of $285,318. They are:
Douglas County is scheduled to receive $24.9 million in federal funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in July. Douglas County needs to submit its plans for distributing the funding by August 15 and the money needs to be spent by December 30, 2020, or it will be returned to the State of Kansas.
Nonprofit agencies providing housing, health and human services are key stakeholders in preventing and protecting against COVID-19 in Douglas County. Many of these agencies are serving our communities most vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing physical and mental disabilities, homelessness, and domestic violence.
Here are some resources to assist agencies in mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19 and responding to incidents related to this serious public health threat:
Registration is now open for the Virtual 2020 Douglas County Behavioral Health Prevention Summit, July 27-August 7. A session will be held each weekday from noon to 1 p.m.
Topics include: drug abuse prevention, mental health impact of COVID, Good Behavior Game, working with youth who engage in self-harm, brain science and trauma, and prevention in the age of vape.
Registration is free for anyone working or living in Douglas County and $25 for others.
Building upon Douglas County’s use of the Unified Command structure to lead a comprehensive COVID-19 pandemic response, local government, health, education and business leaders will partner to provide a coordinated reopening and response strategy among education institutions. The goals: protect students, staff, and faculty; reduce community impacts; and, minimize disease spread. Leaders of Douglas County, City of Lawrence, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, LMH Health, University of Kansas, Lawrence Public Schools and The Chamber will participate.
Route 1055 from west of East 1700 Road to North 790 Road will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday, July 20, weather permitting, for a road project. The project includes reconstruction of pavement and safety improvements including paved shoulders, flatter roadside slopes, and replacement of two narrow bridges and one culvert. Public Works anticipates construction will be completed by Thanksgiving 2020, weather permitting.
Route 1055 (East 1500 Road) — from Route 458 (North 1000 Road) to North 1175 Road — will be closed to through traffic beginning Monday, June 15, weather permitting, for construction of a road rehabilitation project. The project includes pavement rehabilitation and safety improvements including paved shoulders, flatter roadside slopes, and replacement of narrow culverts. Public Works anticipates construction will be completed by Thanksgiving 2020, weather permitting.
The State of Kansas received $1.034 billion from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund. Of that money, the state allocated $450 million in July to Kansas counties based on their population to improve health and economic outcomes. Douglas County received $23.9 million.
Courthouse:
1100 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS 66044
Judicial and Law Enforcement Center:
111 East 11th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044