Laurens Development News

Lawrence City Council Approves Budget After Tie Vote and Reconsideration

The City Council held a second reading of Ordinance 5-26-1, the budget ordinance for the fiscal year beginning July 1st and ending June 30th, 2027. Initial discussion involved whether a prior budget meeting had been promised but not held. After debate regarding the budget's details, transparency, and the need for continued operations, a motion to approve the budget on second reading failed with a 3-3 vote. Subsequently, a motion to reconsider the vote was made and passed. A special called meeting for a budget workshop was agreed upon, with assurances of transparency and willingness to amend the budget. Following these discussions, the budget ordinance was brought back for a second vote on second reading and was ultimately approved unanimously.