Two councilmembers were absent from the September 1 budget meeting: 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐄𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡, 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝟏, and 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐲, 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝟒.⁣⁣Both receive an 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞.⁣⁣The budget is one of the biggest decisions council makes each year, so attendance is important. It shapes city spending, taxes, reserves and long-term priorities. At the same time, we do not know why…

When Mayor Sayers asked if Bill Nicks had anything to add, Nicks said, essentially, “I’m with Avery.” That was his budget explanation.⁣⁣The hearing raised major questions about reserves, revenue neutrality, staffing, spending, and tax burden. Nicks did not add his own analysis on those issues or explain what led him to support the budget.⁣⁣For a…

Bell made it clear that he supported the budget. He thanked staff, said he thought the budget looked great, and said he looked forward to doing it again next year. That was about as far as his public explanation went.⁣⁣For a vote this large, more insight should be expected. Residents had raised questions about reserves,…

Handley’s comments were almost entirely about the quality of Lenexa staff and the city’s reputation for strong budgeting. He pointed to awards, praised the work, and said Lenexa has become used to that level of excellence.⁣⁣Except no one was asking whether staff worked hard. The issue was whether this specific budget should be approved, whether…

Sayers showed that she knew the budget and understood the case staff was making for it. Her strongest comments came when she pointed to specific savings and efficiencies instead of giving general praise. She mentioned the fire department building its own brush truck, changes to property insurance, Parks and Rec finding sponsorships, staff growing plants…