Lenexa’s proposed 2027 budget reflects a financially strong city. Reserves are healthy, the City maintains strong credit ratings and major investments are planned for roads, stormwater, public safety and parks.

But the documents also raise questions residents may want answered before the budget is adopted.

Questions Residents Might Ask

1. Which specific 2027 expenses require Lenexa to collect about $1.1 million above the revenue-neutral rate?
2. Would the City still meet its General Fund reserve target if the revenue-neutral rate were adopted?
3. If prior years ended millions above the original budget projections, why was the additional property-tax revenue necessary?
4. How much General Fund money is being transferred into capital projects, and how much remains unallocated?
5. When unallocated capital money is assigned to a project, what public action approves that decision?
6. Why are Debt Service reserves projected above 60% when the City’s stated policy range is 10% to 20%?
7. How much investment income was originally budgeted, revised and actually received in each of the last four years?
8. How much of the economic-development budget is CID/TIF pass-through money, and how much is spending controlled directly by the City?
9. Which capital projects would be delayed, reduced or financed differently if Lenexa adopted the revenue-neutral rate?
10. As Lenexa grows, are recurring revenues keeping pace with the recurring cost of serving that growth?

The public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget is September 1. That is the opportunity for residents to ask questions and speak before the budget is adopted.