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Douglas County, KS

Recent Douglas County public meeting topics include budget & taxes, permits & licensing, planning & zoning, public safety, development projects, roads & infrastructure.

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We have no upcoming meetings on file for Douglas County. The most recent record we hold is from Wed Aug 26, 2026. Newer meetings may not have been published to the official portal yet, or may not have been collected by us yet — this is a statement about our record, not about whether the board or council has met.
Douglas CountyKS averageUS Census ACS
Population
119,547
Per-capita income
$39,321
Median home value
$281,600
Bachelor's or higher
52%
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Municipal budget

US Census Annual Survey of Local Government Finances
Total revenue$114.4M (FY2023)
Total spending$100.2M (FY2023)
Taxes$94.7M (FY2023)
Debt outstanding$30.6M (FY2023)
Spending per resident$839 (FY2023)

Recent meetings

Wed Aug 26, 2026

Commission Board Meeting

County to vote on 2027 budget and property tax rate exceeding revenue neutral

The Douglas County Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on whether to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for the 2027 budget, which would set a property tax rate above the state-mandated neutral level. They will also consider adopting the 2027 Operating and Capital Improvement Plan Budget. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, fund transfers, and permits.

budgetproperty-taxpublic-hearingfunds-transferpermitscriminal-justice
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AGENDA Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each ite …
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Wed Aug 19, 2026

Commission Board Meeting

County to accept FY 2025 audit and approve tax roll adjustments

The Douglas County Commission will consider approving the FY 2025 financial statement and audit, which received an unmodified opinion with no material weaknesses. The board will also vote on consent agenda items including tax roll adjustments, the sale of fire apparatus, a fireworks permit, and accounts payable. Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.

budgetfiretaxesauditpermits
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AGENDA Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each ite …
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Mon Aug 17, 2026

Special Meeting

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MINUTES Special Meeting of the County Commission 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026 Douglas County Election Office 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026 Douglas County Election Office 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026 Douglas County Election Office Reid called the Special Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026. PRESENT: Commissioners Reid, Willey, Dorsey and Anderson EXCUSED: Commissioner Kelly 1. ELECTION CANVASS OF THE AUGUST 5, 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION 1. ELECTION CANVASS OF THE AUGUST 5, 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION 1. ELECTION CANVASS OF THE AUGUST 5, 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION 9:00 a.m. ELECTION CANVASS 08-17-26 Reid called the Special Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, with four Commissioners present, Reid, Willey, Dorsey and Anderson. Kelly was absent. The purpose of the Special Meeting was to canvass the results of the Primary Election held on August 5, 2026. 9:00 a.m. ELECTION CANVASS 08-17-26 Reid called the Special Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, with four Commissioners present, Reid, Willey, Dorsey and Anderson. Kelly was absent. The purpose of the Special Meeting was to canvass the results of the Primary Election held on August 5, 2026. 9:00 a.m. ELECTION CANVASS 08-17-26 Reid called the Special Meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, with four Commissioners present, Reid, Willey, Dorsey and Anderson. Kelly was absent. The purpose of the …
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Wed Aug 12, 2026

Commission Board Meeting

Commission to vote on K-10 TIF district and West of K-10 plan update

The Board will decide on supporting a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district near K-10 Highway and E 2300 Road in Eudora, and consider a comprehensive plan amendment revising the West of K-10 Plan. The consent agenda includes approval of a conditional use permit for a wireless facility at 867 US HWY 40 and a public hearing date for the 2026 Solid Waste Management Plan.

zoningeconomic-developmentplanningland-usepublic-hearingbudget
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AGENDA Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Page 5:30 p.m. BUSINESS MEETING 1. CONSENT AGENDA 1.1. Consider approval of the minutes for March 26, July 1, July 6, July 7, July 8, July 9, July 10, July 13, July 14, July 15 and July 22, 2026. 03.25.26 minutes 07-01-26 minutes 07-06-26 minutes 07-07-26 minutes 07-08-26 minutes 07-09-26 minutes 07-10-26 minutes 07-13-26 minutes 07-14-26 minutes 07-15-26 minutes 07-22-26 minutes 4 - 43 1.2. Criminal Justice Services - Review the SFY 2026 Kansas Department of Corrections 7th Judicial District Juvenile Community Corrections Block Grant Budget Adjustments Recommended Motion: Authorize approval of the SFY 2026 Kansas Department of Corrections 7th Judicial District Juvenile Community Corrections Block Grant Budget Adjustments Review the SFY 2026 Kansas Department of Corrections 7th Judicial District Juvenile Community Corrections Block Grant Budget Adjustments - Pdf 44 - 46 1.3. Administration - Consider approving public hearing date for Douglas and Jefferson County, Kans …
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Wed Jul 22, 2026

Commission Board Meeting

Commission to review 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan

The Commission will hold a work session to review the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan, including a budgeted transfer of $5,377,380 for Public Works and Facilities. The business meeting includes decisions on agritourism and temporary business permits.

budgetzoninginfrastructurepublic-worksagritourism
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AGENDA Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Page 4:00 p.m. WORK SESSION 1. 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan Review Recommended Motion: For information only 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan Review - Pdf 3 - 72 5:30 p.m. BUSINESS MEETING 1. CONSENT AGENDA 1.1. Consider approval of the minutes for June 17, 2026. 06-17-26 minutes 73 - 79 1.2. Emergency Management - Terminate World Cup 2026 State of Local Disaster Declaration Recommended Motion: "Consider terminating the State of Local Disaster Emergency Proclamation for Douglas County Kansas" Terminate World Cup 2026 State of Local Disaster Declaration - Pdf 80 - 82 1.3. Consider approval of Accounts Payable. 2. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT General Public Comment will be received after the Consent Agenda and before Regular Agenda items. To help facilitate an orderly and efficient meeting, Public Comment will be subject to the following rules: (1) Each speaker will be limited to a total of three minutes of speaking time; however, we will accept public comment of any leng …
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Wed Jul 15, 2026

Commission Board Meeting

Douglas County Commission to discuss 2027 budget and revenue neutral rates

The Board of County Commissioners will hold deliberations on the 2027 budget and estimated mill levies. The commission is also considering whether to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the county and Consolidated Fire District No 1.

budgetzoningtax-levypublic-safetyland-use
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AGENDA Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Page 1. 9:00 A.M. 2027 BUDGET DELIBERATIONS 1.1. 1 2027 Budget Estimated Mill Levy 1 2027 CFD1 Budget Estimated Mill Levy 3 - 5 1.2. RECESS:The Board will reconvene at 5:30 p.m. for the Business Meeting. 5:30 p.m. BUSINESS MEETING 2. CONSENT AGENDA 2.1. Planning Department - Consider a conditional use permit, UP-25- 0008, for Small Scale Industrial use at 1093 E. 2400 Rd. Recommended Motion: Consider approving the conditional use permit, UP-25-0008, for a SmallScale Industrial use located at 1093 East 2400 Road, based on the findings presented in the staff report and subject to the conditions listed in the staff report, and adopt Resolution No. 26- 10. Consider a conditional use permit, UP-25-0008, for Small Scale Industrial use at 1093 E. 2400 Rd. - Pdf 6 - 19 2.2. Planning Department - Consider a conditional use permit, UP-26- 0013, for Heavy Equipment Storage use at 1691 E. 902 Rd. Recommended Motion: Consider approving a conditional use permit, UP-26-0013, for a He …
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Tue Jul 14, 2026

Special Meeting

Douglas County Commission to deliberate 2027 budget

The Commission is meeting to discuss and decide on various budget line items for 2027. The deliberations include funding requests for behavioral health, emergency services, and community organizations.

budgetbehavioral-healthemshousingpublic-safety
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AGENDA Douglas County Commission Special Meeting Tuesday, July 14, 2026 9:00 a.m. Historic Courthouse Page 1. 2027 BUDGET DELIBERATIONS 1.1. 7.13.26 Budget Deliberation Summary 2 - 7 Page 1 of 7 Majority Budget Option/Budget Line Item Description Notes of interest Amount Requested City Lawrence EMS Service MIH Team Lead (Ongoing portion) $114,000 Senior Resources Full compression for existing SRC staff $108,361 Senior Resources Increase SRC's FTE allocation by .9 $47,000 Administration Delinquency rate reduction Transfers Out Reduce funding Criminal Justice Services - Youth Svcs Increase funding for truancy support EDC of Douglas County EDC President position, Move to BH fund $50,000 Just Food of Dg Co Inc Offset TEFAP reduction $35,000 FFNHA Historical Societies DCHS- Administrative work for other heritage partners, Reduction in funding $12,662 Cottonwood Inc Move to BH fund Dg Co Visiting Nurses Assoc Move to BH fund Market 3.4% average market raise by job family, Eliminate funding $1,184,000 Merit 1% merit raise, Eliminate funding, Increase in funding $293,439 Baldwin City Chamber of Commer Interest in general fund levy support and one-time $10,000 General Fund Cash Basis Reserve Fund Balance Reduction General Fund Cash Basis Reserve Admin- Tenant Eviction Defense program (One-time), Eliminate funding $80,000 General Fund Cash Basis Reserve Zoning- Comprehensive Zoning Code update (One-time), Eliminate funding, Reduce funding $300,000 General Fund Cash B …
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Mon Jul 13, 2026

Special Meeting

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AGENDA Douglas Couty Commission Special Meeting Monday, July 13, 2026 Douglas Couty Commission Special Meeting Monday, July 13, 2026 Douglas Couty Commission Special Meeting Monday, July 13, 2026 9:00 a.m. Historic Courthouse 9:00 a.m. Historic Courthouse 1. 2027 BUDGET DELIBERATIONS Page 1 of 1
Fri Jul 10, 2026

Special Meeting

Douglas County Commission to hold special meeting for 2027 budget deliberations

The Commission is meeting to discuss the 2027 budget, including follow-up information on tax rolls and mill levy history. The session includes reviews of housing and human services funding and updated job descriptions for the Cardinal Housing Network.

budgethousingtaxeshuman-services
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AGENDA Douglas County Commission Special Meeting Friday, July 10, 2026 9:00 a.m. Historic Courthouse Page 1. 2027 BUDGET DELIBERATIONS 1.1. 2027 Budget Hearing Follow-Up Info 2 - 111 Page 1 of 111 Douglas County Fund Levy Real Estate Billed Personal Property Billed Public Utilities Billed Total 1st Distribution 2nd Distribution 3rd Distribution 4th Distribution 5th Distribution Total Collections Delinquency Rate 2022 Tax Roll - Ad Valorem Tax 100General 33.568 47,205,388 588,910 4,365,183 52,159,481 29,376,371 914,255 20,623,050 1,100,615.61 68,180 52,082,472 0% 240Ambulance 2.999 4,217,376 52,613 389,990 4,659,980 2,626,643 82,065 1,844,190 99,372.07 6,269 4,658,540 0% 218Employee Benefits7.657 10,767,745 134,333 995,716 11,897,794 6,702,979 208,905 4,704,751 252,594.12 15,673 11,884,902 0% 201Road & Bridge 2.720 3,825,031 47,719 353,709 4,226,459 2,381,733 74,322 1,671,582 90,199.32 5,605 4,223,441 0% 226Special Building 0.094 132,190 1,649 12,224 146,063 83,722 2,814 58,615 3,853.59 306 149,311 -2% 224Special Liability 0.381 535,785 6,685 49,545 592,015 334,030 10,476 234,366 12,874.82 820 592,567 0% Total 47.419 66,683,516 831,909 6,166,368 73,681,793 41,505,478 1,292,837 29,136,555 1,559,510 96,853 73,591,234 0% 2023 Tax Roll - Ad Valorem Tax 100General 33.793 59,379,578 625,077 5,894,309 65,898,963 36,630,434 1,100,608 26,363,621 1,292,627 81,555 65,468,846 1% 218Employee Benefits7.708 13,544,160 142,577 1,344,460 15,031,196 8 …
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Wed Jul 8, 2026

Commission Board Meeting

Douglas County Commission to review KU Innovation Park tax agreement

The Commission will hold budget hearings for emergency services, economic development, and youth populations. The business meeting includes decisions on a fireworks permit, alcohol sales for the county fair, and a tax agreement for KU Innovation Park.

budgettax-agreementzoningalcohol-saleseconomic-development
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AGENDA Douglas County, KS Commission Board Meeting Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Public comment will be taken for each regular agenda item as each item is discussed. Individuals will be limited to one comment per agenda item. Individuals are asked to come to the microphone, sign in, and state their name. Speakers are asked to sign in so that the spelling of names is correct in the minutes of the meeting. Speakers should address all comments/questions to the Commission. Page 1. BUDGET HEARING (DAY 3) 9:00 a.m. Emergency Services (LDCFM) 10:00 a.m. Economic Development (Baldwin City Chamber, Baldwin City EDC, EDC of Lawrence & DGCO, KU Innovations Park, KU SBDC) 11:00 a.m. Targeted Populations - Youth (Boys & Girls Club, Center for Supportive Communities, O'Connell, Van Go) RECESS: The Board will recess until the 5:30 p.m. Business Meeting. 5:30 p.m. BUSINESS MEETING 2. CONSENT AGENDA 2.1. The minutes for June 3, June 10 and June 24, 2026. 06-03-26 minutes 06-10-26 minutes 06-24-26 minutes 3 - 16 2.2. Zoning and Codes - Class "C" Fireworks Display Permit (ZFWD- 2026-0001) Recommended Motion: Consider approval of the proposed Class "C" Fireworks Display Permit as recommended by staff. Class "C" Fireworks Display Permit (ZFWD-2026-0001) - Pdf 17 - 18 2.3. Maintenance - Request from the Douglas County Fair Board to sell cereal malt beverages in a beer garden area during the 2026 fair. Recommended Motion: Consider approval to extend th …
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🌐 County-level context (Douglas County)
County-level context — from BLS, IRS, FEMA, HUD, Census. These figures cover the whole county this city sits in, not just the city itself.
Net migration-321 people (-$34.0M net AGI · 2023)
Federal disasters (10 yr)4 ({"Severe Storm": 13, "Tornado": 2, "Flood": 2, "Biological": · last Sun Mar 29, 2020)
Traffic fatalities8 (2024)
Business establishments2,774 (38,737 employees · 2023)
Fair Market Rent (2BR)$1,138/mo (1,334 assisted households · 2025)
Adults with low literacy12.2% (low numeracy 20% · 2017)

Sources: BLS LAUS, IRS SOI, FEMA, NHTSA FARS, Census CBP, HUD, NCES PIAAC

City profile

Everything below is drawn from this city’s own public record and primary-source government data. AI-written summaries are a finding aid, not a citable quote.

$114.4M
Annual budget
$30.6M
Debt outstanding
377
Permitted housing units

The money — in

source: Census gov-finance & state comptroller

Budget

Revenue$114.4M
Spending$100.2M
Revenue ran ahead of operating spending this year.

Debt load LOW

Outstanding debt$30.6M
Debt-to-revenue0.27×
Debt-load index32 / 100
A debt-load indicator (national percentile of debt, deficit & aid-reliance) — not a solvency verdict. Cross-checked against official state fiscal-stress scores where they exist.

Outcomes — economic mobility

source: Opportunity Atlas (Harvard) · research use

For kids who grew up here in low-income households, their adult household-income rank (0–1). The average hides a gap by race:

White kids
0.460
All kids
0.427
Black kids
0.334

Research-only layer, shown here for context — not included in the CC BY 4.0 bulk download.

Where it’s happening

geocoded land-use decisions
🗺 Interactive map
Every rezoning, development approval, and permit — explore the geocoded records in the research explorer.
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