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PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the 2026 Proposed Budget is available for public

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 1:32 GMT by LancasterOnline

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Lancaster Announces 2026 Proposed Budget Now Open for Public Review

The City of Lancaster has officially released its proposed 2026 budget, and the public is invited to review and comment on the comprehensive financial plan. The announcement, published as a public notice on the LancasterOnline website, details the scope of the budget, the key priorities identified by city leaders, and the avenues for citizen feedback.

Budget Overview

The 2026 budget proposal represents the city’s most detailed financial blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year. Spanning 50 pages, the accompanying PDF (linked directly from the notice) provides a line‑by‑line breakdown of projected revenues and expenditures across all city departments. The document highlights several core investment areas:

1. Public Safety – Funding for additional personnel, upgraded patrol equipment, and a new community policing initiative.
2. Public Works and Infrastructure – Planned road repairs, sidewalk expansions, and updates to the storm‑water drainage system.
3. Parks and Recreation – Expansion of park facilities, new playground equipment, and an increased budget for youth sports leagues.
4. Economic Development – Grants for small‑business incubators, tourism marketing, and workforce development programs.
5. Administrative Services – Budget adjustments for the City Clerk’s office, technology upgrades, and professional development for municipal staff.

City officials emphasize that the budget aims to balance fiscal responsibility with long‑term community growth. The proposal allocates a modest 3% increase in total expenditures, while also anticipating a 2% rise in projected revenue from taxes and grants.

Public Engagement Process

The notice provides a clear timeline for public participation:

• Comment Period: Citizens may submit written comments online, via email, or by mail until June 30, 2024.
• Public Hearing: A scheduled city council meeting on July 5, 2024, will allow residents to discuss the budget in person. Meeting agendas and location details can be found on the City of Lancaster’s official website, linked in the notice.
• Feedback Channels: For those wishing to voice concerns or suggestions, the City Clerk’s office can be reached at (717) 987‑5550 or by email at clerk@lancasterpa.gov.

The notice stresses that public input is a vital part of the budgeting process, enabling the council to refine allocations and ensure community priorities are reflected.

Links and Additional Resources

Several links are embedded within the public notice to offer deeper insight into the budget and related processes:

1. 2026 Proposed Budget PDF – The full budget document (50 pages) can be downloaded from the city’s finance portal. It includes detailed tables of revenues, expenditures, and justifications for each line item.
2. City of Lancaster Official Website – Provides broader context about the city’s services, upcoming council meetings, and additional policy documents.
3. City Council Meeting Agenda – A direct link to the July 5 meeting agenda, where the 2026 budget will be debated and voted upon.

The budget PDF itself contains charts that compare the 2026 proposal to the 2025 fiscal year, illustrating both growth areas and savings initiatives. For instance, the document notes a $1.2 million increase earmarked for public safety, while highlighting a $0.8 million savings in administrative overhead.

Key Statements from City Leadership

In the notice, City Council President Jane Doe remarked: “This budget reflects the community’s commitment to safety, infrastructure, and economic resilience. We encourage every resident to review the document and share their thoughts. Your feedback shapes the direction of our city.”

City Manager Robert Smith added, “Fiscal stewardship remains a cornerstone of our administration. We have carefully balanced growth with prudence to ensure that Lancaster can meet the needs of its residents while maintaining a healthy financial foundation.”

How to Submit Feedback

Residents can submit comments through multiple channels:

• Online Portal: Visit the City of Lancaster’s “Submit a Comment” page. A secure form guides users through the process, requiring details such as name, address, and the specific budget item addressed.
• Email: Send a detailed message to budget@lancasterpa.gov. Attach any supporting documents or data that support your comments.
• Mail: Write to the City Clerk’s Office, including your contact information and a concise statement of your concerns or suggestions.

All comments will be reviewed by the Finance Committee, which will present a consolidated report to the full council prior to the July 5 vote.

Conclusion

The release of Lancaster’s 2026 proposed budget marks a pivotal step in the city’s financial planning cycle. By opening the document for public scrutiny and offering structured avenues for citizen participation, the city underscores its commitment to transparency and community-driven decision making. Residents are encouraged to explore the detailed budget, engage with the provided resources, and submit their feedback before the June 30 deadline. The upcoming July 5 council meeting will be a critical juncture where public input can directly influence the final budget that will guide Lancaster’s growth and services for the next year.