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Vol. 1, Issue 3 June 2016
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Thoughts on the County Budget
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Rising costs of “doing business”, lower than competitive wage scales, increasing benefit costs, and our current “no debt” financing strategy coalesce to create a significant budget challenge for 2017. A difficult prioritization process is facing the Commission. Along with core functions of government, we must also provide funding for those quality of life components that make Sedgwick County an inviting place to live and do business. I think we can overcome our budget challenges within the current mill levy assessment but we will need to utilize more than just cash resources. Bond funding for capital projects is a legitimate and reasonable strategy and will avoid the current assault on our cash reserves.
For 2016 and current plans for 2017 we will have spent approximately $17.5 million from our cash revenues and our reserves for projects that would have normally been bonded projects. This includes bridge work, remodel of the 271 building, the new tag office, the Law Enforcement Training Center, and Southeast and Northeast EMS Posts. Our financial staff have typically utilized bonding for these kind of projects and have maintained the highest rating from all the bond rating agencies. This strategy has resulted in a strong infrastructure for our community and strong reserves for our government.
I hope we will be smart, responsive, reasonable and restrained during this budget process.
Dave
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Commissioners Approve Joint Training Options
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Governing Body of Fire District 1 approved an agreement with the City of Wichita allowing Fire District 1 formal training opportunities at the
Wichita Regional Fire Training Center.
Sedgwick County Commissioners also approved a letter of intent with the City of Wichita to proceed with a
joint law enforcement training center on Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus. This project will replace the aging joint law enforcement training center that is currently used by the Wichita Police Department and Sedgwick County Sheriff.
Sedgwick County joined their partners, WSU and City of Wichita, to share the upcoming project with the public at a briefing on May 24.
Watch the en banc meeting here.
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Elephant Exhibit Formally Opens to Public
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The Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley officially opened to the public on Friday, May 27. Commissioners were on hand to celebrate this new elephant habitat. Sedgwick County sponsored the elephant boma which will allow for the utmost care for the animals. This habitat is now home to seven elephants, six new arrivals from Swaziland and Stephanie, a longtime resident of the Sedgwick County Zoo.
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New Tag Office Replaces Murdock Location
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Sedgwick County Treasurer Linda Kizzire hosted County Commissioners and several state officials including Secretary Robin Jennison (Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism) and Secretary Nick Jordan (Kansas Department of Revenue) yesterday at a ribbon cutting event for
the new tag office at 2525 W. Douglas. This tag office will replace the one located at 200 W. Murdock St. which has been in need of replacement for some time. The new office will open for business on Monday, June 6th at noon. The office’s regular hours will be Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. starting June 7, 2016.
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Congratulations to Excellence in Public Service Honorees
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The Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes one employee from Sedgwick County, City of Wichita, and Wichita Public Schools who exhibits the highest standard of service. These individuals share a strong work ethic, exceptional performance and a commitment to community.
This year, Sedgwick County’s honoree was Sabrena Gresham, a Detention Deputy at Sedgwick County Jail. Gresham was nominated for her contributions in the organization, both as a leader among coworkers and for her dedication to the job. Her crisis intervention skills and care for inmates have made her a leader in the field. She was selected for her exceptional work and dedication to service.
David McGuire from the City of Wichita and Samanta Souriya from USD 259 were also selected as honorees from their respective organizations. The Excellence in Public Service Award is sponsored by the DeVore Foundation and KSN. These three individuals were celebrated at a reception on May 17 at the Cowtown Visitors Center.
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Sedgwick County Fire Welcomes New Graduates
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Sedgwick County Fire District No. 1 welcomed four new graduates to the organization on Friday, May 20.
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Commissioners Pay Respect at Law Enforcement Memorial
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A memorial ceremony honoring local law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while on duty was held on Friday, May 20. This event marked the end of Police Week in Sedgwick County. Commissioners joined Sheriff Jeff Easter and members of local law enforcement to celebrate and honor our fallen officers.
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In May, commissioners held budget hearings for the 2017 budget. Department leaders and elected officials shared their budget figures and plan for the upcoming year during these hearings. Commissioners have also held several informational workshops on topics of interest for the budget. These workshops will continue into June as well.
The Manager will present a recommended budget to commissioners at the July 13 Board of County Commissioners meeting. Sedgwick County residents will have opportunities to participate in public hearings on July 27 and August 4. An online public hearing forum will be available after July 13.
The county’s budget is scheduled to be presented for adoption August 10.
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Wichita's Riverfest activities will run from June 3 - 11. Be sure to buy your button and take in the fun festivities over the next few days! Keep an eye out for Sedgwick County officials in the Safelite Autoglass Sundown Parade tonight!
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Join us for a Commission meeting in District 4!
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Please join us on Monday, June 13 for a special Board of County Commission meeting at the City Hall in Park City (6110 N. Hydraulic). There will be a meet and greet at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m. Come and meet your commissioners and engage in an evening meeting for your convenience.
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Household Hazardous Waste Events -- June 11, 18 & 25
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A Household Hazardous Waste remote pickup event will be on Saturday, June 11 at Textron Aviation/Beechcraft Division. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at HBC Parking Lot E located at 10059 E. Central.
There will be a Household Hazardous Waste remote pickup event on Saturday, June 18 in Haysville. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 200 W. Grand.
Saturday, June 25, there will be a Household Hazardous Waste remote pickup event in Oaklawn. It will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Clothing 'n Stuff located at 4858 S. Clifton.
Click here to find out what materials will be accepted.
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Contact Interim Public Information Officer:
Kate Flavin, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
Contact Corporate Communications Manager:
Jill Tinsley, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203
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Connect with Sedgwick County
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