December 2023

Note from Commissioner Meitzner:

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Sedgwick County is ending the year on a positive note with several big developments in December:

The Federal Railroad Administration has approved the extension of the Heartland Flyer (Oklahoma City to Wichita/Newton) under its Corridor ID program. This is a major step forward to have this approved, and now allows Kansas and Oklahoma Departments of Transportation to proceed with updating the Service Development Plan. This award also includes a grant of $500,000 to cover costs associated with updating the plan. This is just one step in the process, but a crucial one toward the goal of reviving daily passenger rail service in our area.

As keynote speaker at the 48th Annual Kansas Association of Counties (KAC) Conference and Exposition, I was able to share my thoughts on several issues that Sedgwick and other counties have in common. Commissioners discussed possible solutions and ways to collaborate in the future.

A recent town hall meeting gathered public feedback on where the state's new regional psychiatric hospital should be built. I'm excited to see this process moving forward, after years of discussion and study.

The Emergency Winter Shelter opened to the public this month, with $200,000 in funding from Sedgwick County. HumanKind Ministries operates the shelter, and COMCARE and other agencies provide support services. It's truly a team effort!

I look forward to the new year with great optimism and thank you for allowing me to serve District 1.

The views expressed by Commissioner Pete Meitzner in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.

Homestead refund applications start in January

Next month, Kansas residents can begin applying for property tax refunds through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Homestead program, after they file their 2023 tax return. The rebates are available to seniors, veterans, low-income or disabled residents.

The Sedgwick County Clerk's Office can help residents determine which of three refunds they qualify for and how to fill out the required forms. No appointment is necessary, and there is no charge for the assistance. Simply stop by the office on the sixth floor of the Ruffin Building, 100 N. Broadway, Monday - Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Please bring your driver's license or a photo ID, proof of income like a W-2, and your social security number. For more information, visit Homestead Refunds | Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Sedgwick County firefighters and deputies deliver food boxes

First responders and other staff from Sedgwick County Fire District #1 and the Sheriff's Office worked together to collect and package food donations for residents in need. Crews then spent several days going door to door to deliver hundreds of holiday boxes.

Town Hall gathers feedback on potential hospital sites

Sedgwick County and the Kansas Department for Aging & Disability Services (KDADS) held a public forum Dec. 12 to discuss possible locations to build the South Central Regional State Psychiatric Hospital. The facility will provide 50 beds for adults in a mental health crisis or who are unfit to stand trial. Thanks to all who attended the Town Hall and shared their opinions! To learn more about this project, click South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital - Greenbush.

Red Cross honors Sedgwick County heroes

The 13th Annual American Red Cross Tribute to Heroes Breakfast on Dec. 14 recognized the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and the Sedgwick County Emergency Management K9 Team for their work to keep residents safe during emergencies.

Sedgwick County Election Office launches new contest

Election Commissioner Laura Rainwater wants to get more students excited about the democratic process and is inviting grades 6-12 to design the 2024 "I Voted" sticker for Sedgwick County. The deadline to submit artwork is March 29, 2024, at 5 p.m. A panel of judges will choose first, second and third place entries, and the winning design will be used during next year's elections. For contest rules and required forms, visit Voting Sticker Contest.

We want to hear from you! Sedgwick County Public Works wants to inform interested persons of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's (KDHE) intent to issue a Kansas/Federal Water Pollution Control Permit to Sedgwick County.

As the permittee, Sedgwick County must continue to review, update and implement the stormwater management program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants. To view the new permit: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/public-works/stormwater-management/.

Send your comments, suggestions or other feedback to Scott.Lindebak@sedgwick.gov by Jan. 15, 2024.

Out and About with Commissioners

The 48th Annual Kansas Association of Counties Conference and Exposition brought together county commissioners and other elected leaders from across the state Dec. 5-7 for an opportunity to discuss a variety of issues.

Commissioners welcomed four new firefighters to the Sedgwick County Fire District 1 team! As recruits, they spent 10 weeks in training and graduated Dec.15. Congratulations!