January 2024

New Commission Chair and Pro Tem named for 2024

The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted in 4th District Commissioner Ryan Baty as the new Chair and 2nd District Commissioner Sarah Lopez as Pro Tem Chair. Both are looking forward to working together to provide leadership in the year ahead.

2023 Chairman's Award honors Greater Wichita Partnership

Before handing over the reins, 2023 BoCC Chair Pete Meitzner presented the Chairman's Award to the Greater Wichita Partnership (GWP) for its work to accelerate economic development in Sedgwick County. Meitzner praised GWP for helping to attract new companies to the region and encouraging existing businesses to expand.

Building site chosen for state-run regional psychiatric hospital

The BoCC has begun negotiations to acquire 11 acres of land at MacArthur and Meridian that will be the site of a new 50-bed South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in southwest Wichita. An architectural rendering of the facility is below. Once built, the hospital will serve acute inpatient mental health patients. It will also house jail inmates waiting for court-ordered evaluations and treatment. Read the official announcement by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at KDADS Announces Site Selection for South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Sedgwick County (ks.gov). A town hall meeting on Monday, Feb. 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Wichita South High School, 701 W. 33rd S., will address any questions or concerns the public might have.

Work on Haysville drainage project continues

The drainage channel just south of the Country Lakes Addition in Haysville near 79th St. South and Meridian is taking shape, as construction crews continue to move dirt and line the ponds with large rocks. Once completed, the added drainage will alleviate flooding that often happens after big rainstorms.

Important dates for the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary

Sedgwick County residents must be registered to vote by Feb. 20, 2024, to cast a ballot in the March 19 Presidential Preference Primary. To check your status, change party affiliation, register to vote or verify an assigned polling place, visit Kansas Secretary of State | VoterView (voteks.org).

Sedgwick County Clerk offers free help with Homestead Refunds

If you are a senior, veteran, low-income or disabled homeowner, you might qualify for a significant property tax refund through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Homestead Refund program. Contact the Sedgwick County Clerk's Office for free help determining if you are eligible and filing the forms. For more information, watch the video below and visit Homestead Refunds | Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Firefighters win the 2024 Battle of the Badges blood drive

By just three votes, firefighters held on to their title as reigning champions of the annual Battle of the Badges. The blood donations collected during this friendly rivalry help meet a critical need during the winter months. Anyone who still wants to give blood can make an appointment at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

Fire prevention videos help keep residents safe

The extreme cold Sedgwick County has experienced recently can lead to fire risks, if space heaters and fireplaces used to warm homes are not used properly. Sedgwick County Fire District #1 has produced several videos, including the one above, to help keep residents safe. Learn more at Fire Prevention Division | Sedgwick County, Kansas .

Dozens of EMS employees earn promotions

EMS Chief Kevin Lanterman and commissioners celebrated the promotions of 29 EMS employees, including 3 new captains, 9 new lieutenants and 17 new paramedics, 12 of whom graduated from the EMT to Paramedic (E2P) Scholarship Program - the largest group ever since the program started two years ago. They fill a critical staffing need, and ambulance crews will now be stronger because of their new skills and training. Congratulations!

Law Enforcment Appreciation Day

The BoCC declared Jan. 9 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office stands as a great example of a diverse, modern and multifaceted law enforcement agency that makes us proud.

County and city leaders celebrate inaugural non-stop D.C. flight

Several commissioners joined city leaders on the first direct, non-stop flight from Wichita to Washington D.C. and back. They hope this daily flight will connect the Wichita region to more opportunities on the East Coast and encourage economic growth at home.

Out and About with Commissioners

Commissioners are looking ahead to the most important legislative issues of the new year! At the 2024 Sedgwick County Farm Bureau Legislative Luncheon, the BoCC listened to the priorities of those in agriculture.

Commissioners attended the 2024 South-Central Kansas Legislative Delegation Annual Meeting and presented an award to Delegation Chair, Rep. KC Ohaebosim.

Meet your Commissioner

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Details

Sedgwick County Online

Sedgwick County Job Opportunities

Contact Commissioner Sarah Lopez

316-660-9300

Sarah.Lopez@sedgwick.gov

100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202

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