Notes from Commissioner Dennis:
Sedgwick County is very proud to have been recently named a Purple Heart County. The Commissioners held a special meeting on August 7th, the anniversary of the award, for the proclamation recognizing the sacrifices of the men and women who have shed their blood for our great country. Our Public Works Department has placed signs on the major roads coming into Sedgwick County so everyone can see and honor our heroes. Thank you to all the staff that worked on this honor and to the military men and women and all who came to this special event.
On August 23, the Commission voted on the budget for 2024. A very large portion of the budget is for personnel. With more than 40 departments serving our citizens, it is imperative that we have a high-quality staff performing the many tasks necessary to serve our community. The Commission did vote to reduce the mill levy, and we asked all of the 125 taxing districts within Sedgwick County to do the same. Several cities also reduced their mill levy. If all those taxing districts would have followed our lead, it would have made a significant difference.
I am a member of the Mental Health Substance Abuse Coalition and serve on the legislative policy subcommittee. That committee has been working on the platform for the upcoming state legislative session starting in January. One big item from last year, the regional mental health hospital, has been removed, and I am pleased that funding seems to be in place so plans are moving forward for that hospital.
In August, I also attended the Sedgwick County Farm Bureau annual meeting, a build for Habitat for Humanity, a fly-In at Jabara Airport and a luncheon recognizing Sedgwick County’s efforts in diversity and inclusion.
As always, it is an honor to serve the citizens of Sedgwick County, especially those in District 3. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
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The views expressed by Commissioner David Dennis in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government. | |
Sedgwick County's 2024 budget lowers property tax levy | |
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To reduce property taxes for citizens, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved a 2024 budget for Sedgwick County Government that lowers the property tax levy by $2,379,493 and reduces the mill levy to 29.00 mills. Commissioners also approved the 2024 budget for Fire District 1 without raising the mill levy.
Together, these budgets continue to enhance the county workforce through improved compensation, work environment and training. They also provide increased mental health resources and strengthen Sedgwick County’s infrastructure. Some budget highlights include:
- $22.7 million increase in employee compensation
- 13 additional Full-Time Employees (FTE) in nine different departments, including the Elections Office, Appraiser’s Office, Emergency Communications, Regional Forensic Science Center and EMS
- $6.6 million for facility upkeep and improvements
- $760 thousand in flood control and drainage projects
- Continued road and bridge improvements
- $1 million for mental health contingency fund
The 2024 Adopted Budget for Sedgwick County Government totals $518,464,784, and $27,735,225 for Sedgwick County Fire District 1. Together, the budgets total $546,200,009. The 2024 budget will take effect on Jan. 1.
To learn more about property taxes and how valuations determine what each property owner pays, the Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office has a short video that explains the process. Click here to watch it.
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Year-long bridge project over the Big Ditch begins in September
If you live or work on the west side of Sedgwick County, a major project on Zoo Blvd., starting Sept. 11, will likely affect your drive at some point over the next year. That's how long scheduled repairs to the bridge over the Big Ditch, between I-235 and Windmill Rd., are estimated to take. Drivers should expect temporary closures, including southbound traffic on Windmill Rd., and traffic reduced to two lanes on Zoo Blvd.
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Verify your voter registration for 2023 General Election
If you are not sure of your voter registration status, now is the time to make sure you can cast a ballot in the 2023 General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Click here to see if your registration is up to date. An online or paper application is available at Welcome - Kansas Online Voter Registration (ks.gov).
The deadline to register to vote for the General Election is Tuesday, Oct. 17.
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School is Back in Session
Help keep our students safe by following these tips:
- Be on the lookout for children and school zones.
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Always follow the school zone speed limits.
- Always stop for school busses that are loading and unloading children.
- Never pass a stopped school bus.
- Watch out for school crossing guards and follow their signals.
- Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, in the streets, and in school parking lots.
- Avoid using a cell phone while in a school zone.
- Exercise patience while driving, dropping kids off and picking kids up from schools.
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Sedgwick County awarded for Diversity and Inclusion
We are so proud! Sedgwick County Commissioners and Leadership attended a luncheon hosted by the Wichita Business Journal to accept the 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Award. Watch the video below to learn how Sedgwick County is working to improve equity in governance.
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"Living with Chronic Conditions" workshop begins Sept. 13
The Sedgwick County Health Department invites anyone with a chronic health condition to attend a series of workshops designed to improve their quality of life. The sessions begin Sept. 13, 2023, and continue every Wednesday through Oct. 18 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Dedicated Senior Medical Center, 2402 E. 13th St. N., Wichita. Workshops are progressive, so attendance at all sessions is highly encouraged but not required.
Session 1: Healthy Sleep Habits, Mind-Body Connection
Session 2: Problem-Solving, Preventing Falls, Physical Activity
Session 3: Decision-making, Pain Management, Healthy Eating
Session 4: Better Breathing, Reading Food Labels
Session 5: Medication Use, Relaxation, Coping with Depression
Session 6: Making Treatment Decisions, Working with your Healthcare Team
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EMS Chief honored with statewide award
Congratulations to Sedgwick County EMS Chief Kevin Lanterman (on the left) for being named EMS Administrator of the Year by the Kansas EMS Association. This award is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to EMS Administration on a local, state or national level. Kevin has worked for Sedgwick County EMS for 31 years and was promoted to Chief in June 2022.
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Get ready in September!
Every year, Sedgwick County observes National Preparedness Month in September to remind residents to be ready for any disaster — man-made or natural — that could affect them, their homes, communities, or businesses. This month aims to reduce the fallout of large-scale emergencies by preparing every citizen, young and old. To learn about classes in your area, visit Emergency Management | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Sedgwick County needs YOU on an advisory board or committee! | The Board of County Commissioners values input from its citizens and encourages you to consider serving on an advisory board or committee in one of the five districts. Sedgwick County currently has two openings on the Solid Waste Management Committee. | |
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
Local Purple Heart Medal recipients joined with Commissioners for a proclamation declaring Sedgwick County a Purple Heart County. Road signs bearing that distinction will greet drivers on ten major streets and highways leading into the county. | After four months of construction, Emergency Communications Director Elora Forshee unveiled renovations that expanded the workspace of 911 call takers and dispatchers and added ergonomic consoles and equipment. | |
Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
