January 2024

The Sedgwick County Commission is beginning the new year with a new Chair and Vice-Chair. Ryan Baty was selected to serve as the Chairman for 2024, and Sarah Lopez was chosen as the Vice Chair. The vote was unanimous for both individuals. I look forward to working with our new leadership team as we have some very difficult decisions to make this year. 

Speaking of hard decisions, we are starting the new budget cycle in February. One of my concerns is that many nonprofit organizations are coming to Sedgwick County, asking for funding. I am pushing for a resolution from the County that before we give any property tax money to a nonprofit, all requests must first go through the budget process and be fully vetted to ensure they are providing services that enhance Sedgwick County’s core mission. To receive funding requests outside of the budget cycle puts too much of a strain on the County's finances.  

I am very pleased that Sedgwick County just approved the acquisition of land for the new state-run regional mental health hospital. This has been a priority as long as I have been on the commission. The funding for the hospital is coming from the state and from state ARPA funding. Sedgwick County is only responsible for the construction. The hospital will have either 50 or 100 beds and will serve south-central Kansas. It should be completed by the end of 2026 or shortly thereafter. You can read the official announcement from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at KDADS Announces Site Selection for South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Sedgwick County (ks.gov).

Sedgwick County recently approved a significant pay raise for the Sheriff’s Office to ensure we do not lose deputies to the City of Wichita, which recently gave its police department a large pay raise. This action will also impact wages in other first responder jobs throughout the county. This is another one of those hard decisions that will impact the 2025 budget.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Department (MAPD) is working on zoning regulations and its Comprehensive Plan regarding the development of any future solar projects within Sedgwick County. If you wish to provide input, contact MAPD or attend one of the public meetings listed at MAPD/Solar Energy Conversion Systems. A final plan will be presented to the BoCC in early March for approval.

As always, it is an honor to serve the citizens throughout Sedgwick County and especially in District 3. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

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.

2023 Chairman's Award honors Greater Wichita Partnership

Before handing over the reins as 2023 BoCC Chair, Commissioner 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.

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).

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.

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.

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 and plans of those in agriculture.

Commissioners attended the 2024 South-Central Kansas Legislative Delegation Annual Meeting, where they heard strategies on regional job growth, health, safety and infrastructure.

Contact Commissioner David Dennis

316-660-9300

David.Dennis@sedgwick.gov

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