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Note from Commissioner Meitzner:
Budget season is upon us, and every year, Sedgwick County works hard to engage our citizens in the process, but with limited success. This year, we debuted the 2026 Budget Simulator and invited taxpayers to use this interactive tool to prioritize the County services that matter most to them. From May 5-30, citizens could explore the spending requests from our 45+ departments and give feedback on what should be funded and what should be cut.
Sedgwick County will analyze and use this information to guide our decisions moving forward. County Manager Tom Stolz will put together his recommended budget for 2026 and present it to the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on July 9, 2025. We will also hold two public budget hearings in the BoCC auditorium at the Ruffin Building, 100 N. Broadway, on the following dates:
- July 30, 2025, at 6 p.m.
- Aug. 20, 2025, at 9 a.m.
If you are interested in this budget process, I encourage you to mark your calendars now and plan to attend one of these meetings, especially if you do not get a chance to try out the Budget Simulator. Your input is invaluable, as I work to strike a balance between the wants and needs of our citizens while holding the line on taxes. It is only through your questions, comments and concerns that I can effectively serve the will of District 1 and budget your tax dollars for the future.
| | 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. | | Law Enforcement Memorial pays tribute to fallen officers | | |
On May 16, Sedgwick County remembered its brave deputies and officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. The annual Law Enforcement Memorial service honors the dedicated men and women who have died in the line of duty. Watch this short video to hear Sheriff Jeff Easter led the crowd in a time of reflection and respect for those who will never be forgotten.
| | Tag Offices Work to Streamline End-of-Month Renewals | | |
Sedgwick County Tag Offices are making changes to improve the customer experience during the busiest days of the month. Starting in June, Tag Offices will no longer handle walk-in title work from the 27th through the 2nd each month and will instead focus on renewals and select services, to reduce wait times and keep lines moving. During these peak business dates, customers needing title transactions will be required to schedule an appointment.
End-of-month renewal traffic is especially high, and renewals are typically much quicker to process than title transactions. By focusing on these faster services during high demand days, Sedgwick County Tag Offices can serve more customers efficiently.
From the 27th through the 2nd each month, our team will continue to provide the following services on a walk-in basis:
- Renewals
- Plate refunds
- Lien releases
- 1-day inspection permits
- Temporary and permanent disabled placards/plates
- Replacement plates/decals
- Duplicate registrations
While Sedgwick County Tag Offices will no longer handle walk-in title transactions from the 27th through the 2nd each month, customers can schedule an appointment for title work, renewals and other services at one of the following locations:
- 2525 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita
- 5620 E. Kellogg St., Wichita
- 610 S. Tyler Rd., Wichita
- 1941 E. 61st St. North, Park City
- 620 N. Rock Road, Suite 300, Derby
Appointments can be scheduled online at Reserve Your Spot In Line | Sedgwick County, Kansas or by using the QLess app - QLess on Google Play or QLess on the App Store. For more information on Tag Office services, visit Sedgwick County Tag Office | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Sedgwick County appreciates the understanding and patience of our citizens, as we make this change to serve you better!
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EMS crews given Challenge Coins for their lifesaving work
In May, Wesley Medical Center (WMC) presented Challenge Coins to Sedgwick County EMS crews for their outstanding responses on two separate trauma calls.
Paramedics Kelie Byers and Rosemary Snow (above) cared for a 12-year-old boy critically injured in a dirt bike accident. Because of their efforts, the child went home from the hospital just three days later.
WMC also praised the work of EMS District Chief Erica Morgan, Paramedic Seaira Ralstin and AEMT Chase Rogers (below). The crew worked with Wichita firefighters to revive a baby boy, just 12 days old, in cardiac arrest. The infant went on to make a full recovery.
The challenge coins serve as a meaningful reminder of the crews’ dedication, professionalism and quick action during critical calls.
| | Overdose Data to Action program addresses substance abuse | | Recently the Sedgwick County Health Department’s (SCHD) Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program team spoke at a community event hosted by the Association of People Against Lethal Drugs (APALD) in Old Town Square. They discussed SCHD’s efforts to prevent overdoses in the community, including connecting people to treatment, harm reduction resources and support. They also shared important data on overdoses and substance use in Sedgwick County. | | |
International Firefighters Day highlights global effort
On May 4th, International Firefighters Day called attention to the many ways fire crews around the world serve and protect our communities. Sedgwick County created the video above to highlight the incredible accomplishments of Fire District 1 (SCFD1) and its impact on local residents.
| | COMCARE marks Mental Health Awareness Month in many ways | | |
Sedgwick County COMCARE spent the month of May encouraging people of all ages to make their emotional well-being a priority. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, COMCARE hosted a circus-themed fun day for children. Kids enjoyed games, food and face painting, while their parents and guardians learned more about the resources available locally to treat children with anxiety, depression, ADHD and other mental health issues.
COMCARE also produced short videos, like the one below, that debunks many common myths about mental illness and its treatment. Watch more videos at Learn about Mental Health | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Emergency Communications welcomes new 9-1-1 Call Takers
Congratulations to our newest Sedgwick County 9-1-1 Call Takers! The class of 14 graduated in May after six weeks of classes, followed by four weeks of training on the job. Their dedication and commitment have prepared them to officially join the ranks of those who answer the calls for help in our community.
| | Sedgwick County employees honored as Hometown Heroes | | |
KAKE-TV and the Wichita Wind Surge named two Sedgwick County employees as Hometown Heroes in May. Joshua Zimmerman (above left) works for the Department of Corrections and serves in the Kansas National Guard. Deputy Paul Scarpitta (above right) works for the Sheriff's Office in the detention facility. Scarpitta helped subdue an inmate after the man threw scalding hot water on the deputy.
As a Hometown Hero, each man won a personalized baseball jersey and four tickets to a Wind Surge game, where a video about them played on the big screen. You can watch the videos at Hometown Hero | kake.com.
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Sedgwick County recognizes World Facilities Management Day
In honor of World Facilities Management Day on May 14, Sedgwick County created this short video to show all the ways our Facilities team keeps more than 50 buildings and its systems running smoothly and efficiently!
| | Out and About with Commissioners: | | During National Public Works Week May 18-24, Sedgwick County rewarded its dedicated Public Works staff with a special lunch and fun prizes. We are grateful for their hard work behind the scenes that makes a big impact in our daily lives! | | Commissioners recently attended the Greater Wichita Partnership’s (GWP) 10-year anniversary event, celebrating a decade of progress. The event highlighted the Partnership’s achievements, including over $3.5 billion in investments and 14,000+ jobs created. | | Family, friends, and co-workers gathered to celebrate Julie Stimson, Director of Sedgwick County Emergency Management, who won the 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award. She accepted a plaque and check from the DeVore Foundation, which sponsors this annual award. | | Sedgwick County Commissioners gathered at the 2025 Wichita Prayer Breakfast to join with community members in prayer for our city and everyone who calls it home. The event was filled with fellowship, inspiring speakers and a delicious homemade breakfast. | | Sedgwick County offices will close on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency services will be available by dialing or texting 911. | |
Show your support with a zoo license plate!
You can now take your Sedgwick County Zoo pride on the road with an all-new specialty license plate. It's a great way to support SCZ and its mission. For each tag that’s registered, an annual $50 goes towards the zoo's conservation efforts. Learn more at Zoo Plate Pride – Sedgwick County Zoo.
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