Note from Commissioner Howell:
The Debate Over Solar Farms in Sedgwick County
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When the issue of large-scale solar farms first came before the Sedgwick County Commission a year ago, I assumed it would be a straightforward discussion. I was wrong. As a proponent of free-market capitalism and property rights, I initially believed that Solar Energy Conversion Systems (SECS) should be acceptable, even if I wasn’t entirely convinced of their benefits. After all, if someone else finds value in this technology, why should I be concerned? However, the topic proved to be more complex, presenting both significant benefits and legitimate concerns. | |
In matters of property rights, I strive to keep an open mind, ask questions and consider various perspectives. The goal is to make informed decisions based on data, not personal bias. When it comes to SECS, there are many valid arguments to weigh.
Opponents of solar farms often live near proposed sites and worry about the impact on their property values, groundwater and overall quality of life. Proponents, on the other hand, may benefit financially, either directly or through incentives, like federal subsidies and property tax abatements. Some see these incentives as a waste of taxpayer money, while others view SECS as a necessary technology to combat climate change by reducing CO2 emissions. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of mining materials for solar panels, especially in countries that rely on coal power and questionable labor practices. Additionally, there is worry about toxic waste from decommissioned panels and the loss of agricultural land to solar farms.
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Given these complexities, I concluded that a cautious approach was warranted. I voted against the adoption of the proposed regulations and advocated for extending the moratorium by a few years to allow more time to study the potential impacts. Unfortunately, my four fellow commissioners disagreed and voted to adopt the regulations, effectively opening the door for the solar industry in Sedgwick County, despite the unresolved concerns.
Only time will tell if this was the right decision. As we move forward, it’s crucial to monitor the effects of SECS closely and remain open to revisiting the issue if the need arises.
I appreciate the many voices that weighed in. In any property rights issue, there are people that get their way, while others reasonably get upset. These are complex and difficult generational decisions. Knowing half the people may disagree with each of us, we must make a decision. Just know, we gave this difficult topic 100% of our attention.
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The views expressed by Commissioner Jim Howell in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government. | |
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Learn about issues affecting your community!
You are invited to attend the next District 5 Citizens Advisory Board meeting on Friday, Sept. 6, from 4-6 p.m. at the Oaklawn Community Center.
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Other upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: | |
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, Sept. 9, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Range 54, 5725 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, 67218
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7-9 a.m.
- The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., Mulvane, 67110
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee provided.
- Friday, Sept. 27, 7-9 a.m.
- Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037
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Commissioners adopt 2025 budgets
The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved a 2025 budget for Sedgwick County Government that cuts the mill levy for a second consecutive year and establishes the County’s lowest mill levy in 27 years. The spending priorities focus on core services, staffing and compensation improvements - especially in Public Safety. Commissioners also approved a 2025 budget for Fire District 1 with a reduced mill levy.
The 2025 Adopted Budget for Sedgwick County Government is $563,444,425, with an estimated property tax rate of 28.659 mills, and $30,140,800 for Sedgwick County Fire District 1, with an estimated property tax rate of 17.000 mills. Together, the budgets total $593,585,225. To learn more about the budget process, visit Budget Office | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Sedgwick County needs your expertise!
The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Advisory Board has an opening for a member to serve four years. Members must be one of the following:
- Consumer of mental health or IDD services
- Representative of a mental health or IDD consumer group
- Family member of mentally ill or IDD person
- Representative of public health, medical profession, the judiciary, public welfare, hospitals or an organization for mental health or IDD education
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National Preparedness Month urges families to plan ahead
September is National Preparedness Month, when Sedgwick County Emergency Management (SCEM) encourages residents to:
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Get a kit with emergency supplies.
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Make a plan on how to respond in a disaster and then practice it, especially with kids.
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Stay informed of current conditions through radio and TV, a NOAA weather alert radio and social media.
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Get involved by volunteering in your community.
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SCEM is also practicing its emergency preparedness plans. For the first time this year, Sedgwick County applied for FEMA assistance to conduct a full-scale active shooter exercise on March 11, 2025. The simulation is one of 43 selected across the country that FEMA will support. After the exercise, SCEM will reevaluate its disaster readiness and identify strengths and areas for improvement.
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Cardiac arrest survivor meets EMS team that saved him
Neil Sikes and his wife Debbie got the chance to personally thank the EMS paramedics and first responders who brought him back to life May 21 when he stopped breathing and had no pulse. Crews gave him CPR for 50 minutes and shocked his heart with defibrillators five times to revive him. Neil doesn't remember much from that day, but he made a full recovery!
| Sedgwick County EMS also took part in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Aug. 5, wearing ID tags bearing the names of six EMS personnel who suffered illness, injury or death in the line of duty. | |
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Project Search honored with national award
Sedgwick County’s Project SEARCH – a workforce development program for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities - recently won an award at its annual conference for Project Search teams from around the world. They were recognized for reaching 100% job placement for its interns after graduation last year! They not only met but exceeded their goal of 70% of its interns finding competitive, integrated employment for 16 or more hours per week, paid at the prevailing wage. Congratulations!
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Register to vote in the 2024 Presidential Election
Sedgwick County residents must be registered to vote by Oct. 15 to cast a ballot in the Nov. 5 General Election. Voters must be U.S. citizens and 18 years old. Register in person, online or by mail. To learn more, visit Registration | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
The Sedgwick County Register of Deeds’ Office helped veterans safeguard their DD-214 discharge papers by electronically filing them for free at the 2024 Veterans Awareness Expo. They also provided military discount cards to use at businesses across Kansas. | |
The future of aviation in Sedgwick County took center stage at the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT). Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, Governor Laura Kelly, Sedgwick County Commissioners and other elected officials gathered with industry leaders for a meet-and-greet event and tour of the facility. | |
Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
