Notes from Commissioner Howell:
Paying Property Taxes at Christmas... Oh, the Irony!
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As Christmas approaches, homes across our county are filled with familiar sights and sounds—trees being trimmed, meals being prepared, and gifts wrapped with care. For many, Christmas is a season shaped by tradition, generosity, reflection, and time spent with family.
It is also, not coincidentally, the time of year when the first half of property tax bills come due.
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For many families, this overlap is genuinely difficult. Dollars meant for gifts, travel, or helping loved ones are instead directed toward a required payment. As a county commissioner—and as a taxpayer who must also make this payment by December 22—I want you to know this strain is understood. I wish taxes and Christmas did not collide. Unfortunately, they do, and that reality adds stress to an already demanding season.
That timing carries an undeniable irony.
The Christmas story itself begins with irony rooted in history. According to the historical account recorded in Scripture, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem because of a government census tied to taxation under Roman rule. In a moment shaped by civil obligation and inconvenience, Jesus of Nazareth was born quietly, far from comfort or celebration. Even at the very first Christmas, hope entered the world during a season of burden. The setting of one of history’s most enduring events was influenced, in part, by a tax requirement.
In a far smaller—but still personal—way, that same tension is felt today. Property taxes continue to overlap our Christmas traditions. For many households, the largest check written all year is made during the very season that calls people toward generosity and gratitude.
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Christmas has long carried themes of giving, humility, and thankfulness—values that resonate well beyond faith traditions. While different holidays emphasize these ideas in different ways, Christmas uniquely blends reflection, generosity, and sacrifice, often during a time when families feel financial strain most acutely.
I am especially grateful this season for our public safety professionals—law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, and others—who continue to serve while many of us gather with family. Their willingness to work through the holidays is a quiet but meaningful sacrifice that often goes unseen, yet it provides comfort and safety to the rest of us.
My hope this Christmas is simply to say thank you—to taxpayers who shoulder this burden, to public servants who remain on duty, and to families doing their best during a demanding season. My Christmas wish is that lawmakers in Topeka will consider shifting property tax due dates later on the calendar, allowing families a little breathing room during the Christmas season.
May this Christmas bring peace to your home, gratitude to your gatherings, and goodwill among neighbors.
Merry Christmas.
| | 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. | | Other upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: | | |
Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, Jan. 12, 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, Jan. 20, 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, Jan. 30, 7-9 a.m.
- Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037
| | Sedgwick County's 2025 Year in Review | | It's been a busy year at Sedgwick County Government! With help from our many departments, we created a video that highlights key data and showcases a year of progress, innovation and commitment to serving our community. | | Deputy County Manager retires | | After more than 25 years of dedication to Sedgwick County, Deputy County Manager Tim Kaufman has retired. Commissioners honored him at a recent meeting, and coworkers threw a party, wearing Tim's favorite fashion accessory - a colorful, sometimes crazy tie! | | |
Tim Kaufman started as Director of Operations for COMCARE in July 2000 and has worked in various roles through the years, including Human Services, Human Resources, Public Services, Exploration Place and the Sedgwick County Zoo. Recently Tim received the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Wichita 2025 Community Service Award for his years of support for mental health services in Sedgwick County. Throughout his career, Tim said he favorite part "has always been working with and for a dedicated, passionate, caring team of coworkers. County staff across the board are committed to doing the right thing for our neighbors, family and friends and are very talented in what they do. I have had the chance to do meaningful work, and what more could anyone ask for?"
Before Sedgwick County, Tim Kaufman worked at Wichita State University and the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) for a total of 42 years in public service! Now he looks forward to spending more time with his wife and supporting her in her business ventures. Tim also plans to look for ways he can continue to serve our community.
| | Bryan Ellis earns Lifetime Hero award | | Recently the Wichita chapter of the American Red Cross held its Tribute to Heroes Breakfast, recognizing "ordinary people who do extraordinary things." Among the five honorees, Bryan Ellis - Operations Manager for Sedgwick County Emergency Management - earned the Lifetime Hero award for donating 11,800 hours of service to the Red Cross. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! | | Donate and Vote in Battle of the Badges | | Time is running out for you to take part in the Battle of the Badges! Wednesday, Dec. 31, is the last day you can donate blood in this friendly competition and vote for your favorite first responders. Local law enforcement, firefighters and EMS are competing to take home the trophy. Schedule an appointment now at www.redcrossblood.org and help save lives! | | Take an inside look at EMS ambulances | You’ve seen these vehicles on the street, but now we’re giving you a look inside! Watch this video to learn how Sedgwick County EMS ambulances are equipped to help you when seconds count! | | First responders deliver Holiday Food Boxes | | For the 36th year, Sedgwick County first responders helped about 400 families in need by delivering two holiday food boxes to each home from Dec. 10-12. To cover the cost, the Sheriff's Office Benefit Fund raised nearly $36,000 in donations, including a $5,000 contribution from the Beach Family Foundation. Dillons Food Stores also provided materials, warehouse space and personnel to support the effort. It truly IS the season of giving! | |
Recycle that real Christmas tree! | |
When your holiday celebrations are over, recycle your tree at one of the locations below and take home some FREE mulch! Remove all tinsel, decorations, lights and wire before dropping off the tree. No tree stands, garland or wreaths are accepted because these items harm wildlife and litter the parks.
- Boston Park 6655 E. Zimmerly
- Buffalo Park 10209 Hardtner
- College Hill United Methodist Church 1st and Erie
- Earhart Environmental Magnet School 4401 N. Arkansas
- Edgemoor Park 5815 E. 9th St.
- Extension Education Center 7001 W. 21st St. N.
- Great Plains Nature Center 6232 E. 29th St. N.
- Old Cowtown Museum 1865 Museum Blvd.
- Osage Park 2121 W. 31st St. S.
- South Linwood Park Hydraulic and Mt. Vernon Splash Pad parking lot
- Cheney E. South Ave. and Garfield
- Clearwater 1001 E Ross Ave
- Colwich 115 N. 3rd Street
- Derby 2801 E. James
- Garden Plain Garnett & 295th St, NW corner
- Goddard Means Park (200 S Main)
- Maize 201 S. Park
- Mount Hope 400 S. Thomas
- Mulvane 117 E. Main St.
- Park City 6801 N. Hydraulic
- Valley Center Veterans Park (337 S Meridian)
| The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but if winter has you feeling a little off or lonely, you’re not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real. Watch this video to hear what experts recommend to help pull yourself out of a funk and feel a little more like you again. | | 2026 Election Sticker Contests now underway! | | Would you like to see your child's artwork worn by thousands of people? Then they should submit a design for the next “I Voted” sticker contest, open to all Sedgwick County students grades 6-12. Another contest this year lets kids in grades K-5 create a “Future Voter” sticker. Visit 2026 "Future Voter" and "I Voted" Sticker Design Contest | Sedgwick County, Kansas for contest rules and entry forms. Submit design entries by Feb. 27, 2026! | | Out and About with Commissioners | | The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) held a ribbon cutting for its newest addition, the Hub for Advanced manufacturing and Research (HAMR). | | |
Commissioners and other local leaders celebrated the opening of Gilley’s in Park City.
The entertainment hall offers dancing, dining and playing historic horse racing machines.
| | The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce 2025 dinner brought together local and state leaders to recap the year’s accomplishments and discuss priorities for 2026. | | With the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, Boeing returned to Wichita and unveiled its new sign at a celebration with city, county and state leaders. The deal once again makes Boeing the city's largest employer. | | Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
