April 2026

Notes from Commissioner Howell:

The People Already Have a Voice

Every year, my phone rings. A property owner received their March 1 valuation notice, their assessed value spiked, and they assume their tax bill will follow. I understand that frustration. What I don't understand is why the Kansas Legislature believes the answer is to override the local officials elected by those same people. Local elected officials and state lawmakers are placed in office by the very same voters. You, the people, are at the top of the organizational chart at both levels of government.



The transparency tools are already in place. Valuation notices go out in March. State law then requires a Revenue Neutral Rate notification be mailed to every property owner, detailing the projected impact on their individual bill before any budget increase can pass. A public hearing must be held. The tax bill arrives in December and again in May. There are multiple opportunities to engage, object, or show up. The voice of the people is already baked into the process.

And yet the Legislature keeps pushing a constitutional amendment to cap property assessments statewide, with the rallying cry of "Let the people vote." But Kansans already vote — for their county commissioners, city council members, and school boards. That accountability is direct and personal in a way no statewide referendum can replicate. A bill rushed through at midnight on the last night of the session and applied uniformly across 105 counties raises a fair question: Is this actually solving a problem?

It seems arbitrary and reckless. A statewide cap cannot account for differences in local needs, aging infrastructure, growth pressures or population. It does not distinguish a fiscally disciplined municipality from one that is not. It simply cuts across the board without context. Cutting taxes by state mandate and cutting services are the same thing. The people who feel that are not legislators in Topeka. They are the domestic violence survivor who needs a Protection From Abuse order processed, the community that needs 28 more paramedics and 7 more ambulances, or the senior relying on services with no private sector alternative.

Every community deserves the right to weigh that tradeoff for itself. Local officials are charged with delivering the services people expect, and they answer for those decisions at the ballot box. That is exactly how representative government is supposed to work.

The Legislature's role is to set the rules of the game, not play it for us. Kansans don't need the state to speak for them. They already have a voice.

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.

Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.

• Monday, May 11, 4-5:30 p.m.
• Range 54, 5725 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, 67218

Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.

• Tuesday, May 19, 7-9 a.m.
• The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., 
  Mulvane, 67110

Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee provided.

• Friday, May 29, 7-9 a.m.
• Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037

More 2026 events:

2027 Budget Simulator invites YOUR input

Sedgwick County has launched its 2027 Budget Simulator that gives citizens a chance to explore and influence how property tax-supported funds are allocated. This interactive, hands-on simulation, powered by Polco’s Balancing Act platform, is part of the County’s commitment to building public trust, continued transparency and implementing innovative solutions.

Citizens can access the Budget Simulator online to try their hand at balancing the County’s budget. They will be given options that allow for an increase, decrease or continuation of normal funding for every County-supported operation, along with real-life write-ups for how those decisions will affect the department or program. As users make trade-offs, they gain insights into the challenges of governing with limited resources and competing priorities in public safety, health, infrastructure and more. Public feedback will be considered when shaping the 2027 budget.

Plan ahead for possible traffic delays in May

Sedgwick County drivers will need to keep an eye out for three road construction projects happening in May:

• At Rock Road and 47th Street South, work is already underway to remove and replace a crossroad drainage structure. Construction is expected to last until June. During this time, traffic on Rock Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction with NO lefts turns.
• On 63rd Street South from Rock Road to 127th Street East, crews will construct pavement preservation improvements. The work is expected to last from May 11 through mid-June and will limit traffic to one lane in each direction.
• On 47th Street South between Hydraulic Street and Clifton Avenue, crews will repair sidewalks and the decking on the bridge over the Arkansas River. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction from May 18 through the end of August.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead by taking an alternate route in these areas or budgeting extra time for expected traffic delays. Public Works appreciates your patience!

Environmental Resources collects tons of Electronic Waste

What a turnout! More than 2,100 vehicles lined up over three days to drop off electronic waste at a free collection event hosted by Sedgwick County Environmental Resources. All the old cell phones, computers, televisions and other devices added up to 200,146 pounds, or 100 tons of e-waste! Disposing of them safely and responsibly helps keep hazardous materials out of our water and soil and protects our environment.

If you missed this e-waste collection event, don't worry! Environmental Resources is hosting another:

• April 30-May 2
• 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sedgwick County West Yard, 4701 S. West St.
• (West Street South is closed, so drivers need to take Meridian to 47th Street.)

Please keep old cell phones and tablets separate from other e-waste items, since they will be collected in a different box.

Children's Mental Health Awareness celebration

In celebration of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, Sedgwick County COMCARE is inviting all area children and their families to A Candyland of Feelings. This interactive event is designed to help children and families connect with valuable mental health resources in a welcoming environment.

Event details:

• Saturday, May 2, 2026
• 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• COMCARE Children’s Services, 1938 N. Woodlawn Blvd.

Families can enjoy games, crafts, face painting, food and resource booths, along with free books from the Wichita Public Library Book Bus. COMCARE staff will also be on-site to answer questions and provide information about available services.

In Kansas, one in five children suffer at least one major depressive episode during their adolescence, highlighting the importance of early support and access to care. To learn more about therapy and other mental health services available at COMCARE, visit Youth Mental Health | Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Sedgwick County's Excellence in Public Service Award Winner

Bryan Ellis thought he was going to a tabletop exercise for Emergency Management Monday; instead, he walked into a room of thunderous applause and cheering! Coworkers, commissioners, friends and family surprised Ellis, who was chosen as Sedgwick County's 2026 Excellence in Public Service Award winner!

Ellis joined Sedgwick County Emergency Management (SCEM) in the spring of 2024 and has hit the ground running ever since. While much of his work happens behind the scenes, his impact is huge, ensuring every responding agency knows what to do during an emergency.

Before joining SCEM, Ellis was a member of Sedgwick County Fire District 1, where he worked for 34 years before retiring as a division chief. He then spent six years working within Harvey County Emergency Management before coming back to Sedgwick County.

Ellis' dedication to service extends beyond Sedgwick County. He is an active member of the state's Incident Support Program and has participated in statewide training and exercises. Ellis also volunteers with the American Red Cross, teaching duty officer and supervisor classes, along with disaster action and planning. He has earned several honors the past year, including Outstanding Emergency Management Professional of the Year and the American Red Cross Lifetime Hero Award - true testaments to his dedication to serve his community.

Finance Division earns top rating

Congratulations to the Sedgwick County Division of Finance for once again receiving a AAA rating from S&P Global! This is the HIGHEST grade an agency can earn and is a testament to the elevated standards, best practices and superior performance our Finance employees hold themselves to every day. Sedgwick County is one of two counties in Kansas to receive a AAA rating and just one of 110 counties nationwide with a AAA rating and a stable outlook. Learn more at Sedgwick County Division of Finance Earns AAA Rating.

City, County & USD 259 discuss ways to work together

A Tri-Governmental Town Hall on April 20 drew a crowd of about 30 citizens, as elected officials from the Sedgwick County Commission, Wichita City Council and USD 259 Board of Education identified programs and projects where they might collaborate to better serve our community. If you missed the meeting, you can watch a recording at youtube.com/wichitapublicschools.

Fleet Management keeps Sedgwick County moving

Ever wonder who keeps Sedgwick County's 830+ vehicles rolling? Fleet Management is the team that makes sure all our vehicles are ready to go when needed. As part of National Car Care Month in April, we highlighted their important work in this video that goes behind the scenes to show you a typical day on the job.

Sedgwick County crews help with emergency simulations

Sedgwick County played important roles in two different simulations in April, teaching area students about disaster prevention and response. Led by Haysville teens in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) club at Campus High School, members of the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, Fire District 1 and the Regional Forensic Science Center staged a drunk driving accident after prom to demonstrate the devastating consequences it can have on families and the entire community.

Sedgwick County firefighters and paramedics also worked alongside students at WSU Tech's Field Operations Simulation Day. Students responded to a variety of "calls" and received hands-on training from first responders in an emergency setting.

EMS crew recognized for saving cardiac arrest patient

Ascension Via Christi recently honored Sedgwick County EMS Major Brad Crowe, Captain Rachael Johnson and Paramedic Tyler Pollard with certificates and challenge coins for their exceptional care of a cardiac arrest patient. Thanks to the crew's quick and effective work, the patient was able to recover and return home.

Register of Deeds preserves important and unusual documents

In honor of Records and Information Management Month in April, the video below highlights the important job of the Sedgwick County Register of Deeds and some of the unique documents preserved by that office since the 1800's.

Out and About with Commissioners

Realtors of South Central Kansas thanked Commissioners for their work in promoting fair housing within our community. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 ensures no one is denied housing or treated differently due to their race, religion, sex, familial status or disability. These realtors help make sure that is reflected in our neighborhoods.

Commissioners attended the 2026 Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Honors Night to celebrate this year’s honorees. We’re proud to support our partners in the Wichita Regional Chamber and recognize the individuals, businesses and organizations making a lasting impact in our community.

Federal, state and local officials gathered with military and business leaders to celebrate the grand opening of Bell Textron's Wichita Assembly Center where the fuselage of the U.S. Army's MV-75 Cheyenne will be manufactured.

Contact Commissioner Jim Howell

316-660-9300

Jim.Howell@sedgwick.gov

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