January 2024

Note from Commissioner Howell:

Property Tax Relief is Available for Some Taxpayers

In a few weeks, the county appraiser will send out the latest cringe-worthy appraisal notifications. I am already anticipating the public’s reaction to the changes. I want to say once again, I have been a vocal proponent of property tax reform since 2012. I spend a fair amount of energy doing whatever I can to reduce the property tax burden.


Three property tax relief programs are available through the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) that cater to seniors, veterans, low-income and disabled homeowners. The Sedgwick County Clerk's Office can help you through the process because understanding the eligibility criteria and the required forms to apply is crucial for securing financial relief.


Firstly, the Homestead Refund provides a rebate on property taxes paid before January 1, 2023, for Kansas homeowners with a total household income of $40,500 or less. Residents born before January 1, 1969, those totally and permanently disabled or blind, or those with a dependent child under 18 may qualify. The maximum refund is $700, offering a significant financial relief for eligible homeowners.


Seniors aged 65 or older with a household income of $23,700 or less in 2023 can find support through the Safe Senior Refund. This program offers up to 75% of the 2023 general property tax as relief, addressing the specific needs of low-income seniors. Understanding the requirements and application process is essential for seniors to access this valuable financial assistance.


For disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and individuals aged 65 or older, the SVR Homestead program provides relief by refunding any increase in property tax over the base year amount. With a total household income cap of $53,600, this program is tailored to support those who have served or are in vulnerable circumstances. It's crucial for eligible individuals to be aware of the filing requirements and necessary documentation for accessing this tax relief.


In conclusion, homeowners, seniors, and eligible claimants, including disabled veterans, can significantly benefit from these property tax relief programs. By understanding the criteria and filing procedures, individuals in these categories can navigate the application process successfully, securing the financial relief they need. The Homestead Refund, Safe Senior Refund, and SVR Homestead programs stand as valuable resources for those seeking to alleviate the burden of property taxes in Sedgwick County.           

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.

Sedgwick County Clerk offers free help with Homestead Refunds


If you are a senior, veteran, low-income or disabled homeowner, you can get free help from the Sedgwick County Clerk's Office to apply for a property tax refund through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Homestead Refund program. Watch the video above to learn more, and visit Homestead Refunds | Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Mark your calendars for this upcoming event:



District 5 Citizens Advisory Board

  • Friday, Feb. 2, 4-6 p.m.
  • Oaklawn Community Center, 2937 E. Oaklawn Dr., Wichita, 67216

New Commission Chair and Pro Tem named for 2024


The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) voted in 4th District Commissioner Ryan Baty as the new Chair and 2nd District Commissioner Sarah Lopez as Pro Tem Chair. Both are looking forward to working together to provide leadership in the year ahead.

2023 Chairman's Award honors Greater Wichita Partnership


Before handing over the reins, 2023 BoCC Chair 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.

Building site chosen for state-run regional psychiatric hospital

The BoCC has begun negotiations to acquire 11 acres of land at MacArthur and Meridian that will be the site of a new 50-bed South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in southwest Wichita. An architectural rendering of the facility is below. Once built, the hospital will serve acute inpatient mental health patients. It will also house jail inmates waiting for court-ordered evaluations and treatment. Read the official announcement by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at KDADS Announces Site Selection for South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Sedgwick County (ks.gov).

Important dates for the 2024 Presidential Preference Primary

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).

Firefighters win the 2024 Battle of the Badges blood drive


By just three votes, firefighters held on to their title as reigning champions of the annual Battle of the Badges. The blood donations collected during this friendly rivalry help meet a critical need during the winter months. Anyone who still wants to give blood can make an appointment at redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

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.

Dozens of EMS employees earn promotions


EMS Chief Kevin Lanterman and commissioners celebrated the promotions of 29 EMS employees, including 3 new captains, 9 new lieutenants and 17 new paramedics, 12 of whom graduated from the EMT to Paramedic (E2P) Scholarship Program - the largest group ever since the program started two years ago. They fill a critical staffing need, and ambulance crews will now be stronger because of their new skills and training. Congratulations!

Law Enforcment Appreciation Day


The BoCC declared Jan. 9 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office stands as a great example of a diverse, modern and multifaceted law enforcement agency that makes us proud.

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.

Out and About with Commissioners

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 of those in agriculture.

Commissioners attended the 2024 South-Central Kansas Legislative Delegation Annual Meeting and presented an award to Delegation Chair, Rep. KC Ohaebosim.

Contact Commissioner Jim Howell

316-660-9300

Jim.Howell@sedgwick.gov

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

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