May 2023

Notes from Commissioner Howell:

County Engagement in the 2023 Legislative Session

Testifying for legislative change has become a key role for the county commission. We often discover issues that can only be fixed with changes in state law. This last legislative session, I personally testified on eight different pieces of legislation, sometimes as the lead proponent and other times as an opponent.

Some of the issues I testified on this year include a retirement bill, suspended driver’s license law, juvenile justice policy, an accountability and transparency bill, a property tax bill, several bills relating to election integrity and more. It was a whirlwind session, but we had a lot of success.

My favorite achievement this year was the passage of HB2021. This new law will directly help juvenile offenders get assessed and program support more quickly and gives judges some tools to ensure more effective outcomes.

Back in 2017, the legislature made a sweeping rewrite on the state’s juvenile justice policy. The state’s new strategy was reasonably effective for most kids, but unfortunately, the most troubled kids figured out ways to circumvent the programs intended to help them. With six years of implementation history, we are very aware that some adjustments to the existing law would help Sedgwick County become more effective in putting certain juvenile offenders on a more positive path. I am very happy this bill passed.

One of the biggest legislative disappointments this year was the loss of SB2. This bill would have helped a huge number of Sedgwick County drivers resolve their ongoing suspended driver’s license issues. Sedgwick County has a disproportionate number of suspended licenses that stem primarily from poverty. We will try again next year.

The one bill that has local government concerned is SCR1611. If the House passes SCR1611, it will go on the ballot next year. This policy will limit property value increases to a maximum of four percent per year. On the surface this seems great, but it would disconnect property appraisals from the real estate market. Anyone who would purchase or remodel a home would be reset to the current fair market value, and that is inherently unfair. Homes that are substantially equal will be taxed differently simply because one has a new owner.

I enjoy the legislative process and the debate. Let me encourage you to engage the legislative process for those things you are passionate about because anyone can make a difference.

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.

Upcoming events with Commissioner Howell:

District 5 Citizen's Advisory Board

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

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

Monday, June 12, 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 and soda provided.

Tuesday, June 20, 7 - 9 a.m.
The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., Mulvane

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

Friday, June 30, 7 - 9 a.m.
Calvary Baptist Church Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037

Register of Deeds offers free services for veterans

As a show of appreciation for our military, the Register of Deeds wants to safeguard veterans' discharge form, or DD-214, by filing it for free and providing five certified copies. Vets can also get a free discount card with their photo on it to save money at restaurants and other participating businesses. The video below shows how the program works.

Sedgwick County steps out for 2023 Riverfest parade

Wichita's biggest party - Riverfest - kicks off Friday, June 2, at 6:30 p.m. with the Sundown Parade, sponsored in part by Sedgwick County. Come out and say 'hi' to many of your elected officials participating in the parade, along with staff and vehicles from several County departments. Learn more about the parade and other Riverfest events here.

Commissioners work on 2024 budget

It's that time of year again, when Sedgwick County departments present their proposed budgets for next year, and Commissioners have to decide what to cut and what to fund. Taxpayers are invited to weigh in during two public hearings - one scheduled for the evening of August 2 and another during the BoCC meeting August 23, when the budget will be adopted.

Sedgwick County Correctional Officers honored

The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 7-13 as Correctional Officers Appreciation Week. Watch the video below to learn more about their important work.

National EMS Week May 21-27

Sedgwick County joined communities across the country in recognizing the important role our EMS providers play in safeguarding our health and well-being. This video explains what it takes to work on an ambulance crew and save lives!

Public Works wins award for bridge repairs

Work on the 63rd Street South bridge near Derby earned Sedgwick County Public Works an award from the American Public Works Association Kansas Chapter (APWA) for Project of the Year under $5 million. The Board of County Commissioners also proclaimed May 21-27 as Public Works Week and shared the video below, as a tribute to our hard-working crews in all divisions.

Second phase of Civic Ready Alerts includes many more cities

Sedgwick County Emergency Management (SCEM) launched the second phase of Civic Ready Alerts to include 17 more cities, in addition to the two initial test sites of Wichita and Mt. Hope. Residents who sign up for this free service will receive notifications by phone or email of emergencies or important news in their community.

Click https://buff.ly/3XmNXya to opt-in, customize how you want to be contacted and which notifications you want to receive!

Sedgwick County needs YOU on an advisory board or committee!

The Board of County Commissioners values input from its citizens and encourages you to consider serving on an advisory board or committee in one of the five districts. Click here to see a list of current vacancies.

Out and About with Commissioners

Commissioners attended the Wichita Prayer Breakfast where they enjoyed fellowship with other community members, listened to thoughtful speakers and enjoyed a good meal.

The Kansas Aviation Museum celebrated the grand opening of the Rip Gooch Black Aviators Exhibit. Ulysses Lee "Rip" Gooch was a well-known politician and Wright Brother Master Pilot.

Wichita Public Schools and WSU Tech unveiled the FutureReady Manufacturing Center that trains high school students on the latest equipment and technology used throughout Sedgwick County.

At the Annual Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Cookout, Commissioners thanked Sheriff Jeff Easter and his staff for their hard work and dedication to public safety. The event is sponsored by VitalCore.