BoCC Recap

Board of County Commissioners

• The BoCC approved the appointments of Alma Ann Jones and Gary Bond to the Sheriff’s Civil Service Board.
• BoCC Chairman Pete Meitzner presented the 2023 Chairman’s Award to the Greater Wichita Partnership.
• Commissioners approved pay scale changes to the Sheriff’s Office Step Plan, raising the starting wage for deputy positions to $26.06/hour.
• The BoCC adopted the 2024 City of Wichita, Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, GWP, REAP and Sedgwick County State Joint Legislative Platform.
• Commissioners approved one recommendation from the Jan. 4 regular meeting of the Board of Bids and Contracts and deferred items 1 and 3.
• The BoCC selected 4th District Commissioner Ryan Baty as the 2024 Chair and 2nd District Commissioner Sarah Lopez as Chair Pro Tem through Jan. 8, 2025.

Governing Body of Fire District 1

• The Governing Body of Fire District 1 approved the recommendations from the Jan. 4 regular meeting of the Board of Bids and Contracts.

Sedgwick County Offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Emergency services are available by dialing or texting 9-1-1.

We want to hear from you! Sedgwick County Public Works wants to inform interested persons of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's (KDHE) intent to issue a Kansas/Federal Water Pollution Control Permit to Sedgwick County.

This permit is a new individual NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit from an existing MS4 general permit. As the permittee, Sedgwick County must continue to review, update and implement the Stormwater Management Program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants. To view the new permit: https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/public-works/stormwater-management/.

Send your comments, suggestions or other feedback to [email protected] by Jan. 15, 2024.

‘Tis the season to be green! From now until Jan. 22, 2024, join us in giving your trees a second chance at life. Say goodbye to the holiday season in an eco-friendly way by recycling your trees at one of 22 convenient Sedgwick County locations. By doing so, you'll be contributing to a greener future and supporting local management.

While you’re dropping off your tree, feel free to help yourself to some FREE mulch!

Sedgwick County Emergency Management is looking for your input to help identify the hazards of most concern for our communities. They are working with the Kansas Department of Emergency Management, Blue Umbrella Solutions and other counties in our region to update the Regional Mitigation Plan.

This plan identifies hazards in the community and will open the potential for them to receive federal grants for projects that will reduce the risk of those hazards. Participate by filling out the survey linked below. Your feedback will help them ensure that our efforts go to projects the community need.

Please fill out the survey at: https://forms.gle/TmUFWQAGj7x4Acfs9.

2024 Holidays

The 2024 Holidays were approved by the BoCC at their 9/8/2023 regular meeting. Sedgwick County will observe 11 holidays in 2024.

1. New Year’s Day - Monday, Jan. 1, 2024
2. Martin Luther King Day - Monday, Jan. 15, 2024
3. Presidents' Day - Monday, Feb. 19, 2024
4. Memorial Day - Monday, May 27, 2024
5. Juneteenth - Wednesday, June 19, 2024
6. 4th of July - Thursday, July 4, 2024
7. Labor Day - Monday, Sept. 2, 2024
8. Veterans Day - Monday, Nov. 11, 2024
9. Thanksgiving - Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
10. Friday after Thanksgiving - Friday, Nov. 29, 2024
11. Christmas Day - Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024

The 2024 Holidays are now available to add to your Outlook calendar. The link can be found on the P Drive under 2024 Holiday Calendar.

To add the holidays to your calendar, follow these steps:

1. Go to the P Drive
2. Double-click 2024 Holiday Calendar
3. Double-click Holidays 2024
4. Check the box
5. Click OK

Winter Weather Tips

When Walking on Snow or Ice:

• Plan ahead, give yourself sufficient time and plan your route. 
• Traffic moves slowly in snowy conditions.
• Give yourself extra time--don't assume a clear path for driving and walking will be available.

• Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice. 
• Footwear made of rubber and neoprene composite provide better traction than plastic and leather soles.
• Wear flat-soled shoes. Avoid shoes with heels.
• Remember that you can change your shoes once you get to your work destination.

• Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles, climbing or descending stairs, entering or leaving buildings.
• Move slowly.
• Remove snow/water from shoes when entering buildings.
• Use handrails for support.
• Try to keep your center of gravity over your support leg.
• Use car for support.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets.

• Walk on designated walkways as much as possible.
• Don’t take shortcuts over snow piles or areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible.
• Look ahead when you walk. A sidewalk completely covered with ice may require travel along its grassy edge for traction.
• Don’t text or read while walking. Put your phone away until you have reached your destination.

• Walk safely on snow or ice.
• Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
• Bend slightly forward and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets.
• Be prepared to fall. If you fall, fall with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip and shoulder. Avoid using outstretched arms to brace yourself.
• Bend your back and head forward to avoid hitting your head against the ground.

If you notice a facility-related emergency at any County owned buildings during non-business hours, please call 316-660-7777. Courthouse Police monitor this number 24 hours a day and will notify Maintenance. Outside phones can dial this number, including your cell phone.

An emergency could be a running toilet, faucet, or other water-related situation that may cause damage or waste energy. Suspicious activity or hazards may also be reported using the same phone number. During regular business hours (Monday – Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.), minor concerns or repairs should be sent to Facilities Maintenance at 316-660-9075 or [email protected].

EMPAC - Employee Assistance Program

Sedgwick County’s EAP program, EMPAC, can help. When you or a household member need trusted professional help, EMPAC, is just a phone call away. For more than 40 years, EMPAC has been helping employees thrive in their personal and professional lives by providing caring and compassionate support.

Free and confidential EMPAC services include 12 phone, video- or in-person sessions per year for personal and professional needs such as:

·        Stress, depression, anxiety

·        Family and parenting concerns

·        Marital and relationship challenges

·        Workplace conflicts

·        Alcohol or drug dependency

·        Grief and loss

Get started. Make your free appointment today. 316.265.9922 | 800.234.0630 | empac-eap.com