District 1 Newsletter from Commissioner Pete Meitzner

July 2026

Note from Commissioner Meitzner:
Play your part by participating this election season

Election season is underway in Sedgwick County, and I encourage every eligible voter to take part in the 2026 Primary Election on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Polls will be open across Sedgwick County from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This August Primary is an important opportunity for voters to help determine the direction of our state and ensure that elected leaders remain accountable to the people they serve. The ballot includes both Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primary races, as well as the Kansas Supreme Court constitutional amendment.

Every election matters, and primary elections are especially important because they often shape the choices voters will see in November. Participating in this process is one of the most direct ways citizens can help protect good government, responsible leadership and strong communities.

I encourage you to review your sample ballot, confirm your polling location and make a plan to vote. Whether you vote in person on Election Day or use an available ballot drop box, your participation matters.

For information about polling locations, ballot drop box locations, sample ballots and other election details, please visit the Sedgwick County Election Office website.

Thank you for staying informed, engaged and committed to the future of Sedgwick County and Kansas.

The views expressed by Commissioner Pete Meitzner in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government.

Election season is underway for the 2026 Primary Election

Election Day for the 2026 Primary Election is Tuesday, Aug. 4. Polls will be open across Sedgwick County from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. For information on drop box locations, polling locations and sample ballots, visit the Sedgwick County Election Office website.

Make your feedback about the 2027 budget heard

The 2027 budget process is ramping up as we near adoption day on Wednesday, August 26. But it's always a goal of our Commissioners, County leadership and Finance team to be transparent and accountable during the budget process. We held our first public budget hearing on Wednesday, July 29, and will welcome the public to provide feedback through our online public forum and at our second hearing on budget adoption day, August 26, at 9 a.m. in the Ruffin lower-level auditorium, 100 N. Broadway. The public is always welcome to speak at or watch meetings on the Sedgwick County Government Facebook and YouTube channels.

Never miss a City, County or School District meeting again!

It's now easier than EVER to stay connected in your community and engage with local leaders. We have created a place that provides access to all available meetings for municipalities and school districts in Sedgwick County. It includes the meeting frequency, days and times, and links to the site if the meeting is streamed. Click Sedgwick County meetings to check it out!

911 vs. 988

911 and 988 are here for you in times of crisis. While both provide critical support, they offer different services. Check out this graphic to see when you should call 988, and when you should call 911.

Treating your noxious weeds

Noxious weeds hurt your land value, grow like crazy and are illegal to have. Luckily, Sedgwick County Public Works has a department dedicated to stop these nusiance plants from growing on your property. Watch this video to see Director of Noxious Weeds Mark Furry at work and find out what three plants have been added to the list of noxious weeds in Kansas as of 2026.

Insurance help available for storm damage claims

Are you having issues submitting an insurance claim after the recent storms? The Kansas Department of Insurance is ready to assist you!

If you have any questions or problems regarding your insurance coverage, call the state office at 1-800-432-2484 or visit their website at Kansas Dept. of Insurance.

Out and About with Commissioners

The Great Plains Transportation Museum in Wichita is now the site of the state's first ever Kansas Railroad Hall of Fame. This is thanks to SB 353, which was unanimously supported by both houses. Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner joined Governor Laura Kelly and community leaders at the Great Plains Transportation Museum for the ceremonial signing of the bill.

Since the very beginning, railroads have shaped Kansas by moving people and goods to every corner and beyond. We're excited to have a place to commemorate and preserve our state's history.

The City of Wichita celebrated its 156th birthday on July 21 with a new Sister City partnership with Chihuahua, Mexico. Sedgwick County Chairman Jeff Blubaugh and leaders from the City of Wichita and key industries were on hand at the Farnborough International Airshow for the announcement. These two cities are connected as leaders in aircraft design, engineering, manufacturing and assembly to support customers around the world