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As we wrap up 2024 and prepare for another trip around the sun, it’s an opportune time to reflect on our accomplishments and the challenges that lay ahead.
This year, the Sedgwick County Commission embarked on an ambitious slate of projects—so many, in fact, it’s getting hard to keep track of them all. A highlight of these efforts is the County's leadership role in creating a new South Central Regional Psychiatric Hospital, a project now less than two years from becoming operational.
We’ve also supported the development of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, which is beginning to take shape. Adjacent to it, a new COMCARE facility is under design. Other significant undertakings include a juvenile corrections complex, a new election office, a new Emergency Management facility, and the completion of many new or remodeled courtrooms and District Attorney spaces within the county courthouse. Additionally, we’re nearing a resolution to the long-standing administration building challenge. These are just a few of the major projects we’re juggling, underscoring how much is happening across Sedgwick County.
Looking ahead, I believe our most pressing challenge will continue to be property tax relief. We are already pursuing several legislative policy initiatives aimed at reducing the county’s growing reliance on your hard-earned property taxes.
One proposal I’ve championed is a “property tax check valve.” Similar to a plumbing check valve that ensures flow in one direction, this measure would reserve property tax dollars exclusively for core government functions - essential services, like the Sheriff's Office, jail operations, 911, EMS and public works infrastructure.
This year, the County anticipates about $240 million in revenue from sales tax and property tax. If the check valve resolution were adopted, 92% of that would be reserved for core functions of government, including public works infrastructure. The remaining $19.6 million (which is half of the sales tax revenue) becomes the limit of what could be spent on anything considered non-core functions of government.
Historically, Sedgwick County has subsidized more than a dozen quality-of-life entities. Since voters approved the one-percent sales tax in 1985, the revenue has certainly offset property taxes. This year, sales tax revenue has reduced the property tax levy by nearly $140 million across the county’s 21 municipalities.
As we move forward, balancing growth, infrastructure investments and meaningful property tax relief must remain our focus. With prudent fiscal management and innovative solutions, I’m confident we can meet the challenges ahead.
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