October 2025

Notes from Commissioner Howell:

Why Lowering Taxes Shouldn’t Cost Us More

For years, Sedgwick County has worked to keep government lean and property taxes low. In fact, we’ve lowered the county’s mill levy three years in a row—putting real money back into taxpayers’ pockets. That’s what good fiscal stewardship should look like.

But here’s the frustrating part - under Kansas law, when we cut property taxes, we also lose part of our share of countywide sales tax revenue. Yes, you read that right. When we act responsibly and lower your property taxes, the state’s formula takes away some of the sales tax that helps fund local services.

The countywide 1% sales tax, approved by voters in 1985, was designed to benefit both Sedgwick County and its 20 cities. In the past year, Wichita received approximately $90 million from this fund, while Sedgwick County retained about $40 million. These revenues have reduced the county’s property tax rate by more than 5 mills and Wichita’s by about 18 mills—providing Wichita property owners with a combined reduction of at least 23 mills. In Derby, the 2026 budget projects around $6.3 million in revenue from the same sales tax, offsetting roughly 17.3 mills in city property taxes. This revenue has been a significant benefit to Derby taxpayers, helping keep property tax rates lower for everyone.

The problem is how the state law divides those funds. Half the distribution is based on population, but the other half depends on how much property tax each government levies. So when the county lowers its mill levy, it doesn’t just collect less property tax—it also gets punished with a smaller slice of countywide sales-tax revenue.

That’s not just unfair - it’s backwards. Good fiscal management should be rewarded, not penalized. By choosing not to capture about 4% in assessed-value growth for the 2026 budget, Sedgwick County gave up roughly $720,000 in sales tax revenue it otherwise would have kept. That’s money lost simply for being conservative with taxpayers’ dollars.

We’ve asked the Kansas legislature to fix this by basing the formula on assessed value - a measure of growth, rather than on property tax levies. That would create a true incentive for local governments to grow their communities and lower taxes responsibly.

Some cities like Derby will lose revenue if this formula was changed quickly. We do not want to harm any city, so fixing this formula may need to be drawn out over several years.

But since this sales tax was designed to reduce property taxes, punishing Sedgwick County for lowering the mill levy rate is counterproductive. Kansans deserve a system built on fairness and common sense, not one that discourages doing the right thing.

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.

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

• Monday, Nov. 10, 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 & soda provided.

• Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7-9 a.m.
• The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., 
  Mulvane, 67110

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

• SPECIAL DATE!
  Friday, Nov. 21, 7-9 a.m.
• Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037

First responders demonstrate Halloween safety

Before you head out Friday for some Halloween fun, watch this video to find out from Sedgwick County first responders what you need to do as a parent, driver or trick-or-treater to stay safe!

Halloween fun for Corrections staff, residents and families

The Sedgwick County Department of Corrections hosted a Halloween celebration for residents at the Adult Residential and Work Release Facility and their immediate family members. Festivities included a coloring contest, pumpkin decorating, and food! Coordinators say events like this create a great opportunity for the residents to build and maintain strong relationships with their families while they are separated.

Early voting is underway for the 2025 General Election

COMCARE Community Crisis Center groundbreaking

A new era for Sedgwick County COMCARE is beginning! Commissioners and other elected officials celebrated with staff at the ceremonial groundbreaking Oct. 20 to build the new COMCARE Community Crisis Center at 235 S. Topeka Ave. This moment was years in the making and is thanks to a lot of hard work, vision and strategic partnerships, with the goal to serve anyone with behavioral health needs. The new crisis center will bring all staff and services under one roof to create a more effective and welcoming space for patients.

Ribbon-cutting on G.A.I.N. 60+ Exercise Park

County leaders and staff officially cut the ribbon on the new G.A.I.N. (Get Active In Nature) 60+ Exercise Park Oct. 27 at Sedgwick County Park. The equipment is designed specifically for older adults but is open to all ages and abilities! Federal funding covered the cost of the machines, shade structure and their installation, thanks to a partnership between the Sedgwick County Department of Aging and Disabilities, Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Watch the video to learn more about the new park and its benefits for our community!

Sedgwick County opens new satellite locations for tag, title work

Following the closure of the Kellogg Tag Office on Oct. 9 and subsequent transfer of all services to the Douglas Tag Office, Sedgwick County Treasurer Brandi Baily announced the opening of two additional satellite locations for residents to complete renewals, title work and other vehicle services.

Effective immediately, Sedgwick County residents can schedule appointments at either of the new full-service locations: 

• Sedgwick County Treasurer’s Office at the Ruffin Building – 100 N Broadway, Suite 100 in Wichita
• Haysville City Hall, 200 W Grand Ave in Haysville

With further plans for expansion, Sedgwick County residents will be able to find an office closer to them to complete their services. These expanded locations come at no cost to the county and at a time of unprecedented demand driven by personalized plate renewals and increased vehicle sales, amidst frequent outages to the State of Kansas MOVRS system.

In addition to the Douglas Tag Office at 2525 W. Douglas, Sedgwick County residents can complete their tag business at satellite locations:

• Kansas Driver Licensing in Derby – 620 N. Rock Rd., Ste. 300, Derby
• Wichita West Kansas Driver Licensing – 610 S. Tyler Rd., Wichita
• Park City City Hall – 1941 E. 61st Street N., Park City
  

To save time, make sure you have all the documents needed for a vehicle tag renewal or title work, before you head to the tag office. Watch the video to see a checklist of required paperwork and payment options.

Sedgwick County participates in WABA, Build My Future

Sedgwick County staff turned out in full force at the Wichita Area Builders Association (WABA) Build My Future showcase Oct. 22. The annual event is designed to educate area students about the many career opportunities available in Sedgwick County. An estimated 1,100 high schoolers spent several hours at the Kansas Star Event Center, checking out the displays and interacting with Sedgwick County staff from:

• Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD)
• Human Resources
• EMS
• Fire District 1
• Sheriff's Office
• Emergency Communications
• Corrections

What a great opportunity to engage the public servants of tomorrow!

Sedgwick County marks National Health Education Week

During National Health Education Week Oct. 21-25, Sedgwick County encouraged residents to prioritize their well-being by learning about healthy habits and preventive care. The Sedgwick County Health Department offers a variety of free educational programs, like Healthy Babies for prenatal and parenting families, and a Hypertension Awareness Program for older adults to learn how to manage their blood pressure. A new class also educates people about Healthy Relationships and where to go if they need help. Watch the video and visit Disease Management and Wellness Workshops | Sedgwick County, Kansas to learn more about the many classes available to empower yourself and those around you!

Sedgwick County employees rewarded with day at the zoo!

Our amazing staff and their families got to monkey around - literally - with free admission to the Sedgwick County Zoo on Oct. 18, in celebration of Employee Appreciation Day! The weather may have been cool and rainy, but that didn’t dampen the fun. In fact, the animals seemed to love it, with many of the zoo babies coming out to play. It was a great way to say THANKS to our staff of nearly 3,000 who work hard throughout the year to serve the residents of Sedgwick County.

Visitors can also enjoy the Sedgwick County Zoo at night, with the return of Wild Lights, now through December 21. The colorful displays will brighten the skies every Wednesday through Sunday from 6-9 p.m. Ticket prices range from $14 - $21 with discounts for members and tickets bought online. Find more information and purchase tickets at scz.org/wildlights.

Employee Recognition Ceremony celebrates County workforce

Hundreds of Sedgwick County staff members took home service and value awards from the Employee Recognition Ceremony Oct. 13 at Intrust Bank Arena. Commissioners, County Manage Tom Stolz and other leaders thanked the employees for their dedication to serving the residents of Sedgwick County.

Sedgwick County EMS has many reasons to celebrate!

Congratulations to the 10 new EMS employees who graduated Oct. 15 from the seven-week New Hire Academy! These EMTs, AEMTs and Paramedics have joined the team who ensure the best emergency care is always provided when you call 911. Well done!

EMS crews also earned recognition in October for their lifesaving care of two cardiac arrest patients. On Oct. 2, Paramedics Captain Cole Christman, District Chief Chad Maugans and Lt. Matt Hrovat (not pictured) were reunited with a woman they revived after she suffered cardiac arrest in her home. Family members had called 911, and the EMS crew arrived in three minutes and defibrillated the woman several times. She eventually regained her pulse and arrived at the hospital with a heartbeat!

Wesley Medical Center also awarded EMS Paramedics Bryan Bartholomew, Leighanne Durrett and Jaalah Jaggy (below) with a STEMI (Myocardial Infarction) Challenge Coin for saving a cardiac arrest victim. Thanks to the quick and focused actions of the crew, the patient regained their pulse, survived the event and was discharged from the hospital!

Fire Prevention Week educates all ages

Did you know that nearly everything that is rechargeable uses lithium-ion batteries? That's why, as part of Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 5-11, Sedgwick County Fire District 1 (SCFD 1) worked to educate kids and adults about how important it is to buy, charge and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely. Otherwise, they can overheat and ignite, even explode. Watch the video to learn more.

SCFD 1 held its annual Fifth Grade Five Prevention Day Oct. 7 at the Sedgwick County Zoo. More than 2,500 fifth graders from across Kansas watched demonstrations by firefighters, Sedgwick County Sheriff's deputies, EMS and several community organizations. The kids even me SCFD's new accelerant detection dog, Latitude!

Out and About with Commissioners

Always preparing for the future! Sedgwick County leaders attended the 2025 Kansas Economic Outlook Summit, along with other community leaders, to learn from experts about what’s ahead for Kansas’ economy, industry and innovation.

Sedgwick County is honored to stand with our military community, as Commissioners attended the Wichita Chamber’s Military Affairs Luncheon to recognize the service of more than 33,000 veterans who call our county home.

Dozens of citizens attended the Tri-Governmental Town Hall Oct. 22 and shared the issues they’re passionate about with elected officials from Sedgwick County Government, the City of Wichita and Wichita Public Schools! There were great discussions about what government services already exist and how we can collaborate to further address these concerns in the future.

Contact Commissioner Jim Howell

316-660-9300

Jim.Howell@sedgwick.gov

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