Note from Commissioner Howell:
People Want Less Government — But Don’t Say Where to Cut
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As we approach the deadline to finalize Sedgwick County’s 2026 budget this August, I’ve been reflecting on a pattern that repeats every year. Public input is welcomed and encouraged, but when it comes to budget hearings, the voices that speak up are few. Of those, most are there to request increased funding for services they care about, and very few ask us to cut spending. When they do, it’s often vague, like “cut waste,” “lower taxes” or “reduce government.” But when pressed for specifics, details are scarce.
I believe this stems from a broader disconnect. Many people’s frustration with government is driven by what they see on national news: federal debt climbing out of control, bloated bureaucracy, wasteful programs and impersonal agencies that seem both intrusive and ineffective. That national sentiment bleeds into how people view all levels of government—including their local county commission.
But here’s the reality: Sedgwick County doesn’t have the luxury of running deficits. We are required by law to balance our budget every year. We maintain a healthy reserve, our bonded debt is low, and we are deliberate and cautious before taking on new obligations. We don’t extend our budget with continuing resolutions. There is no money-printing machine in the basement.
This contrast between perception and reality matters. The assumption that we’re wasting tax dollars isn’t based on local data or local outcomes—it’s a broad-brush judgment passed down from frustrations with Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, local government provides services that people depend on daily: public safety, roads, emergency medical services, mental health care and public health. Cutting spending without thought can have real consequences for real people.
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I don’t fault anyone for being too busy to attend a hearing. Most people are juggling jobs, families and responsibilities. But that also means those who do speak up often shape the conversation, and right now, more voices are asking for expanded investment instead of budget cuts.
If you believe spending should be reduced, we’re listening. But we need specifics. Which programs? What level of service change is acceptable? Trade-offs are part of the process, and hard choices have to be made.
Government should be responsive to the people. But meaningful input starts with more than slogans. It requires showing up and engaging with the details. Now is your chance to be heard. Please reach out to me at jim.howell@sedgwick.gov and let me know what changes you want in this year’s budget.
| | 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. | | Other upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: | | |
Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, July 14, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Range 54, 5725 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, 67218
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Tuesday, July 15, 7-9 a.m.
- The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., Mulvane, 67110
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee provided.
- Friday, July 25, 7-9 a.m.
- Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037
| | Flood victims urged to fill out damage survey | | |
Are you a resident, business owner or farmer affected by the recent flooding? Report your damages through the Public Damage Reporting Survey.
Based on the information submitted in the survey, Sedgwick and Butler Counties might qualify for low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to those in the affected areas. Residents should note that this assistance must be repaid, and FEMA will not provide direct financial aid. Residents with extensive flood damage are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross to see if they qualify for disaster relief funds. They can be reached at 1-800-RED-CROSS.
| | Tag Offices Work to Streamline End-of-Month Renewals | | |
Sedgwick County Tag Offices have made changes to improve the customer experience during the busiest days of the month. Effective immediately, Tag Offices will no longer handle walk-in title work from the 27th through the 2nd each month and will instead focus on renewals and select services, to reduce wait times and keep lines moving. During these peak business dates, customers needing title transactions will be required to schedule an appointment.
End-of-month renewal traffic is especially high, and renewals are typically much quicker to process than title transactions. By focusing on these faster services during high demand days, Sedgwick County Tag Offices can serve more customers efficiently.
From the 27th through the 2nd each month, our team will continue to provide the following services on a walk-in basis:
- Renewals
- Plate refunds
- Lien releases
- 1-day inspection permits
- Temporary and permanent disabled placards/plates
- Replacement plates/decals
- Duplicate registrations
While Sedgwick County Tag Offices will no longer handle walk-in title transactions from the 27th through the 2nd each month, customers can schedule an appointment for title work, renewals and other services at one of the following locations:
- 2525 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita
- 5620 E. Kellogg St., Wichita
- 610 S. Tyler Rd., Wichita
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1941 E. 61st St. North, Park City
- 620 N. Rock Road, Suite 300, Derby
Appointments can be scheduled online at Reserve Your Spot In Line | Sedgwick County, Kansas or by using the QLess app - QLess on Google Play or QLess on the App Store. For more information on Tag Office services, visit Sedgwick County Tag Office | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Sedgwick County appreciates the understanding and patience of our citizens, as we make this change to serve you better!
| | Plan now to have a safe and fun Independence Day! | | |
Fireworks can be fun, but also costly - causing thousands of fires and injures each year. Watch the video above for important safety tips.
Sedgwick County Government offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of the holiday, but emergency services will be available by dialing or texting 9-1-1. To report fireworks and noise complaints June 27-July 6 from 6 p.m.-3 a.m., call the non-emergency line at 316-290-1011.
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Voter registration deadline nears for Aug. 5 primary election
Make your voice heard and cast a ballot in the Aug. 5 primary election! The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, July 15, 2025. If you're already registered but have moved or changed your name, you need to update your information on file. Visit Registration | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
The ballot will include contests in Wichita City Council District 1, USD 259 Districts 1 and 5, and a special local sales tax question for the City of Maize. Check early voting locations at Early In-Person Voting Locations | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
| | Citizens encouraged to participate in 2026 budget process | | |
Sedgwick County's budget process is underway, with many opportunities for citizens to participate and make their opinions known on proposed spending for 2026. Mark your calendar for these public hearings:
- Wednesday, July 9 - County Manager Tom Stolz will present the recommended budget at the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the lower-level auditorium of the Ruffin Building, 100 N. Main, Wichita. Community members are welcome to leave comments on our Online Public Forum when it opens that day.
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Wednesday, July 30 - The BoCC will hold a special hearing in the Ruffin Building auditorium at 6 p.m. to take public comment.
- Wednesday, Aug. 20 - The BoCC is expected to adopt the 2026 budget at the regular 9 a.m. meeting.
If you cannot attend these meetings in person, watch the live stream on Sedgwick County Government's Facebook and YouTube pages.
| | Kids should practice safety lessons over summer vacation | | |
Now that school is out and some kids are home alone, safety becomes an important lesson for all ages. Here are some essential tips from Sedgwick County Fire District 1 (SCFD1) to ensure their well-being:
1. Cooking Safety – Use the microwave instead of the stove or oven to reduce fire risk.
2. Fire Extinguisher – Keep one in the house, and make sure kids know where it is and how to use it.
3. Evacuation Practice – Teach kids how to quickly exit the house, including using windows if doors are blocked.
4. Calling 9-1-1 – Make sure kids know when and how to call 9-1-1 and provide their address.
5. Severe Weather – Ensure they know where to take shelter during storms.
6. Stay Connected – If your child leaves the house, ask them to text or call with their location.
These tips can make all the difference in keeping your kids safe this summer. Stay prepared and stay safe!
| | Sedgwick County joins National EMS Moving Honors Procession | | |
On June 10, the community honored 29 EMS first responders from across the country who were killed in the line of duty. Sedgwick County EMS participated in this annual tribute as part of the National EMS Memorial Service Moving Honors Procession. The procession began June 1 in California and continued on to Arlington, VA, for a Weekend of Honor event July 19.
The Moving Honors Procession is designed to raise awareness and money to create a permanent EMS memorial, like those honoring fallen firefighters and law enforcement. Money given to National EMS Memorial Service Donations will support this fundraising campaign.
| | COMCARE video series dispels myths about mental healthcare | | Watch the second of five videos created by Sedgwick County COMCARE to end the stigma and misinformation surrounding mental illness and its treatment. | | Sedgwick County employees named Hometown Heroes | | |
The Wichita Wind Surge and KAKE-TV honored two Sedgwick County employees in June as Hometown Heroes for their selfless leadership, bravery and dedication to our community.
Capt. Matt Nance, who heads up training for Sedgwick County Fire District 1 (SCFD1), was featured at the June 14 Wind Surge game. As Firefighter of the Year, Capt. Nance is credited with building one of the best fire department training programs in the region and across the country. He also developed a proposed training ground that, if approved, would be one of the most important assets in the history of SCFD1.
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Three members of a Sedgwick County EMS crew were also named Hometown Heroes for saving a man from suicide. District Chief Brad Crowe, Paramedic Shay Smith and Lt. Megan Holub acted quickly back in January, when the distraught man tried to jump from a bridge. The EMS crew grabbed the man's leg as he went over the railing, and together, they pulled him to safety. The team was honored at the June 28 Wind Surge game.
Award recipients receive a personalized, commemorative Wind Surge jersey, and a video about them plays on the big screen during the game and on KAKE News. To watch their stories, visit www.kake.com/HometownHeroes. Congratulations to all of our Hometown Heroes!
| | Park City adds safe disposal site for drugs | | |
Sedgwick County Environmental Resources teamed up with Park City Police Department to install a new MedSafe disposal kiosk in the City Hall Building at 1941 E. 61st North. MedSafe kiosks allow residents to safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications. This includes prescriptions, controlled substances and over-the-counter medicines. There is no charge, no ID check, and no questions asked. The kiosk is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
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Sedgwick County firefighters encourage boating safety | Any day is a great day for a trip to the lake! But before you put your boat in the water, take the time to watch these safety tips from Sedgwick County Fire District 1. | | Sedgwick County celebrates WIchita Riverfest 2025 | | Several Sedgwick County departments and their employees joined elected officials in the 2025 Sundown Parade, which traditionally kicks off the Wichita Riverfest. An excited crowd greeted the staff and vehicles from Emergency Management, Sheriff's Office, EMS, Fire District 1 and more. | |
Out and About with Commissioners | | Can you believe it's been 10 YEARS since the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport terminal opened? Commissioners attended the celebration, which featured the unveiling of a statue of President Eisenhower, created by artist Jim Brothers. This is a scale model of the full bronze sculpture that stands at the U.S. Capitol building. | | Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
