Seward County discusses budget impacts on sheriff's office and community services

Seward County officials are making strides in addressing community needs, particularly in the realm of disability services and transportation, as discussed during the County Commission Work Session on June 17, 2025. A key highlight from the meeting was the announcement of additional funding aimed at reducing waitlists for home and community-based services, which currently affect thousands of residents.

The county has seen a decrease in the waitlist for intellectual and developmental disability services, with 4,462 individuals now receiving assistance. This improvement is attributed to a combination of state allocations and attrition, with an expected 200 more individuals set to receive services soon. However, the county must maintain a cap of 3,800 individuals in the system, which presents ongoing challenges due to capacity issues statewide.

Transportation services also emerged as a significant topic, with officials noting a substantial increase in funding for transportation subsidies. This increase is driven by a rise in state aid and the need for accessible transportation for residents attending medical appointments and other essential activities. Local agencies, such as ResCare and Mosaic, are key providers in this area, facing rising operational costs, particularly in vehicle maintenance and insurance.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting touched on upcoming elections, with expectations of multiple constitutional amendment questions on the ballot. This could lead to increased costs for ballot programming, which officials are currently budgeting for.

Overall, the meeting underscored Seward County's commitment to improving services for its residents, particularly those with disabilities, while also preparing for the financial implications of upcoming elections. As these initiatives move forward, community members can anticipate enhanced support and resources in the coming year.