The Shawnee County Commission meeting on September 22, 2025, focused on key budgetary decisions and the potential hiring of a lobbyist to enhance funding efforts for local initiatives.

Commissioner Mayes proposed an amendment to add $150,000 back to the Parks and Recreation budget, which was unanimously approved by the commission. This decision reflects the county's commitment to maintaining and improving recreational services for residents.

A significant discussion arose regarding the funding challenges faced by the Department of Corrections, particularly for staffing a new mental health facility. The county had anticipated receiving $2 million in federal funds but ultimately received none. This shortfall has led to concerns about relying on taxpayer money to cover these costs. Commissioner Mayes suggested hiring a lobbyist to advocate for federal and state funding, arguing that a professional could help secure substantial grants and earmarks that would benefit multiple departments, not just corrections.

The commission noted that Shawnee County is currently the only large county in Kansas without a dedicated lobbyist. Previous efforts to influence legislation have been challenging, and the commissioners expressed the need for a more structured approach to advocacy. They discussed the effectiveness of hiring a lobbyist, citing examples from other counties that have successfully navigated funding issues with professional assistance.

Ultimately, the commission voted to allocate $50,000 from the counselor's office budget to hire a lobbyist for a pilot year, aiming to assess the potential benefits of this investment. This decision underscores the county's proactive approach to addressing funding gaps and enhancing its legislative presence.