Concerns over the renewal of Sedgwick County's consulting contract with IMA took center stage during the Board of Commissioners' agenda review on September 26, 2025. The current contract, which has been in place for five years, is set to expire imminently, raising questions about the lack of competitive bidding and the decision-making process behind the renewal.

Commissioners expressed unease about the absence of alternative proposals, with one member highlighting that the county had not reached out to other providers for comparison. "It seems like we should have had some competition," they stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and verification of the services and pricing offered by IMA. The discussion revealed that the renewal process was primarily based on the continuity of services and the positive track record IMA has established with the county.

The situation was further complicated by the recusal of a board member from the vote due to their ties to the human resources department, which directly interacts with IMA. This raised additional concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of the decision-making process.

Despite the apprehensions, some commissioners defended the relationship with IMA, citing their familiarity with county operations and the complexity of health insurance brokering. They argued that maintaining a partnership with a local business like IMA could be beneficial for future collaborations with larger government entities.

As the board prepares to vote on the renewal, the urgency of the situation looms large, with the current contract expiring just days before the decision. The discussions underscore a critical moment for Sedgwick County as it navigates the balance between established relationships and the need for competitive practices in public contracting.