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County officials warn new state corrections funding formula will shift millions away from Sedgwick County

5956188 · October 16, 2025

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Summary

Commissioner Jim Howell said a state advisory board and the Department of Corrections proposed a new funding formula that would reduce Sedgwick County's corrections funding by about $2 million and raise Johnson County's allocation by roughly $1 million; county officials said they are challenging the change and expect state discussions.

Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell told residents that the Kansas Department of Corrections' advisory board recommended a new distribution formula that would reduce Sedgwick County’s corrections funding and shift money to other counties.

Howell said the new formula prioritizes case counts rather than case complexity, and he estimated Sedgwick County would lose roughly $2,000,000 in corrections funding while Johnson County would gain about $1,000,000. "We're gonna stand to lose all this revenue, and it's gonna substantially hurt what we do here in Central County," Howell said, adding that the county would press state officials on the change.

Why this matters

Sedgwick County officials said the change would pressure local budgets for corrections and re-entry programs. Howell warned the county could have to subsidize corrections with property taxes or reduce services that facilitate re-entry and community safety.

County response and next steps

Howell said the county had received correspondence from the Department of Corrections and expected the DOC secretary to visit Sedgwick County for discussions. County officials said the DOC and the governor's staff had defended the formula, and the county was planning to "squawk" — i.e., contest the approach and seek reconsideration or transitional arrangements.

Ending

Howell said the county would continue to press state officials and prepare to respond if funding is reduced, including using contingency funds or requesting additional county support to preserve corrections services.