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County officials warn proposed KDOC funding formula could cut community corrections funding by about 30%
Summary
County administrator and Community Corrections Director said a proposed Kansas Department of Corrections funding formula could reduce Saline County's adult community corrections funding by roughly $450,000 (about 30%), phased in over three years; county officials have contacted legislators and expect statewide discussion.
Saline County officials told commissioners a proposed change to the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) funding formula could sharply reduce local adult community corrections funding and prompt difficult budget choices.
The county administrator reported that a new proposed KDOC funding formula would make Saline and Ottawa counties the largest per-dollar losers in the state, reducing Saline County’s adult community corrections funding by about 30%, roughly $450,000. The administrator said county staff have contacted the local legislative delegation and the Community Corrections Advisory Board (CCAC) and will continue outreach.
Community Corrections Director Michelle Callum spoke about the process and timeline. She said KDOC received funding-formula recommendations from the CCAC based on data prepared by Johnson County; the options presented included multiple splits (e.g., 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50). The CCAC recommended a 60/40 split, but the Secretary of Corrections had not yet chosen a final approach at the meeting.
Callum said KDOC has flat-funded community corrections for the current year and is phasing any reduction over 18 months, with implementation beginning in state fiscal year 2027 (which starts July 1, 2026). The cut would be phased as roughly one-third in each of three steps, with the full reduction in state FY 2029. She said the phased approach provides some planning time but that a 30% reduction would be significant enough to force local choices on continuing programs such as drug court or pursuing local funding via the mill levy.
County legislators and partner counties, including Sedgwick County, have been contacted, the administrator said. Commissioners and staff indicated they will continue coordinated advocacy and seek more details from KDOC, CCAC and the legislative delegation about formulas, data and possible remedies.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff and local officials said they will return with further information as the situation develops.
