Sedgwick County adopts 2026 budget, approves levy above revenue-neutral rate and trims planned cultural subsidy

Sedgwick County commissioners voted 5-0 on Aug. 20 to adopt the county’s 2026 operating budget and to pass a resolution authorizing a property tax levy higher than this year’s revenue-neutral rate.

The board adopted a $591,264,680 county operating budget and a cash-funded capital improvement program after a half-hour of public comment and several hours of internal deliberations that produced targeted cuts and reassignments. County Manager Tom Stolz said the recommended budget would be supported by an estimated property tax levy of about $208,049,217, or roughly 27.553 mills, subject to technical adjustments.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the adjustments strike a balance between reducing property-tax reliance and maintaining public safety and core services. Several speakers during public comment urged the commission to pursue broader fixes at the state level — especially reforms to property appraisal and the fee structure for vehicle-registration offices — to reduce future pressure on local property taxes.

What the commission did - Adopted the 2026 county operating budget, including a $27.31 million cash-funded CIP. The final package reflects amendments adopted on the floor that trimmed the recommended budget and reallocated some funds. (Vote: 5-0.) - Adopted a resolution to levy property taxes in excess of the revenue-neutral rate as required by state law, after the required hearing. County Manager Stolz reported the county’s revenue-neutral mill rate at 26.427 mills and the recommended levy would be approximately 27.881 mills before the board’s later adjustments. (Vote: 5-0.)

Major amendments and staff direction approved on the floor - Reduced the planned county subsidy to the auto-license (tag) fund from an estimated…