Sedgwick County begins communications planning as potential federal grant cuts loom; Comcare covers terminated grant positions with local revenue

Sedgwick County staff told commissioners during an agenda review that they are beginning outreach and communications planning to address potential federal grant reductions and that departments were not yet notified of formal cuts.

"We didn't have any formal no department was identified of any formal reductions this past week. We've got some things that may be on the horizon that we're starting to get some information on, but nothing formal of the bringing the departments," Nicole, a county staff member, said.

County staff described internal materials being prepared for commissioners and the public, including a one-page summary and a community resource web page compiling grants, financial impacts and resources. Staff said departments will be asked to fill a template that includes financial impact and how many positions could be affected.

On staffing, staff said a recent termination of a first-episode psychosis grant had employees associated with it, and Comcare is temporarily covering those positions with Comcare revenue funds. "To clarify on that first episode psychosis grant that did have employees, that grant was terminated that is now being paid for by Comcare revenue funds," a county staff member said. The county said those cases are being handled separately and will be discussed during upcoming budget hearings.

Staff urged commissioners to distinguish between confirmed agency announcements and media speculation. They said a one-page brief for commissioners will be distributed so commissioners have a consistent public message.