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County officials warn proposed KDOC funding formula would cut local adult corrections funding by about 30%
Summary
County Administrator and Community Corrections Director told commissioners a proposed change to Kansas Department of Corrections funding formulas could reduce Saline County's adult community corrections grant by roughly 30%, a potential $450,000 reduction phased in over three years.
County leaders told the Saline County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 14 that a proposed change to the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) funding formula for community corrections grants could sharply reduce local adult corrections funding.
County Administrator Phil (last name not specified) said the new proposed formula would make Saline and Ottawa counties significant losers in the redistribution, with an estimated cut of about 30 percent of current adult corrections funding — roughly $450,000. The county has begun contacting its legislative delegation and the Community Corrections Advisory Board (CCAC) to oppose the proposed changes.
Community Corrections Director Michelle Callum said KDOC and the CCAC considered multiple formulas prepared with data from Johnson County, including 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50 splits. CCAC’s recommendation is a 60/40 formula, but the Secretary of Corrections has not finalized which option KDOC will adopt. Callum said KDOC has flat-funded the county for the coming fiscal year and, if the change is enacted, the reduction would be phased in over 18 months in roughly equal thirds starting in state FY 2027 (beginning July 1, 2026) with the full reduction realized by state FY 2029.
Officials said a cut this large would force significant program changes locally, could jeopardize drug court services unless additional local funding is found, and could require a discussion about increasing the county mill levy to preserve current programming. County leaders have contacted state legislators and Sedgwick County officials, who would also be affected on a large-dollar basis.
No formal board action was taken at the Jan. 14 meeting; staff said they will continue advocacy with the county’s legislative delegation and through the CCAC.
