Conservation district and child‑advocacy group ask Cheyenne County for 2027 budget support

Representatives from the county conservation district and the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center addressed the Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners to request inclusion in next year’s budget.

The conservation district speaker said a $25,000 county contribution would secure a $50,000 state allocation from Kansas and outlined ongoing cost‑share grazing projects and education work with local fourth graders. The presenter said staffing is reduced after recent departures and warned the district could close without continued local support. “If the county conservation district receives $25,000 from the county commissioners, we get the full allocation from the state of Kansas at $50,000,” the conservation district representative said.

Don, representing the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, described mobile interview units that serve about 35 counties and explained the organization’s comfort‑bag program: each child interviewed receives a bag with age‑appropriate items, hygiene products and a blanket. Don requested $4,000 in the county’s 2027 budget and offered to coordinate drop‑offs with local churches and thrift stores. He also described an upcoming fundraiser (casino night) and asked the board to share the organization’s wish list with local groups.

Why it matters: Both requests would support services that operate regionally and locally: the conservation district leverages county funds to unlock state funds for conservation practices and the child advocacy center provides trauma‑informed interviews, therapy and advocacy for abused children.

Next steps: Commissioners took the requests under advisement and suggested staff follow up for budget inclusion and coordination with local partners; no funding decisions were made at the meeting.