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Sedgwick County approves agreement to join donor-funded first-responder wellness center
Summary
The Sedgwick County Commission approved an operating agreement with the Crime Commission and City of Wichita to participate in a private-donor-funded first-responder health and wellness center downtown, committing to limited operating support while donors finance renovation costs.
Sedgwick County commissioners voted unanimously May 6 to approve an operating memorandum of understanding to support a first-responder wellness center planned for the 3rd and Broadway site. The Crime Commission will purchase and renovate the former United Methodist Church building using philanthropic commitments; county leaders said donors have pledged cornerstone gifts and a capital reserve that will backstop early operating costs.
The board and county staff described the center as a multi-story facility with therapy and counseling space, a 24-hour gym, training rooms and a grab-and-go healthy-food kitchen to serve sheriff’s deputies, EMS workers, firefighters, 9-1-1 staff and other county partners. Sheriff Jeff Easter and Crime Commission representatives told commissioners the initiative aims to improve retention, morale and resiliency among public-safety personnel.
Under the MOU, participating governmental partners will share operating responsibilities and limited costs during an initial five‑year period. County officials said the county’s exposure for operating support is approximately $94,000 per year, with donors and the Crime Commission covering renovation and capital-reserve needs. Crime Commission representatives said a private donor pledged $1 million and that the organization expects to raise additional funds to fit the facility for first-responder services.
Commissioners asked for clarity about what happens at the end of five years. County legal staff said the property is intended to transfer to the county after the donor-backed period but the board retains authority to accept or reject the transfer; details on future operating responsibilities would be resolved then. County staff also said they will capture utilization and performance data during the operating period to inform the five‑year disposition decision.
The commission approved the recommended action and authorized the chairman to sign the agreement, 5–0. The city commission had approved a parallel action the day before, county staff said.
