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Sedgwick County manager seeks public input on 2027 budget
Summary
Sedgwick County Manager Tom Stolz outlined priorities for the 2027 budget, citing state-mandated costs that squeeze local finances and naming proposed investments in EMS, 911 upgrades, sheriff's staffing, Intrust Bank Arena repairs and zoo improvements. He urged residents to use the county's budget simulator.
Sedgwick County Manager Tom Stolz on Monday asked residents to weigh in on the county's 2027 budget as officials consider spending increases for public safety and repairs to community venues.
Stolz said commissioners are focused on keeping property taxes low while maintaining services, but called out rising costs and state requirements that add pressure to local finances. “In many cases, the state requires counties to provide services without fully funding them, and that means local dollars must fill the gap,” he said.
Why it matters: Sedgwick County faces trade-offs between preserving a low mill levy and funding services that residents expect. Stolz noted the county’s mill levy “remains at its lowest level in more than three decades,” even as property valuations rise, and said the county only takes the revenue needed to operate.
Key proposals named by Stolz include additional EMS staff and ambulances, upgrades to the county’s 911 radio system and more personnel and vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office. He also said county leaders are considering infrastructure work at Intrust Bank Arena and upgrades at the Sedgwick County Zoo “to maintain our accreditation and excellent care of the animals.”
Stolz described tools for public engagement: this is the second year the county is using a budget simulator that lets residents explore funding trade-offs across more than 45 departments. “Please take a few moments to use the budget simulator and help guide our decisions as we plan for 2027 and beyond,” he said, adding that feedback from last year had been “incredibly valuable and directly informed our discussions.”
The manager did not provide dollar amounts, timelines, or a schedule of formal votes on the proposals during this statement. He framed the items as considerations for the upcoming budget process and asked the public to provide input via the simulator. “Thank you for being engaged in Sedgwick County's future,” Stolz concluded.
Next steps: County staff will continue drafting the 2027 budget, incorporating public feedback and formal deliberations by commissioners; Stolz asked residents to use the online simulator to inform those discussions.
