Sedgwick County budget

Sedgwick County commissioners adopted the 2019 budget and capital improvement plan at a meeting Wednesday.

People who live in Sedgwick County have an opportunity to give feedback on the 2019 budget proposal at a public hearing on Thursday.

Sedgwick County commissioners are getting updates on departmental budget requests as part of the 2019 budget process.

County leaders have been briefing commissioners on the most pressing budget issues during workshops that began earlier this month.

County Manager Mike Scholes says the department of public safety needs increased funding across its agencies, including 911 and the sheriff’s office.

People who live in Sedgwick County will have an opportunity to give their opinion about the proposed 2018 budget at two public hearings and through an online forum.

The county budget released last week totals about $425 million dollars.

The Sedgwick County Commissioners have approved the county’s 2017 operating budget. The commissioners restored a county health department position that was cut last year.

The final public hearing on the Sedgwick County budget takes place on Thursday night. County commissioners are expected to vote on the 2017 budget proposal next week.

KMUW’s Deborah Shaar explains the forecasted operating deficit.

The county manager is recommending a budget of $424 million with an operating deficit of about $4.5 million.

The deficit will be due primarily to one-time capital improvement projects and the commissioners’ desire to fund road and bridge projects with cash instead of bonds.