Sedgwick County budget

A team that responds to emergency calls involving mental health crisis situations in Sedgwick County now has the support to continue beyond a trial run.

Sedgwick County’s budget proposal for 2021 addresses staffing needs in several departments while keeping funding flat in most other areas.

County Manager Tom Stolz released the recommended budget Wednesday at the county commission meeting. Budgets for Sedgwick County government and Fire District 1 total about $458 million, about the same as last year.

Stolz said the spending plan takes into account that the county is still in COVID-19 pandemic response mode.

Sedgwick County leaders say the COVID-19 crisis could impact the county’s budget through 2022.

The projection comes as county staff begin the process of establishing next year’s budget, fiscal year 2021, while still navigating the current challenging situation. Sedgwick County’s costs and responsibilities have grown each week since the beginning of March as the coronavirus spread throughout the community.

Sedgwick County commissioners approved the $457 million 2020 budget at their weekly meeting Wednesday.

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.