To assure quality public services that provide for the present and future well-being of the citizens of Sedgwick County.

To establish, maintain and nurture partnerships to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services.

To train, encourage and recognize employees for hard work, creativity and innovation in delivering quality public services.

To foster two-way communication with citizens and employees to build trust, confidence and teamwork, and to ensure Informed decisions.

To allocate and use resources for basic and essential services that are responsive to the changing needs of our community.

© 2004, Sedgwick County.

525 N. Main, #320 | Wichita, KS 67203
Tel: (316) 660-9300 | Fax: (316) 383-8275

Welcome to the Web page of the Board of Sedgwick County Commission. 

The Board of County Commission meets each Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the Commission Meeting Room, located on the 3rd floor of the Sedgwick County Courthouse, 525 N. Main.
Agendas/Meeting Minutes | e-Video | Online Public Hearings | Issues | "Around the County" |
2008 Legislative Platform | 2008 Budget Hearings

• Commissioner Dave Unruh, 1st District
• Commissioner Tim Norton, 2nd District
• Commissioner Tom Winters, 3rd District - Chairman
• Commissioner Kelly Parks, 4th District
• Commissioner Gwen Welshimer, 5th, District

The Sedgwick County Commissioners are vested by Kansas state statute with both legislative and administrative powers and duties. These powers and duties include:

1. Supervision of county property

2. Organization of townships following statutory procedures

3. Control of the financial affairs of the county

4. Approval of the annual budget

5. Levying of county taxes

6. Designation of depositories for the county treasurer

7. Construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges

8. Approval of land use and zoning policies for the county

9. Issuance of bonds

10. Awarding of contracts

11. Incorporation of cities

12. Creation of special districts

13. Setting of salaries of all county officials

14. Providing a jail, courthouse, office space, and supplies for all county officers and the district court

15. Appointment of members of various boards and commissions

The Board also serves as the Hearing Officer Panel for tax appeals cases, sits as the Board of Canvassers, and acts as the Governing Body for Fire District #1.

When & Where Meetings Are Held

The five member board meets weekly on Wednesday, at 9 a.m. All meetings are open to the public and televised live on KPTS, Channel 8. Rebroadcasts are aired on Wichita's Cable Channel 7 each Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.

Meetings are held in the Commission Meeting Room, 3rd Floor, Sedgwick County Courthouse, 525 North Main, Wichita, Kansas.  Parking is available in the parking garage just north of the courthouse at Main & Elm Streets.

What are Resolutions?

In fulfilling its legislative responsibilities, the Board of Sedgwick County Commission considers resolutions, which are equivalent to “bills” in the United States Congress and the Kansas Legislature and to ordinances considered by municipal governing councils. A resolution generally originates at the request of a commissioner, another elected official, the County Manager or a department director.  Resolutions are drafted by the County Counselor’s Office.

Before voting on a proposed resolution, it is discussed by the Board at the meeting. Any citizen may appear before the Board to speak, up to five minutes, either in favor of or in opposition to the resolution. Following discussion, the Board votes on the resolution.  Adoption of an ORDINARY resolution requires a majority (three or more) “yes” votes from the Board.  Resolutions become effective on passage or upon publication, if required.

If there is a state law on a subject that applies to a particular county, but the law does not apply to all counties uniformly, a CHARTER resolution is necessary in dealing with that subject. A charter resolution requires four “yes” votes and is subject to a protest petition.  If a protest petition is filed, then the matter must go before a vote of the people.

Advisory Boards and Committees
Appointed by County Commission Resolution

• Alcohol & Drug Abuse Advisory Board (ADAAB)

• Aging Council

• Animal Care Advisory Board

• Arts & Humanities Council

• Buildings Examiners and Appeals

• Central Plains Quad County Planning Forum

• Community Housing Services

• Coordinated Transit District

• Electrical Examiners and Appeals

• Employee Suggestion Awards Committee

• Fire Code Board of Appeals

• Forensic Science Center Advisory Board

• Grievance Board

• Health Board

• Human Services Board

• Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board

• Kansas Coliseum Advisory Board

• Metropolitan Area Planning Commission

• Mechanical Examiners and Appeals

• Mental Health Advisory Boards

• Physical/Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board

• Plumbing Examiners and Appeals

• Project Freedom Family and Youth Coalition

• Public Building Commission

• SCKEDD Executive Committee

• Sheriff's Civil Service Board

• Solid Waste Management Committee

• Wichita Airport Authority

• Wichita's Promise

• Zoning Appeals Board