This Week in Sedgwick County

 

Board of County Commissioners

  • The BoCC approved the minutes from regular meetings on Feb. 12 and Feb. 19, 2025.
  • Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring March as Public Procurement Month.
  • The BoCC approved the appointment of Dr. Loren Hatfield to the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.
  • Commissioners approved the appointments of Chuck Lambert, Dr. Jay Ensley, Heather Bohaty, Becky Tuttle, Chris Carlson, Kelly Bielefeld, William DeLong, Mark Staats, Don Thornbrugh, Austin St. John, Greg Evans, Heaven Christiansen, Gary Witt, Bill Bauck, Dale Pratt, Jason Meirowsky and Lori Lane to the District Collaboration Board in District Five.
  • Following a very competitive bond sale yesterday, the BoCC approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds to reimburse costs for various facility, bridge and paving/drainage projects.  This follows the County’s receipt of an AAA credit rating with stable outlook from S&P in February.
  • Commissioners approved ZON2024-00060: Zone change request from Single-Family Residential to Two-Family Residential to build duplexes at West 55th South and South Meridian Avenue.
  • The BoCC approved an agreement for utility easement access across Sedgwick County-owned property near Northeast Sedgwick County Park.
  • Commissioners approved recommendations from the Board of Bid and Contracts’ regular meeting on Feb. 27, 2025.
  • Assistant County Manager Tania Cole gave a legislative update:
    • This is the final month of the legislative session with these key dates:
      • March 18 – Last day for non-exempt committees to meet and consider bills
      • March 21 – Last day for non-exempt bill in either chamber
      • March 24 – Conference committees begin
      • March 28 – First adjournment
    • Sedgwick County and its lobbyists are following these bills:
      • HB 2377 – A bill to change the sales tax distribution formula has been introduced by Rep. Nick Hoheisel. Sedgwick County’s recommendations to convene a study group of stakeholders and to make a slight amendment to the bill by putting a freeze on the mill levy portion for a year were well received.
      • HB 2396 – Would allow a protest petition to limit funding of a taxing jurisdiction by property taxes exceeding a certain amount. A hearing was held Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
      • SB 280 – Would require voter approval to increase property taxes more than the annual rate of inflation. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, 2025.
      • HB 2152 – Would benefit local governments and banks by creating a collateral pool and continuing the ‘first look’ provision for banks and the existing statute on investment of bond proceeds.
      • SB 273 - Would limit special elections to three specific dates throughout the year. Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Laura Rainwater testified on the bill Monday, March 3, 2025.
      • HB 2331 – Would enable County Coroners the appropriate and respectful disposal of cremated remains of unclaimed individuals at the Regional Forensic Science Center. Rep. Jill Ward is carrying the bill, which had a hearing on the floor Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
    • Citizens can watch and listen to House and Senate hearings on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel, https://kslegislature.gov/li/.
  • The BoCC took no binding action in two executive sessions.

  Upcoming Events

  • Severe Weather Preparedness Week continues through March 7, 2025, and urges residents to plan ahead for spring storms, make a disaster kit and stay informed of current weather conditions. Sedgwick County Emergency Management is offering free severe weather safety classes through March 31. To find a location near you, check the schedule at 1-2025-severe-weather-class-flyer.pdf.
  • The 68th Annual NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship will be held March 6-8, 2025, at Park City Arena, 8151 N. Hartman Arena Dr. The 3rd Annual NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship will be held March 14-15, 2025. For tickets, visit Park City Arena.
  • Haysville ’s Shamrock Shuffle on March 8, 2025, invites kids and adults to participate in a 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run or a 100-yard dash for those six years and younger. All races are held at Dorner Park, 400 W. 79th South. Register at Haysville Recreation: Shamrock Shuffle.
  • Sharks, one of the largest traveling exhibits that Exploration Place has ever hosted is now on display through May 4, 2025. Visitors can see and touch 10 life-sized shark models and a massive megalodon jawbone. Find more information at Sharks | February 7 - May 4 | Exploration Place.
  • Watch the First and Second Rounds of the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship at INTRUST Bank Arena March 20-22, 2025. Buy tickets at NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship | INTRUST Bank Arena | Select-A-Seat.
  • Fan Fest at Naftzger Park provides the ultimate March Madness experience for basketball fans by showing live tournament action on the park’s digital board March 20-22, 2025, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks, yard games, a live DJ and performances by pep bands and cheer squads. For more information, visit Fan Central 2025.

Watch the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/live/-oStOiQtmT0?si=QbGgqqPM8Vl0zoHJ.