How much control does the Sedgwick County Commission have over its own budget? County Commission Chair Ryan Baty tells KNSS News the state of Kansas controls most of the 46 departments of Sedgwick County. In a budget of $536 million, only about 4% is discretionary.
Baty says the county is a "conduit" of mandated state spending. He says, "the vast majority of what we do is core service," such as the Sheriff Department.
Baty says the cost of government is rising and he wants to do something about local property taxes. He says "we're too dependent on property tax revenue." Baty commented during his weekly chat with Steve and Ted in the Morning on KNSS.
