Wichita City Manager Dennis Marstall presented the city's proposed 2027 operating budget at Tuesday's council meeting.
That budget currently stands at just over $800 million. Public safety, which includes Police and Fire services, is projected to cost around $237 million, about 67 percent of the general fund. That includes $1.5 million to staff a new fire station set to open next year in southwest Wichita.
The city manager's proposed budget also includes $34.3 million for Parks and Recreation maintenance efforts. $153 thousand is currently allocated for 50 new police car dashcams. The city also expects to save around $800 thousand thanks to centralization efforts.
Mayor Lily Wu said local government needs to be more efficient and responsible. She stated she could only support a budget that did not capture the full property valuation, but just inflation and new property added to the tax rolls.
Right now, the mill levy rate is projected to stay flat at 32.34 mills.
Public input will be heard and adjustments will be made over the coming weeks. Budget, CIP and revenue neutral rate adoption is set for the evening of August 25.
