At Wednesday's Sedgwick County Commission meeting, commissioners got an update concerning the 2025 Kansas Legislative session.
Property taxes were a key item going into the session in January. However, the Legislature only approved a limited 1.5 mill reduction, or the equivalent of $1.50 per $1,000 in assessed value.
Jessica Lucas, representing Watkins Public Strategies, the county's lobbyist, says there will be changes for Kansas voters going forward, thanks to House Bill 2022. Kansas elections will now only take place on Tuesdays following the first Monday in the months of March, August and November.
Lucas added that House bill 2329, which deals with juvenile justice reform, passed that chamber but still needs work done by the Senate.
Also at Wednesday's meeting, commissioners approved the settlement of lawsuits filed by two inmates at the County Jail who claim a former detention deputy raped them.
The events allegedly occurred in July 2022. The agreements resolve all claims against the County and the Sheriff and will pay the inmates $200 thousand and $175 thousand respectively.
Dusting Burnett is behind bars for more than 5 years for having unlawful sexual relations with inmates.