The Sedgwick County Commission has passed a one year pause on battery energy storage systems applications.
The pause will give county staff time to develop regulations and standards uniquely tailored for these applications, which are becoming more common across the country.
The commission approved security staffing changes at the Sedgwick County Courthouse. By reclassifying several positions, the sheriff's office hopes to fill chronic vacancies. The move will add around $447 thousand to the budget in 2026, and annually around $548 thousand.
The Sheriff's office will also provide security for the new COMCARE Community Crisis Center, a part of the new Biomedical campus in downtown Wichita that will open early next year. The county plans to add 6 additional deputies to the beat but must begin advertising now so those applicants get into the August 2026 recruiting class. The move will cost the county almost $309 thousand in 2026, and annually around $683 thousand.