Sedgwick County released its proposed 2027 operating budget on Wednesday, which totals just over $624 million.
Public safety, including fire and EMS, comprises 38% of that budget.
County employees will receive at least a 4% salary increase, while some will get more. The county manager wants to add employees to the appraiser's office, EMS and the zoo.
A $14.5 million upgrade is planned for the 911 Radio system. A $5.8 million HVAC replacement project will roll out in the Reagan Building and $2 million in capital improvements is planned for Intrust Bank Arena.
In an effort to lower property taxes, the county will only capture 4.2 percent of the available 7.46 percent assessed valuation growth, missing out on roughly $5.9 million. The county will also lose $616 thousand in sales tax because of that decision. The proposed mill levy rate for 2027 is 26.842 mills, a reduction of .725 mills.
Commissioner Ryan Baty said when it comes to property taxes, they are listening to residents.
The county will hold two public hearings: 6 p.m. on July 29 and 9 a.m. on August 26, when the budget is officially adopted.
