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Sedgwick County seal
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Contact
Brandon Zenner
316-660-9370

This Week in Sedgwick County - Feb. 11, 2026

Board of County Commissioners

  • BoCC approved minutes from the regular meeting on Jan. 21, 2026.
  • Sedgwick County Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring Feb. 11, 2026, as United Way 211 Day.
  • Commissioners accepted the resignation of Joseph Younger from the trustee position and Scott Ayres from the clerk position from the Sedgwick County Erie Township.
  • BoCC appointed Scott Ayres to the trustee position and Jed Tennison to the clerk position for the Sedgwick County Erie Township.
  • Commissioners reappointed Dr. Michael Birzer to the Sedgwick County Community Corrections Advisory Board.
  • BoCC appointed Atziri Campos and Alexa Illk to the Sedgwick County Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board.
  • Sedgwick County Commissioners appointed Chairman Jeff Blubaugh to the Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.
  • BoCC deferred PUD2025-00027: zone change request in the county from SF-20 single-family residential district to PUD planned unit development to create the Harry Crossings PUD #154 for future residential and/or commercial development, generally located on the southeast corner of East Harry St. and South 143rd East to the Feb. 18, 2026, meeting.
  • Commissioners received and filed an update from Sedgwick County Zoo.
  • BoCC approved the recommendations of the Board of Bids and Contracts’ regular meeting on Feb. 5, 2026.
  • Assistant County Manager Tania Cole provided a legislative update:
    • This is the fifth week of the legislative session.
    • There was oral and written testimony on two bills:
      • HB 2698: Providing for permanent seizures of animals in instances when the owner violates county resolutions and authorizing judges of competent jurisdiction to order such seizures.
      • SB 436: Increasing the cost threshold for when a county shall use the public bidding process in awarding a construction contract.
    • A bill number has been assigned for HB 2699: Providing for official legal publications on a county website for counties with a population of 100,000 or more.
    • SB 404: The personalized plate process has been removed and the service fee threshold has been increased from $5 up to $15 with a sunset of two years.
    • The County is working to introduce an appraisers qualification bill into this session.
    • There are several bills County leaders are following:
      • HB 2712: Increasing the authority for a countywide retailers' sales tax and providing for the dedicated apportionment of special purpose tax revenues up to 2% and limiting special purpose city and countywide retailers' sales taxes to 10 years.
      • HB 2737: Enacting the taxpayer agreement act to provide for an alternative method of tax increment financing of municipal economic development projects through taxpayer agreements.
      • SB 489: Providing for a universal homestead exemption from ad valorem property taxation.
      • HB 2701: Permitting nonuniform zoning regulations within a zoning district.
      • HB 2644: Requiring a county appraiser to adjust the value of residential and commercial property upon final determination or obtain a fee simple appraisal if the appraised value exceeds 5% each year for 5 years.

Governing Body of Fire District 1

  • BoCC approved the consent agenda.

 Upcoming Events

  • Sedgwick County offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in honor of Presidents’ Day. Emergency services are available by dialing or texting 9-1-1.
  • Early in-person voting for the 2026 Wichita Special Election will begin Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Sedgwick County Election Office. The last day to request an advance ballot by mail is Feb. 24. Election Day is March 3. Sedgwick County Election Office
  • Sedgwick County students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to submit a design for the “I Voted” sticker that will be given out during the 2026 elections. Additionally, students in grades K-5 may submit a design for a “Future Voter” sticker. The contest runs through Feb. 27, 2026, and winners will be chosen in March by a panel of judges from the community. Artwork must be original and non-partisan. For contest rules and forms, visit "I Voted" Sticker Design Contest | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
  • Exploration Place will host Death by Chocolate, an unforgettable evening of food, drinks and entertainment in support of STEM programs and education, on March 7, 2026. Tickets are available to enjoy an adults-only evening of live music, interactive experiences and exclusive access to the museum’s exhibits. Death by Chocolate | Exploration Place

 

Watch the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eec0r96XlsE.