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

This Week in Sedgwick County - March 11, 2026

Board of County Commissioners

  • Sedgwick County Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
  • Commissioners adopted a proclamation declaring March 11, 2026, as Education and Sharing Day.
  • BoCC appointed Teresa Seymour to the Sedgwick County Public Building Commission.
  • Commissioners nominated Ebony Clemson for reappointment to the Wichita Airport Advisory Board.
  • Sedgwick County Commissioners approved the addition of an off-agenda item. Commissioners approved an amendment to the core grants funding list utilized within Sedgwick County’s grant applications and award management policy.
  • BoCC adopted a resolution to establish interim development control for Battery Energy Storage System zoning applications where (1) the Battery Energy Storage System is the primary use of the property, or (2) the Battery Energy Storage System is an ancillary use but with an anticipated energy storage capacity of 600 kWh or greater. The interim development control is valid through March 11, 2027, or until Sedgwick County has adopted and published a resolution for zoning code provisions associated with Battery Energy Storage Systems.
  • Sedgwick County Commissioners approved a proposal for Courthouse Security reclassification and staffing. The proposal eliminates seven part-time Courthouse Security Deputy positions, freezes one full-time Courthouse Security Deputy position and adds four full-time Service Officers and two fleet vehicles.
  • BoCC approved a proposal for COMCARE Community Crisis Center security. The proposal adds six full-time Sheriff Deputy positions. Funding to support these costs will come from COMCARE revenues.
  • Commissioners approved the minutes from the Board of Bids and Contracts’ regular meeting on March 5, 2026.
  • Assistant County Manager Tania Cole provided a legislative update:
    • March 17 is the final day for non-exempt committees to meet and consider bills before the legislature transitions to full days of floor debate.
    • The legislative session will adjourn March 27.
    • SRC 1616: The bill was taken up by the House Committee on Taxation, amending the bill to require a vote during the general election in November if passed by a two-thirds majority from both the Senate and House of Representatives. The bill would enact the Cap Assessed Value Protection (CAP) Amendment to amend the Kansas Constitution to generally limit the growth of taxable assessed value of any real property or residential mobile home personal property to 3 percent, or a lesser percentage as provided by law, per year.
    • HB 2745: As amended by the Senate Tax Committee, the bill would create a protest petition process for the adoption of local government budgets in excess of a funding limit established by the bill and revise the revenue neutral rate notice to incorporate changes associated with the protest petition process.
    • HB 2712: The bill passed out of the House. The bill would increase the authority for a countywide retailers' sales tax and provide for the dedicated apportionment of special purpose tax revenues up to 2% and limit special purpose city and countywide retailers' sales taxes to 10 years.
    • SB 33: The bill would provide that countywide retailers' sales tax is apportioned based on total assessed valuations of the county and cities within the county rather than property taxes levied. The bill passed out of the House.
    • HB 2769: The bill was taken up by the House Committee of Local Government. Sedgwick County provided testimony on the bill. The bill would require members of governing bodies of subordinate service taxing areas to be residents of such taxing areas.
    • HB 2343: The bill was heard by the Senate Commerce Committee. Sedgwick County provided testimony in favor of property rights but in opposition of overriding local zoning rules and neighborhood protections. The Committee closed discussions and is expected to discuss future amendments. The bill would create the No-Impact Home-Based Business Fairness Act, supporting the development and growth of such businesses by limiting the regulatory power of municipalities.
    • HB 2571: The bill was heard by the Senate this week. The bill would require cost-sharing agreements between municipalities for the maintenance of shared roads.

Governing Body of Fire District 1

  • Sedgwick County Commissioners approved minutes from the fire meetings on Jan. 21, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11, 2026.
  • BoCC accepted the resignation of Katy Jackman Tyndell from the Sedgwick County Fire District 1 Steering Council.
  • Commissioners approved the contract to provide Hazardous Materials Response for the State of Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Upcoming Events

  • The Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners will hold a Listening Town Hall regarding data centers Thursday, March 12, at 6 p.m. at K-State Research and Extension – Sedgwick County. There will be an additional town hall with the Planning Department on Tuesday, March 31, at 4:30 p.m. at K-State Research and Extension – Sedgwick County. Data Centers
  • The Delano Paddy Day Parade takes place Saturday, March 14. Festivities begin with a street party, food truck rally and kids zone at 10 a.m., followed by the parade at noon. Delano Paddy Day Parade
  • Sedgwick County Emergency Management continues its 2026 Severe Weather Safety Program with its next class Saturday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Mulvane Fire Station #1. This free program, developed by the National Weather Service, educates citizens about severe weather and ways to stay safe. 2026 Severe Weather Safety Program
  • The Great Plains Nature Center will host its annual Spring Break Programs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. daily from March 16-19. Each day, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds and more through daily themed activities. Activities throughout the week include a naturalist program, trail hikes, crafts, games and more. The events are open to all ages. Great Plains Nature Center
  • Registration is open for the first 2026 CERT Basic Training Weekend class, hosted by Sedgwick County Emergency Management. The course will take place March 27-29 at the Valley Center Library, 314 E. Clay St. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Weekend is designed to educate and empower community members to play a more active role in personal and public safety. In the aftermath of a disaster, professional responders are often spread thin. CERT-trained community members help us fill the gap by giving you the knowledge and skills to prepare your family and respond to the needs of your neighbors. Community Emergency Response Team

 

Watch the meeting at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DZfgh_85t8.