WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Sedgwick County commissioners approved the county’s 2026 operating budget Wednesday in a 4–1 vote. Commissioners Ryan Baty, Jeff Blubaugh, Pete Meitzner and Stephanie Wise supported the measure, while Jim Howell voted against it.

The $591.3 million budget focuses on three main areas: public safety, roads, and arts and culture.

Among the highlights:

A reduction in property taxes.

Funding for 30 additional employees county-wide, with 20 dedicated to 911 dispatch.

The original proposal came in at $625 million, but commissioners trimmed spending before the final vote. Commissioner Ryan Baty said the changes strike a balance between maintaining services and lowering the tax burden.

“We were able to do some creative things today to make a budget with reductions that

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