SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) — Sedgwick County commissioners approved the 2026 budget Wednesday, lowering the county’s property tax rate for the third year in a row to its lowest level in 33 years.

The $591 million county budget sets the mill levy at 27.553, a drop of 1.148 mills from last year. Fire District 1’s $31 million budget also lowers its rate by a quarter mill. Combined, the budgets total $622 million.

In a statement, Chairman Ryan Baty said the plan “lowers the property tax burden on citizens while protecting vital services.”

The budget funds pay raises for employees, including a 5% increase for sheriff’s deputies, and adds positions in emergency dispatch, mental health care, and at the zoo. It also sets aside $24.9 million for road and bridge work and $10.3 million for drain

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