Sedgwick County’s recommended budget for 2023 will include funding for pay raises for EMS and Fire District personnel as well as a general eight percent pay increase for county employees.   It will also include funding for mental health and behavioral health programs.

County Manager Tom Stolz presented a recommended budget of $497,530,761, along with a Fire District budget of $23,472,045.    He said the budget will focus on core services provided by the county, with improvements in employee compensation, improvements in environmental working conditions for employees, and continuing a commitment to behavioral health services.

Stolz said there will be a step plan adjustment for EMS and Fire District employees, market adjustments in pay for the District Attorney’s Office, and an increase in hourly rates for election workers.   He wants to move the overall pay scale to avoid returning to a situation where Sedgwick County provides lower compensation than competitors.    He said the county is facing staffing challenges in an extremely competitive labor market.   He said “Service comes from people and we need to keep people in Sedgwick County.”

Stolz said the budget will also provide additional funds for contracted mental health services for children, and there will be a $1 million contingency fund established for mental health program needs that are identified next year.

County Commission Chairman David Dennis voiced satisfaction with the budget plan, and he said hopefully the pay increase will help in retaining and recruiting workers for the county.    Dennis is challenging the Fire District to find efficiencies in its spending.  He said he’s concerned about the optics when a fire truck is used to get lunch or groceries.

The county will have an online public forum that will be open through August 23rd, through the county’s web site at sedgwickcounty.org    Commissioners will have public hearings on August 3rd and on August 24th, and after the second hearing they will vote on a final budget.