Sedgwick County says 2027 budget simulator drew more than twice last year’s submissions

Sedgwick County staff told a weekly meeting the county’s 2027 budget simulator drew more than twice the number of submissions received last year, and that public input emphasized continued support for public safety, public works and the Sedgwick County Zoo.

The staff member said the simulator results give officials “a clearer picture of public priorities as we prepare budget recommendations,” but did not provide a precise count of how many submissions were received. County officials characterized the increase as more than double last year’s participation.

The public responses, staff said, repeatedly called out public safety funding needs, investments in public works projects, and continued support for the Sedgwick County Zoo. The county presented the simulator results at a Tuesday staff meeting as part of preliminary budget planning for 2027.

County staff described the simulator as a public engagement tool rather than a final budget decision-making instrument; the results will inform staff recommendations that go to elected officials for review. No formal budget decisions or votes were announced at the meeting.