Commissioners hear feedback on proposed budget cuts

(WICHITA, Kan.) — It asks agencies to do less, with less. On Wednesday, Sedgwick County Commissioners started getting feedback on a proposed budget.

The budget cuts more than eight million dollars, but eliminates a more than nine million dollar debt. The cuts include 113 county positions and affect almost every department.

A board member from the County Extension Center said a proposed $177,000 cut for them would mean fewer programs, and cuts to center staff.

Supporters for senior centers told commissioners more than $66,000 in cuts could mean fewer programs to help keep seniors out of nursing homes.

The recommendation to close Judge Riddel Boys Ranch also took center stage. It helps troubled youth, some of whom have spent time at the ranch.

"Every body part has its own function, has its own skill that they do very well. I can't do what they do out there and do it as well as they do. With the loss of one of those body parts it's going to leave the rest of us shuffling to pick up the pieces," Nate Davis told commissioners.

There will be two more public hearings on the County budget. They'll happen at nine o'clock in the morning on August 9 and August 14 at the Sedgwick County Courthouse.

Commissioners could make changes before a final vote August 15.