Sedgwick County commissioners debated the county’s planned funding for the Greater Wichita Partnership (GWP), with some commissioners urging a flat $500,000 per year over three years and others supporting the multi-year ramp-up proposed in the agreement.

The agenda backup showed a requested amount and commissioners recalled prior budget discussions that proposed $450,000 for 2026 and increases in subsequent years. A commissioner advocating a flat approach said a steady $500,000 annually for three years would avoid a future budget “surprise” and provide clarity. "If we’re gonna give them that level of funding, let’s just do it," he said.

Another commissioner cautioned against assuming the county will automatically add more in 2029 and said predicting future budgets is speculative. Several commissioners said they support GWP and want to be fair to the organization while also protecting county budget flexibility.

Staff told the commission the item is on the consent agenda but offered to pull it for discussion. Chairman Tom and other commissioners asked Lindsey (county finance) to confirm whether the county’s funding would match Wichita’s in each year and to provide the exact budget impact if the commission adopted a flat $500,000 proposal.

Commissioners agreed to consult with Lindsey and contact Jeff Fuller of GWP to understand whether GWP prefers the ramping proposal or a flat schedule. The commission did not finalize a change at agenda review; staff said they would provide the requested budget verification and could pull the item from consent for fuller discussion at Wednesday’s meeting if needed.

The item remains on the consent agenda for now; commissioners said they will revisit it after staff provides the matching and budget-impact details.