Sedgwick County commissioners on a preliminary briefing discussed a proposed 10% increase in application fees charged by MAPD (Metropolitan Area Planning Department) intended to shift more of planning costs to applicants rather than general taxpayers.

The proposal, presented by Scott (MAPD staff member), would raise applicant fees by 10 percent. Scott said the core question driving the discussion is “who should fund the services that the planning department provides, especially when it comes to processing applications?” He described MAPD’s financial model and said surplus funds are split between the county and the city at year end, which leaves the department with little reserve.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the county currently subsidizes a significant share of MAPD’s operations and that the county’s taxpayers effectively help pay for city-managed planning services. Commissioner Dennis and Commissioner Hallett both pressed for more data on recent transfers, surplus amounts and staffing vacancies before adopting a fee change. Scott said MAPD currently has three vacancies in a staff of about 20, and that vacancies—not fee collections—have driven recent year-end surpluses.

Discussion and next steps: Commissioners debated whether to approve the 10% increase now and follow with a larger review of the funding model, or to pause and request more financial detail first. Some commissioners said they favored approving the increase and then revisiting the broader funding model as part of the 2026 budget process. Staff agreed to provide detailed financial history and to brief the commission ahead of a formal vote; no formal motion or vote was recorded in the briefing.

Budget detail requested: Commissioners asked for multi-year figures showing how much fee revenue was collected, how much was transferred to the city, and how staff vacancies affected year-end balances. Scott said he can compile that information and provide it at the follow-up briefing.

Ending: The item remains in preliminary status: staff will supply the requested financial breakdown and commissioners may take formal action after that briefing.