The Wichita City Council convened on July 15, 2025, to delve into the intricacies of the proposed 2026 Annual Operating Budget and the expansive 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The discussions centered on critical decisions about what will be cut, what will be funded, and how the city plans to navigate an anticipated multi-million dollar deficit beginning in 2026.
Budgetary Challenges and Potential Solutions
The city faces a projected budget shortfall in 2026, primarily attributed to a slowdown in revenue growth—particularly declining interest earnings—and an increase in expenditures, driven largely by rising wages and benefits for city employees. To address this looming deficit, the City Council is actively debating two primary approaches: implementing budget cuts or increasing taxes.
During the recent meeting, motions related to adjusting the mill levy were discussed, highlighting the ongoing effort to balance the budget without disproportionately burdening taxpayers. While some council members advocate for maintaining the current tax rate and utilizing increased revenue from rising property values to offset deficits, others suggest consolidating services with Sedgwick County as an alternative to tax increases.
Areas Under Review for Cuts and Efficiencies:
City Manager Robert Layton has put forth several cost-cutting measures, some of which were already considered for the 2025 budget and continue to influence the 2026 outlook. These include:
- Financial Department Adjustments: Trimming expenses and reducing the postage budget.
- Operational Efficiencies: Evaluating the need for city-owned vehicles and eliminating long-vacant city positions.
- Employee Benefits: Reworking benefit structures, potentially through new providers.
- Service Modifications: Strategic adjustments to services deemed of lower importance based on community surveys.
- Specific Departmental Changes: Reductions have previously been made in areas like Municipal Court process improvements, Public Works & Utilities (Facilities and Street Maintenance), Park Maintenance, and a decrease in the annual transfer to the Planning Department. The Wichita Area Metropolitan Building and Construction Department has also seen significant city funding cuts, with Sedgwick County assuming a larger share.
Council members have also expressed caution against making deep cuts to employee benefits, recognizing their importance in attracting and retaining talent. Limiting new police hires to only fill vacant positions is another consideration.
Funding Priorities and Capital Investments (2026-2035 CIP)
Despite the financial challenges, the city is also focused on strategic investments for the future. The 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Program outlines significant projects and their funding mechanisms. The CIP details various funding sources, including:
- General Obligation (GO) Bonds: Financed primarily through the property tax levy.
- Local Sales Tax: Supporting major street improvements and bridges.
- Transient Guest Tax: Allocated for cultural facilities and the Century II convention center.
- Utility Revenues: Funds generated from Airport, Sewer, and Water utilities for related infrastructure projects.
A notable component of the CIP is a substantial $400 million allocation for a new convention center; however, the specific funding source for this project has yet to be identified. Additionally, the 2025-2026 proposed budget includes a $45 million investment in crime prevention strategies, largely supported by grants. The idea of an additional sales tax to bolster police and fire departments, subject to voter approval, has also been discussed.
Public Engagement and Transparency
The City of Wichita is committed to public involvement in the budget process. An online budget simulator tool is available at wichita.budgetsimulator.com, allowing residents to provide input on how the 2026-2027 budget will be balanced. This tool will be active from May through August 2025. Furthermore, public hearings for both the proposed budget and the Capital Improvement Program are scheduled to ensure community feedback is considered.
For detailed documentation, the 2026 Proposed Budget and the 2026-2035 Proposed Capital Improvement Program documents are accessible on the city’s official website under the Budget & CIP Documents section. The July 15, 2025, City Council Meeting Recap also provides more information, accessible through the Wichita.gov Civic Alerts section.
As discussions continue, the City Council aims to finalize a budget that addresses immediate financial pressures while laying a strong foundation for Wichita’s long-term growth and stability.
