Board of Douglas County, KS, Commissioners Work Session on July 1, 2026

The Douglas County, Kansas Board of Commissioners held a work session on July 1, 2026, focused primarily on the 2027 fiscal year budget for Consolidated Fire District Number One. The discussion centered on staffing challenges, including the need to add approximately 10 full-time equivalent positions (six firefighters, three captains, and one chief officer) to address response times and volunteer shortages across the large geographic district. The board reviewed budget options with varying staffing levels and associated mill levy impacts, noting increased overtime and health insurance costs. They also discussed the district's unique operational challenges, including long response times due to geographic size and limited volunteer availability, and the importance of maintaining adequate staffing to improve safety and service delivery. The commissioners considered potential grant opportunities, such as SAFER and Assistance to Firefighter grants, to supplement funding for personnel and equipment. The session concluded with a request for further refined budget information and data on call acuity to inform upcoming budget deliberations and revenue neutral rate hearings.