Douglas County, KS, Commissioners Budget Deliberations on July 15, 2026

The Douglas County, Kansas Commissioners held their final budget deliberations on July 15, 2026, focusing on the 2027 county and consolidated fire district budgets. Key procurement-related discussions included a nearly $420,000 reduction in the county's general fund budget by shifting some housing partners to a behavioral health sales tax fund, additional funding for the mobile integrated health program, and restored funding for the KU innovation park and small business initiatives. The commissioners debated the mill levy rate, ultimately considering a maximum levy of 40.286 mills with a fund balance target of 21-22%, rejecting further reductions to avoid using one-time funds to lower ongoing tax rates. For the consolidated fire district, the budget increased the mill rate by 3.83 mills to 9.83 mills, enabling workforce expansion and grant applications for PPE. The meeting concluded with plans to submit the rates for publication and prepare for the August 26 public budget hearing.