Wichita's proposed $825 million budget for 2027 moved closer to a final vote Aug. 17, with Mayor Lily Wu pushing to replace merit raises with a flat 3% pay increase for all city employees and to cut funding for police car cameras.

The hearing was the third of five before the council's final budget vote, scheduled for Aug. 25.

What's in the budget

The 2027 proposal represents a $14 million increase over the current year, according to KLC Journal's meeting record. To balance the books without raising the mill levy, the city plans to draw $3 million from its Stabilization Fund, a rainy-day reserve.

Public safety accounts for 67% of spending. Staff costs make up 72% of the budget, with $9.6 million earmarked for employee compensation. The Wichita Police Department requested cameras for 50 patrol cars, and the Wichita Fire Department plans to build three new fire stations. Another $34.3 million goes toward maintenance.

The maximum tax levy was set at $188,757,769 at the council's July 14 meeting, based on an anticipated mill levy of 32.340 mills and an estimated assessed valuation of nearly $5.84 billion, according to the city council agenda. One mill equals about $23.

Wu's proposed changes

Wu outlined three changes she wants before the final vote: a 3% across-the-board raise replacing the existing merit-raise structure, cuts to the homelessness budget, and elimination of the police car camera funding. Other council members said they supported both a cost-of-living increase and merit raises, arguing employees need to know they are appreciated.

Council members were asked to identify potential savings before the Aug. 25 vote.

Wu voted against the 2026 budget last August in a 6-1 vote, according to city records. She is pushing a leaner spending plan again this cycle.

Recent council votes

At its Aug. 4 meeting, the council acted on several other items, according to the city's official recap:

• Wesley Medical Center IRB: Approved 7-0. The letter of intent to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds carries no cost to taxpayers and no tax abatement.
• Textron Aviation lease: Approved 7-0. Textron, the airport's longest-running tenant at 18 years, generates $40 million in revenue and employs more than 10,000 people in Wichita.
• Delano alcohol resolution: Approved 7-0. The resolution renews the common consumption area permit for the Delano district.
• Change-order threshold: Failed 3-4. The proposal to raise the threshold requiring council review of change orders from $50,000 to $100,000 was rejected, with council members Tuttle, Glasscock and Johnston voting yes. A motion to delay to Sept. 8 failed for lack of a second. One resident told the council, "There should always be three bids," arguing contractors engage in price-gouging.

What's next

The final public hearing and budget vote is Aug. 25. That vote will determine whether the city draws from its rainy-day fund or finds cuts elsewhere in the General Fund.