WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Sedgwick County commissioners are set to vote Wednesday on a plan to fund a major renovation and expansion of the county’s Regional Forensic Science Center, a project estimated to cost $20,371,483.
County leaders say the facility at 1109 N. Minneapolis St. needs upgrades as demand for forensic testing has increased and backlogs have persisted. Assistant County Manager Rusty Leeds said the project would move the county’s forensic science disciplines into a modern space.
The existing building would continue to house the coroner’s office, along with pathology and toxicology, and would receive upgrades.
The agenda item calls for adopting a resolution that would authorize the county to issue general obligation bonds to pay for the project. The agenda report says the bonds are scheduled to be sold in 2028 and could be combined with financing for other county projects.
Some residents may see “general obligation” debt and assume it means higher property taxes. Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh said that would not be the case if the county follows its financial plan.
“It’s kind of a swap,” Blubaugh said, describing it as using property tax dollars that would be reimbursed after the bond sale.
The agenda report notes general obligation bonds are backed by the county’s “full faith and credit,” meaning bondholders could compel a property tax levy if necessary to repay the debt. It also estimates annual debt service at about $1.5 million and says the county’s financial forecast anticipates planned revenues for the county’s Debt Service Fund will be sufficient to cover that cost without increasing the mill levy rate, though the funding source is determined each year during the budget process.
The agenda report lists alternatives, including funding the project through a limited extraordinary property tax. To cover the project over five years, the county estimates it would take an additional 0.540 mills per year. Another option would be using county reserves, though the report says that could reduce reserves and potentially lead to future tax increases or a bond rating downgrade.
Commissioners will vote Wednesday at 9 a.m. The resolution requires a simple majority to pass.
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