UPDATE: Sedgwick County Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to approve new district boundaries for the five commission districts. Commissioner Jim Howell moved to approve the map with an option to keep the city of Maize in one district, but that motion failed for lack of a second. The map that was approved will divide Maize between Districts 3 and 4.
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Sedgwick County Commissioners are expected to take action Wednesday on a new map that redraws the boundaries for the five commission districts.
An ad hoc committee has looked at 11 proposed maps and received public input over three meetings. Assistant County Counselor Mike Fessinger said the committee recommended a map known as Plan 6. He said the committee feels it provides the greatest population equality and it keeps communities of interest together.
The districts had to be redrawn because of population shifts revealed in the 2020 U.S. Census.
During a staff meeting Tuesday, Fifth District Commissioner Jim Howell raised a concern about the city of Maize being divided between Districts 3 and 4, and he felt that would not keep communities of interest together. Two options have been suggested by county staff to place Maize in one commission district, but Fessinger told commissioners that it’s not illegal to have a city divided in this manner. Third District Commissioner David Dennis said he has talked with Maize City Administrator Richard LaMunyon, who said he prefers to have the city represented by two commissioners. Dennis said he would oppose any change in the map.
Commissioners will talk about the map during their regular meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m.
