photo by: Journal-World

The west side of the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Massachusetts St.

Douglas County commissioners will consider approving its set of priorities and recommendations for the Kansas Legislature on Monday, calling for strong local governance, balanced economic growth, sustainable infrastructure and more.

The statement emphasizes the county’s protection of its constitutional home rule authority, advocating for the preservation of local governance powers. The county commissioners want to safeguard its ability to manage local issues such as land use, housing and taxation, saying that local control is important for tailoring policies to the community’s unique needs and priorities.

In terms of community health and human services, Douglas County is prioritizing improvements in behavioral health and addiction recovery programs. The county is asking for state support to expand inpatient and behavioral health services connected to the Treatment and Recovery Center. Sustained investment in these services, the statement said, will enhance public safety, reduce strain on emergency systems, and ensure more residents receive timely care.

Douglas County also highlights the efforts to balance providing essential services with affordability for residents, including the commissioners reduction to the property tax rate for 2026. The county calls for legislative support to strengthen housing assistance and safety net programs for vulnerable populations.

Additionally, Douglas County expresses appreciation for state support related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recognizing the event’s potential to generate significant economic benefits — over $650 million regionally, including $167 million for Kansas.

For infrastructure development, the county wants to continue its partnership with the state to maintain and enhance critical systems such as transportation, water, sustainability, and more. Key projects include road and bridge upgrades, expansion of the K-10 Highway, and improved access to new developments like Astra Enterprise Park.

When it comes to sustainability, the commissioners are asking for legislative support for local authority in renewable energy regulation and sustainability initiatives. The county supports proactive state policies promoting renewable energy, clean water and air, floodplain protection, sustainable agriculture, and energy efficiency.

Douglas County also lists specific legislative priorities. These include adjusting motor vehicle service fees to reflect true costs, recognizing PTSD for first responders in workers’ compensation claims, access to healthy food, addressing affordable housing and homelessness through development incentives, preventative measures, and service investments, and more.

In other business, county commissioners will:

• Receive a presentation regarding the state’s property value appeal process in Kansas, outlining the different levels of appeal available to taxpayers who disagree with their property valuations.

The presentation details how to initiate an appeal, what to expect during the process, and how decisions are communicated. If taxpayers remain dissatisfied, they may escalate their appeal to the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, and subsequently to District Court or higher courts if necessary. The overall purpose of the appeal process is to ensure property values are accurate, fair, and supported by market data, promoting uniformity and equity in property taxation.

• Consider awarding a contract for insurance brokerage services for property and general liability insurance to Lockton Companies for up to five years with the contract totaling $207,500. The county has engaged in these services for many years to assist with marketing, comparing, advising, and renewing insurance coverage and securing necessary bonds, a memo in the agenda said. The county has utilized Lockton Companies for these services since 2020.

The County Commission’s business meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Douglas County Commission meeting room at 1100 Massachusetts St. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.