Sedgwick County KS 

Recovery Plan 

State and Local Fiscal Recovery 

Funds 

2021 Report 

Note: The Recovery Plan Performance Report will provide the public and Treasury information on the 

projects that recipients are undertaking with program funding and how they are planning to ensure 

program outcomes are achieved in an effective, efficient, and equitable manner. While this template 

includes the minimum requirements for the Recovery Plan, each recipient is encouraged to add 

information to the plan that they feel is appropriate to provide information to their constituents on efforts 

they are taking to respond to the pandemic and promote an equitable economic recovery. 

Each jurisdiction may determine the general form and content of the Recovery Plan, as long as it 

meets the reporting requirements, and recipients are encouraged to tailor this template to best meet 

their needs. Use of infographics, tables, charts, pictures, case studies, and other explanatory elements 

are encouraged. 
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1

Sedgwick County 

2021 Recovery Plan 

Table of Contents 

General Overview ........................................................................................................................ 3 

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. 3 

Uses of Funds ........................................................................................................................... 3 

Promoting Equitable Outcomes ................................................................................................. 4 

Community Engagement ........................................................................................................... 5 

Labor Practices ......................................................................................................................... 5 

Use of Evidence ........................................................................................................................ 5 

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category ............................................................................ 6 

Project Inventory ......................................................................................................................... 8 

Example Project ....................................................................................................................... 9 

Additional Projects ..................................................................................................................... 9 

Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision ............................................................................. 10

 
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2

GENERAL OVERVIEW 

Executive Summary 

Sedgwick County is committed to maximizing the impact of our Coronavirus State and Local 

Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) allocation to accelerate the community’s recovery from the 

COVID-19 pandemic. In early 2020 the economic downturn significantly impacted aviation and 

manufacturing in the “Air Capital” of the United States, along with small business community, 

educational institutions, and travel, tourism and entertainment industries (April 2020 

unemployment rate 18.7%). Similar to the County’s use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and 

Economic Security (CARES) Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), the County will use a fair and 

equitable process to identify and prioritize the greatest needs among County residents and 

develop and implement appropriate programs. As of August 27, 2021, nearly 650,000 free 

COVID-19 tests had been administered in the community, with 55,000 testing positive for 

COVID-19, and 686 County residents losing their lives to the virus since declaration of the 

pandemic in March 2020. Nearly 50 percent of the County population has completed one dose 

of vaccine, with 43 percent of residents fully vaccinated according to the Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The County has enacted several internal and external facing strategies to engage with 

community stakeholders, including surveys, focus groups, and data collection. The County 

authorized a spending plan for urgent needs, including COVID-19 public health response, court 

backlog, and premium pay to retain front-line county staff, but did not obligate or spend funds as 

of July 31, 2021. In addition to these focused efforts to fully understand community needs, 

Sedgwick County intends to apply lessons learned from the CRF process, utilize all available 

funding streams to maximize the more discretionary SLFRF allocation, collaborate with other 

ARPA funding recipients when possible, and fairly and equitably administer programs to 

promote a strong recovery. 

The spending plan, needs assessment information, and this reporting plan are available on the 

public Sedgwick County website – Division of Finance – American Rescue Plan Act page: 

https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/finance/arpa/ Over time, additional relevant information will be 

made available on the site. 

Uses of Funds 

Sedgwick County Government is committed to maximizing the impact of the County’s SLFRF 

allocation to promote the community’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Using 

assessments of County needs (internal) and the more than 500,000 residents (external) 

conducted May through July 2021, the following were determined to be of “urgent need” and 

prioritized for the immediate future (July–December 2021): 

The County Commission adopted an “urgent needs” spending plan in late July 2021 to 

encompass the remainder of the 2021 calendar year, representing a portion of the County’s 

SLFRF allocation: 

a. Public Health 

For the public health response through 2021, the Sedgwick County Health Department plans to 

spend $8,932,462 on testing vaccine, outreach, etc. The Emergency Management Department 
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3

will need $27,155 for a logistics position, while Emergency Medical Services will need $25,025 

for a logistics position as well. In order to ensure that employees are wearing the appropriate 

N95/protective mask fit, a new position will need to be added to the Risk Management 

Department (Risk Fit Tester) and is estimated to cost $29,938. 

To improve the public awareness of COVID-19 and increase the vaccination rate within 

communities, marketing and outreach efforts related to importance of and access to vaccines 

and vaccine sites, testing availability and locations, etc. will be implemented at an estimated 

cost of $250,000. 

For those clients in County corrections custody (jail/detention facilities), continued COVID-19 

medical services and care will be needed at an estimated cost of $48,385. 

From the internal needs survey, 47 percent of County departments indicated need for additional 

personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies, estimated at $34,198. 

In addition, 44 percent of departments requested additional cleaning services to mitigate high 

touchpoint areas and sanitize areas when a COVID-19 exposure occurs, at estimated cost of 

$485,000. 

Operational support to the County is estimated at $26,000, as well as expense to continue 

County staff remote work, estimated at $65,843. 

b. Negative Economic Impacts 

Community Navigators – the County will be providing assistance to businesses, individuals, and 

nonprofits with connections to available benefits and services through a community navigator 

program; $500,000 has been requested for this program. 

Court Backlog/Public Safety - As of mid-July 2021, the District Attorney’s Office reported a 

backlog of more than 1,300 criminal cases – and while low-level criminal offenses were 

decreasing due the mandatory shut-down periods in 2020, “off-grid” felony cases, or the most 

serious of crimes (armed robbery, homicide), were up 80 percent compared to 2019. To 

address the backlog, the 18th Judicial District Court has requested $1,674,019 for additional 

staff, office equipment, furniture, software, and other office supplies. To provide space for the 

necessary additional staff and courtrooms, County administrative staff (County Commission, 

Manager, Legal, Finance, Register of Deeds, Treasurer, and Clerk) will be moved out of the 

County Courthouse building, with the vacated space renovated to create the additional court 

space. The plan also includes costs to lease space for administrative staff re-location at 

$120,000. The remodel of courthouse space is estimated at $7,019,165. A senior construction 

project manager will be needed to oversee this project at an estimated cost of $33,103. 

The District Attorney’s Office spending plan for 2021 totals $365,722 to address backlog needs, 

inclusive of hiring additional staff for preliminary hearing dockets, charging, discovery, trial 

technology, clemency, and trial attorneys. 

Also to address backlog, the Sheriff’s Department has requested $323,193 for judicial division 

courtroom security deputies, a warrants clerk, court security camera system, a court movement 

coordinator, a detention dormitory video monitoring system, and video phone for professional 

visitation. Within the public safety/mental health components of ARPA eligibility, the Sheriff’s 
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4

Department also is requesting a crisis counselor to provide greater mental health services to its 

staff due to increased stresses and challenges presented by COVID-19. 

The Department of Corrections request totals $227,090 to support the efforts of the District 

Court and District Attorney’s Office to significantly reduce case backlog. Corrections will add 

one full-time employee to help process cases. Due to COVID-19 and continued need for 

quarantine and isolation space, renovations will need to be made to the female dorm at the 

Adults Residential/Work Release Program. Finally, Corrections is implementing a new drug 

diversion program pursuant to Kansas House Bill 2026. Funds will be used to prevent and 

respond to crime while supporting public safety within the community. 

The Regional Forensic Science Center is requesting funds for training related to firearm 

examiners, which is estimated at $42,250 and are necessary to ensure public safety during 

COVID-19 recovery. 

d. Premium Pay 

For those employees who performed essential work, had regular in person contact or regular 

handling of items handled by others, the County has designated $15,000,000 for premium pay. 

Administrative needs 

ARPA Management – Finance 

Consultants will provide technical assistance to County Finance Division staff with reporting, 

project management, grant training, needs assessment, program recommendation and 

development, and internal spending plan execution, estimated at $500,000. In addition, 

$100,000 is requested for a new grant management system for provide necessary management 

and reporting of ARPA expenditures. 

Additional staffing for the County is also requested, including: (1) ARPA Grant Analyst to assist 

with management of ARPA process/projects at an estimated cost of $30,000; 

(2) ARPA Grant Administrator to oversee implementation of specific policy and procedure at an 

estimated cost of $36,000; (3) ARPA Purchasing Technician will assist with compliance of 

federal procurement standards. This is an estimated cost of $20,000. 

 

Administrative divisions will also seek assistance through temporary contract positions: 

(1) Finance contract temp position–purchasing assistant, this position will assist with purchasing 

system management at an estimated cost of $15,000; (2) Finance contract temp position–

reporting assistant will assist with document management and reporting at an estimated cost of 

$17,500; and (3) Human Resources recruitment specialist will help recruit employees to restore 

County services to pre-pandemic levels; $33,153 cost is estimated for this position. 

While a spending plan has been authorized, program development is underway and 

funds have not yet been obligated or spent. 

Promoting Equitable Outcomes 

The needs identification process began in May 2021, before the County had received its first 

tranche of funding on June 1, 2021: 
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5

1. An internal survey was issued to more than 40 County department heads, including the 

County’s departments for public health, emergency management, emergency medical 

services, adult detention facility, courts, district attorney, adult and juvenile corrections, 

forensic science, and administrative support functions like communications, finance, human 

resources, and information technology. The survey asked specific questions related to 

eligible uses of SLFRF, including COVID-19 response and recovery needs. Issued/opened 

for responses on May 25, 2021, the survey was closed on June 9, 2021. Numerous followup meetings were held with public safety departments and leadership to discuss specific 

needs to develop an “urgent needs” spending plan that was approved by the County 

Commission on July 21, 2021 and July 27, 2021. These meetings are ongoing as of the 

date of this report. 

2. A community-facing survey was posted on the County’s website in three languages 

(English, Spanish, and Vietnamese) and made available in hard copy for those without 

internet access. The survey asked individuals to prioritize 15 examples of eligible uses of 

SLFRF. The survey availability was advertised on the County’s website, social media, and 

through news releases. More than 1,500 responses were received between May 1, 2021 

and June 30, 2021. 

3. Local leaders from government, non-profit, business, and community organizations sit on a 

standing committed called the COVID-19 Task Force, which was created in 2020 to respond 

to COVID-19 needs as the pandemic first impacted the community. After the pandemic 

eased in spring 2021, the COVID-19 Task Force continued to focus on recovery and 

operates with subgroups focused on workforce development, education/youth/childcare, 

economic development, arts/culture/tourism, and community health. For two weeks in late 

July 2021, the subgroup chairs convened focus groups in these respective areas related to 

needs that could be funded with SLFRF. An additional focus group was convened to better 

understand needs and priorities among the 19 cities located within Sedgwick County, 

several of whom are non-entitlement units under SLFRF. The data from the six focus groups 

will be used to assist the County in developing strategic health and economic recovery 

efforts made available through ARPA and potential other funding sources 

4. In late February 2021, the BoCC was briefed on demographic data and economic indicators 

and trends by an economist from Wichita State University (WSU). The data is being 

refreshed/updated as part of the most recent community needs assessment to better 

understand the diversity of needs for those in the community who may not have had the 

opportunity to share their voice through one of the avenues above; and to collect vital 

demographic data reflective of the populations contained in the County’s Qualified Census 

Tracts (QCTs) so ARPA funds are utilized to meet the needs of resident who may have 

been – or continue to be – underserved with recovery benefits and services. 

5. People who accessed unemployment benefits through the Kansas Department of Labor 

were sent a survey from the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas to determine 

whether they had re-entered the workforce; or if not, what barriers still exist precluding them 

from securing employment. The results will be used as programs are developed to address 

workforce development and recover from the adverse economic impacts of the pandemic. 

6. The County engaged an emergency response firm to conduct a formal after-action review of 

the County’s management of CRF funds early in 2021. That process included a review of 

dozens of documents from CRF and interviews with 28 individuals who were involved in the 

County’s CRF process including county staff and sub-recipients. 
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6

Evaluation of community needs will continue through fall 2021, along with the review of 

results with Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and other community partners. As 

additional needs are identified, we will establish priorities and allocate funds in a countywide spending plan; establish programs and provide necessary training; develop a grant 

assistance program for sub-recipients requiring applications; award funding; monitor those 

sub-recipient expenditures and include those activities in the County’s annual Recovery 

Plan Report. The County’s intention is to take lessons learned from the CRF experience; 

partner and collaborate with other Federal funding recipients where possible; seek funding 

for specific needs through all relevant funding streams in order to maximize SLFRF funds; 

and to fairly, strategically, efficiently, and effectively allocate dollars to programs that will 

have the greatest long-term positive impact. 

Community Engagement 

Between May 2021 and July 2021, Sedgwick County undertook a comprehensive approach to 

assessing needs that continue to persist due to adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The assessment included several activities listed above: 

1. Internal assessment of County departments utilizing a written survey. 

2. External assessment of the general public through a survey through available 24/7 on the 

County website, and 

3. Focus group (in-person) discussions conducted, on behalf of the COVID-19 Task Force, 

including cities/towns, business, organizations, and other entities operating in the County. 

In addition, the County is using results of the CRF after-action review report to develop 

better policy and procedure, incorporate additional training and communication with 

subrecipients and beneficiaries, repeat processes and engagement that worked well for 

stakeholders, and more effectively use staff and consultant partners. 

4. Use of external economic data, other community surveys, and results from CARES afteraction review 

Labor Practices 

The County is still determining if any infrastructure projects will be funded. The County will 

evaluate the appropriateness of requests for use of ARPA funding, along with other possible 

Federal funding streams that may become available in late 2021 or early 2020 (e.g. 

Infrastructure bill currently in Congress). Should infrastructure projects become part of the 

ARPA future spending plan, the County will draw on staff experience with prior Federal awards 

to ensure appropriate labor practices; support strong employment opportunities for workers and 

promote effective and efficient delivery of high-quality projects. 

Use of Evidence 

While the County has not yet committed to specific ARPA-funded programs, there is a 

preference and understanding for evidence-based practices within the organization. Sedgwick 

County routinely uses evidence-based practices across its human service and public safety 

departments, including Health, behavioral/community mental health (COMCARE), Aging, and 

Corrections. Performance measures and outcome reporting are components of other grant 

awards the County have previously or currently received. The County will be tracking the 

progress and outcomes of all ARPA-funded projects/programs (County and any sub-recipients) 

and will adjust strategy/program services as needed if the desired goals are not being achieved. 
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category 

Category Cumulative 

expenditures to 

date ($) 

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan 

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health 

1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination $0 $0

1.2 COVID-19 Testing $0 $0

1.3 COVID-19 Contact Tracing $0 $0

1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings (Nursing 

Homes, Prisons/Jails, Dense Work Sites, 

Schools, etc.) 

$0 $0

1.5 Personal Protective Equipment $0 $0

1.6 Medical Expenses (including Alternative 

Care Facilities) 

$0 $0

1.7 Capital Investments or Physical Plant 

Changes to Public Facilities that respond to 

the COVID-19 public health emergency 

$0 $0

1.8 Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses 

(including Communications, Enforcement, 

Isolation/Quarantine) 

$0 $0

1.9 Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and 

Other Public Sector Staff Responding to 

COVID-19 

$0 $0

1.10 Mental Health Services $0 $0

1.11 Substance Use Services $0 $0

1.12 Other Public Health Services $0 $0

2 Expenditure Category: Negative Economic 

Impacts 

 

2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs $0 $0

2.2 Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and 

Utility Aid 

$0 $0

2.3 Household Assistance: Cash Transfers $0 $0

2.4 Household Assistance: Internet Access 

Programs 

$0 $0

2.5 Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention $0 $0

2.6 Unemployment Benefits or Cash Assistance 

to Unemployed Workers 

$0 $0

2.7 Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral jobtraining, Subsidized Employment, 

Employment Supports or Incentives) 

$0 $0

2.8 Contributions to UI Trust Funds* $0 $0

2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance 

(General) 

$0 $0

2.10 Aid to nonprofit organizations $0 $0

2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality $0 $0

2.12 Aid to Other Impacted Industries $0 $0
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8

Category Cumulative 

expenditures to 

date ($) 

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan 

2.13 Other Economic Support $0 $0

2.14 Rehiring Public Sector Staff $0 $0

3 Expenditure Category: Services to 

Disproportionately Impacted Communities 

 

3.1 Education Assistance: Early Learning $0 $0

3.2 Education Assistance: Aid to High-Poverty 

Districts 

$0 $0

3.3 Education Assistance: Academic Services $0 $0

3.4 Education Assistance: Social, Emotional, 

and Mental Health Services 

$0 $0

3.5 Education Assistance: Other $0 $0

3.6 Healthy Childhood Environments: Child 

Care 

$0 $0

3.7 Healthy Childhood Environments: Home 

Visiting 

$0 $0

3.8 Healthy Childhood Environments: Services 

to Foster Youth or Families Involved in Child 

Welfare System 

$0 $0

3.9. Healthy Childhood Environments: Other $0 $0

3.10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing $0 $0

3.11 Housing Support: Services for Unhoused 

persons 

$0 $0

3.12 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance $0 $0

3.13 Social Determinants of Health: Other $0 $0

3.14 Social Determinants of Health: Community 

Health Workers or Benefits Navigators 

$0 $0

3.15 Social Determinants of Health: Lead 

Remediation 

$0 $0

3.16 Social Determinants of Health: Community 

Violence Interventions 

$0 $0

4 Expenditure Category: Premium Pay $0 $0

4.1 Public Sector Employees $0 $0

4.2 Private Sector: Grants to other employers $0 $0

5 Expenditure Category: Infrastructure $0 $0

5.1 Clean Water: Centralized wastewater 

treatment 

$0 $0

5.2 Clean Water: Centralized wastewater 

collection and conveyance 

$0 $0

5.3 Clean Water: Decentralized wastewater $0 $0

5.4 Clean Water: Combined sewer overflows $0 $0

5.5 Clean Water: Other sewer infrastructure $0 $0

5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater $0 $0
Sedgwick County 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 9

Category Cumulative 

expenditures to 

date ($) 

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan 

5.7 Clean Water: Energy conservation $0 $0

5.8 Clean Water: Water conservation $0 $0

5.9 Clean Water: Nonpoint source $0 $0

5.10 Drinking water: Treatment $0 $0

5.11 Drinking water: Transmission & distribution $0 $0

5.12 Drinking water: Transmission & distribution: 

lead remediation 

$0 $0

5.13 Drinking water: Source $0 $0

5.14 Drinking water: Storage $0 $0

5.15 Drinking water: Other water infrastructure $0 $0

5.16 Broadband: “Last Mile” projects $0 $0

5.17 Broadband: Other projects $0 $0

6 Expenditure Category: Revenue 

Replacement 

$0 $0 

6.1 Provision of Government Services $0 $0

7 Administrative and Other $0 $0

7.1 Administrative Expenses $0 $0

7.2 Evaluation and data analysis $0 $0

7.3 Transfers to Other Units of Government $0 $0

7.4 Transfers to Nonentitlement Units 

(States and Territories only) 

$0 $0

Project Inventory 

While a spending plan was approved July 27, 2021 by the Commission, programs and 

associated project inventories are currently under development and no funds have been 

obligated or spent.