A recent review of the City of Wichita’s budget by the Wichita Organization for Government Efficiency Exchange (The Exchange) found several issues with spending controls and potential efficiency opportunities that could save millions and prevent a property tax increase.
The Exchange is a nonpartisan alliance of economists, auditors, accountants, engineers, attorneys, and public servants “dedicated to helping Wichita close looming general fund deficits without raising taxes or compromising core services.”
The Exchange surveyed nearly 300 Wichita residents, and found community priorities align with efficiency reforms over tax hikes:
- 85%+ said spending should be reviewed before any tax increase.
- 88%+ want transparency in vendor contracts.
- 75%+ lack confidence in current economic development returns.
- 60%+ support adjusting or suspending the automatic 2% annual arts funding increase.
According to the report, which was presented at a recent Wichita City Council meeting the city is facing a “tightening fiscal situation.”
“In its 2025-2026 Proposed Budget, the City Manager presented a projected $5.5M deficit in the general fund, prompting consideration of service cuts, including those for animal control and libraries,” the report reads. “Looking further ahead, budget documents reveal a $3.6M shortfall in 2026, followed by deficits of $9.3M in 2027 and $10.2M in 2028. These persistent gaps will strain the city’s ability to preserve services without generating new revenue. Unchecked, this trend risks critical reductions in services such as animal control and library operations.”…