Looming budget deficits could jeopardize new Wichita fire station additions

During a budget workshop Tuesday, Wichita City Manager Robert Layton said the city may not be able to afford the construction and staffing of one of two proposed new fire stations.

Layton said the city has had preliminary discussions on if they can delay construction of one of the two stations. So far, the city has purchased property in the southwest part of town but not yet in the northwest.

Questions about affordability comes as Wichita faces a projected budget deficit of $14 to $16 million by 2026. Layton said roughly 17 new fire fighters would be needed to staff the new stations.

Vice-Mayor Maggie Ballard said constructing just one new station instead of two would be a tough pill to swallow.

The council previously approved two new fire stations in an effort to improve emergency response times.

Also during the workshop, the council discussed recommendations made by the city's animal control board.

Those recommendations will likely come before the council at a later date as ordinance amendments. Three of the eleven proposed amendments include a mandate requiring microchipping for all dogs and cats; an increase in licensing fees for dogs; and an increase in the number of dogs and cats allowed from 2 to 3, without an animal maintenance permit.