During Tuesday's Saline County Commission meeting, Community Corrections Director Michelle Callam informed commissioners that her department faces a projected $292,000 budget reduction over the next three years due to a new state funding formula.
Callam, delivering her six-month department update, explained that the Kansas Department of Corrections recently finalized a new funding model that will take effect in July 2026. The formula allocates funds based on a 60-40 split, with 60% determined by average daily population and 40% by various factors including crime index, poverty rate, population, square miles covered, turnover rate, and success rate.
"I don't have a problem with the funding formula," Callam told commissioners. "Commissioner Grevas has asked for that for years. We've all asked for it for years."
While accepting the formula's structure, Callam expressed concern about its financial impact, which will amount to approximately $100,000 per year in cuts for three consecutive years beginning in fiscal year 2027.
Callam indicated these reductions would likely affect client services rather than staffing. When asked by commissioners about specific impacts, she mentioned the probable elimination of the department's liaison with Central Kansas Foundation (CKF), a $50,000 position that provides recovery coaching services to clients within the Community Corrections facility.
"I honestly won't be able to afford that when the cuts come," Callam said.
The director noted that similar cuts will affect Sedgwick County, which faces a $2 million reduction, and Wyandotte County, projected to lose $277,000. According to Callam, Sedgwick County officials have already written to KDOC Secretary Zamuda regarding their concerns.
Callam explained that the total statewide funding for Community Corrections is not changing, but rather the distribution formula is being adjusted, creating "winners and losers" among Kansas counties.
The funding changes will initially only affect the adult division, but Callam indicated that KDOC has signaled a similar formula will eventually be implemented for juvenile services.
Community Corrections currently supervises 400 adult clients, including 102 in the drug court program, along with 140 juvenile clients and approximately 117 individuals in pre-trial services.
