Sedgwick County Commissioners voted unanimously on Wednesday to restore the Presidents’ Day holiday in February to the calendar for county employees.  Commissioners had removed the holiday in November in order to add Juneteenth to the calendar.

Commissioner Ryan Baty said it’s important to restore the holiday to show employees that county leaders are concerned about morale and stability of staff.   Baty said it makes financial sense to restore the Presidents’ Day holiday.

Commissioners David Dennis and Jim Howell are concerned about the $800,000 impact of adding the holiday, in light of projected deficits for 2024 and beyond.   Commissioners agreed to make the change for this year and have staff look at the concept of a floating holiday for county employees next year.    County Manager Tom Stolz said those discussions are underway.

Wednesday’s action gives Sedgwick County employees 11 paid holidays for this year.