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The Board of County Commissioners encourages citizen participation in local governance processes. Agendas can be accessed via the Internet at: http://boccmeetings.jocogov.org, or by contacting the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners at (913) 715-0430. An annotated agenda detailing the results of all votes taken during each regular meeting is posted to the Internet after adjournment.

December 11, 2025

9:30 Business Session followed by a Special Meeting

Public Comments lasted about 5 minutes. Brian Perkins, a person struggling with housing, urged the Board to act quickly to address this issue without further delay.  A Westwood Hills resident complained about the “Late addition of the Sales Tax item to the agenda,” as a “censorship tactic” and demanded a public hearing.  

Ashcraft asked that items 14 and 15 be moved to the Action Agenda.  The Minutes were removed from the Consent Agenda per Brewer’s request and approved during the Action Agenda after a correction in wording. The Consent agenda was approved.

The Commissioners allocated $243,000 of the 2026 Johnson County Alcohol Tax Funds (ATF), and $100,000 of the Opioid settlement funds in the recommended amounts from the Drug and Alcoholism Council of Johnson County, as presented in United Community Services of Johnson County’s (UCS) 2026 Substance Use Continuum of Care Recommendations Report, and allocated $170,600 for the 2026 Human Service Fund as outlined by United Community Services of Johnson County in its 2026 Human Service Fund Recommendations Report.

The Board approved a contract with Master Transportation for the lease of 50 Ford F650 Glaval Concorde III’s, 35and 55 passenger vehicles in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup event, using $1,200,000 of federal section 5307 funding and a local match of $300,000, $150,000 of which has previously been provided to the vendor as a refundable deposit.

The Board approved the following appointments to the Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 Advisory Board: Michael P. Casey Sr., Brian Walker, Larry Hisle and David Drovetta.

(Added Item to Agenda, per Chairperson from 12-04-2025 COW). The Commissioners approved Resolution No. 163-25 establishing the structure, qualifications, and the County Commissioner nomination authority for appointments of Trustees to the Governing Board of Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 2.

Commissioners voted to express support for TerraPower Advanced Nuclear Energy Facility Consideration. A number of steps would have to occur before any development begins. Hanzlick quoted the briefing sheet to say that the project has bipartisan support from Governor Kelly and Senators Moran and Marshall. It will require comprehensive public engagement before actually beginning. 

Property Tax Relief program

Background: In 2024, there were 207 eligible applicants who were paid a total of $41,197.05 in tax relief payments. In 2025, the $200 refund cap was removed and 359 eligible applicants were paid a total of $184,731.58 in tax relief payments.           

Funding Overview: The funding for the property tax relief pilot program comes from Countywide Support Funds (CSF) that were funded in the amount of $500,000. In September 2025, an additional $93,318.43 from the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) were transferred into the property tax relief pilot program fund.

Upon conclusion of the FY2025 pilot program, there are currently funds available of $365,590.36. If the recommended action is approved, the anticipated impact in FY2026 to fund the relief payments is at a minimum $369,463.16, and a maximum possible of more than $7M if all eligible applicants in Johnson County apply.

2026 program was approved.

Added item to the Agenda per the Chair, from the 12-09-2025 Emergency Special Meeting--

This agenda item concerns the withdrawal of the call of the special mail-ballot election scheduled for March 3, 2026, concerning the Public Safety retail sales tax proposition. Judge Jay Befort, Shawnee County District Court has ruled that the ballot question for a Johnson County public safety sales tax renewal was unlawful as it was initially worded. The ruling sided with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach's argument that the proposed ballot language exceeded the county's authority. The existing public safety sales tax goes through March 2027.

Management Reports

The story on the free airport shuttle service, “Connect KC” FIFA, has reached more than 200 million viewers and readers internationally on the Internet. For the website, click here: https://kansascityfwc26.com/moving-around-kc/

FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ Planning Updates--Two million tickets have been sold. Ecuador, Curacao, Austria, Algeria, Argentina and others will be coming to Kansas City.  

JoCo E.A.T.S – This online resource for information about available food sources, financial advice and recipes can be found here: https://jocoeats.org/. Printed copies of the recipes will be available at food pantries, health fairs, and other health partners.

Annual Inspection of Sunflower Quarry-- Martin Marietta Kansas City/MMKC has been awarded a contract for renewal of the existing quarry and expansion of mine limits for Sunflower Quarry. One of the requirements is an annual inspection of the quarry.  During the last reporting period, 6.3 acres were disturbed in 2023 and 3.2 acres of land was reclaimed in 2024. The reclamation areas were covered with topsoil and seeded. The County received two complaints about blasting noise, but those events were within accepted limits.
 
December 9, 2025 

Emergency Meeting

The Board met for two executive sessions to consult with counsel, per attorney-client privilege. The Commissioners voted to add an item about the March 2026 mail ballot election to the December 10th agenda about repealing that election. Kelly provided the following context: Judge Jay Befort, Shawnee County District Court has ruled that the ballot question for a Johnson County public safety sales tax renewal was unlawful as it was initially worded. The ruling sided with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach's argument that the proposed ballot language exceeded the county's authority. Kelly added that the County is growing, population and costs are increasing, and that the Board will explore all options for public safety without delay.
 
December 4, 2025

After the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance, Brian Perkins, a person without housing and an advocate for those in similar situations, made an urgent plea for speedier solutions to this crisis, noting that lives are at risk in the current cold weather.  

The Board set the official meeting calendar for 2026 and adopted a pilot schedule for six months.  After a COW meeting, the Commissioners agreed to pilot a revised meeting schedule which alternates routine and action-focused business meetings on a biweekly basis. Meeting schedules and agendas are available at http://boccmeetings.jocogov.org.

The Commissioners authorized funds from 2025 General Fund balance (reserves) not to exceed $777,000 for the following: $700,000 for the Sheriff’s Office for increased overtime costs and $77,000 for the Department of Emergency Services Emergency Management Performance Grant as a result of changes to the program. No reimbursement is available from FEMA at this time because of federal actions; this one-time request will be from the County reserves. Hanzlick noted that the previous sheriff projected $2.5 million in overtime, so this is a significant savings. She thanked Sheriff Roberson for his hard work on this item. So far, this is a one-time measure that might be reimbursed in the future. Ashcraft asked about a long term analysis of Sheriff’s office overtime, which is consistently tracked already.

The Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding between Johnson County, Lenexa and Overland Park for transit service to the Kansas City International Airport over the course of the World Cup. Josh Powers, Director of Transit, stated that on February 13, 2025, the BOCC accepted $2,000,000 from the Federal Highway Administration Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement Program to fund a public transit service connection to the airport, provided by Johnson County Transit. This grant required a $600,000 local match, which this MOU provides for. Lenexa and Overland Park will contribute $200,000 each. Service would begin in 2026 and coincide with the FIFA World Cup event in Kansas City, Missouri.

County Economic Research Institute (CERI) Indicators – November 2025 Edition no verbal report was given; no data is available for Unemployment figures.
 
November 20, 2025

Public comments lasted about 5 minutes.  

Consent Agenda 

By a vote of 7 - 0, the Board approved the consent agenda, as amended, including approving the appointment of Carolyn Logan as County Appraiser for a term commencing January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

Action Agenda

By a vote of 7 -0, the Board approved the following nominations, both appointed after the reorganization and reestablishment of the Boards: 
● Second District Commissioner’s nominee, Bob Willis, to the Board of Code Review.
● Third District Commissioner’s nominee, Stacey Cooper, to the Community Corrections Advisory Board.

By a vote of 7-0, the Johnson County Transit Strategic Plan was adopted, supported by the JOCO Transit Council.  Changes include the suspension of two little-used rider routes, enabling the expansion of other more highly used rider routes, limiting the Micro-transit to inside the I-435 Loop, accounting for the World Cup additions, timing and planning, and rebranding as Ride JOCO. 

Items added to the Action Agenda by the Chair included:
● Adoption of the 2026 State Legislative and Federal Legislative Platforms, by a vote of 6 - 1, with Ashcraft voting no.  https://www.jocogov.org/department/county-managers-office/legislative-platforms
● Adopted the Opioid Work Group Recommendation, discussed by the full Board in last week's COW.  The Plan is based on the Institute of Medicine's Continuum of Care.

Management Report

Johnson County Building Code Update: 2026 Review and Stakeholder Engagement.  The Building Code is moving towards country-wide standardization, bringing cities together with some modifications.  This code is important to many of the items that come before the Board, such as accessible and affordable housing.   

Performance Audit - Opportunities exist to strengthen control and improve efficiency in the Sheriff’s office bonding process.  Currently, lieutenants serving as shift commanders are primarily responsible for conducting the bonding process. However, a recent audit recommended that the Department evaluate alternative staffing models for this function. Specifically, the audit suggested considering the use of civilian employees, sworn deputies, or sergeants to carry out bonding duties. The Sheriff expressed concern regarding the liability associated with the bonding process, emphasizing that ultimate responsibility rests with the Office of the Sheriff. As such, there is a strong preference for ensuring that only qualified personnel—those with appropriate training, authority, and accountability—perform these tasks. The other issue noted was the need to develop cash handling procedures that segregate duties and align with the County's financial policies.  

Commissioners' comments were deferred due to the three executive sessions and three COWs scheduled for today.
 
November 13, 2025

Commissioner Fast attended virtually. The Board met in room 200, lower level of the Administration Building, due to audio and digital upgrades being done in the regular meeting room.

Public comments lasted about 15 minutes.  Brian Perkins, an advocate for those struggling with homelessness, urged the Board to speak to him, as someone with lived experience, individually, about solutions to this problem. A second public commenter complained about large trucks on rural roads and “corporate giveaways.” Another commenter spoke about the importance of business, renaming the Gulf of Mexico, and other topics. Clay Smith, representing the Public Safety Employees Union, offered remarks advocating for recognition of this organization.

The Consent Agenda passed as listed, except for two board appointments, which were moved to the Action Agenda at Ashcraft’s request.

Action Agenda

The Board approved the following appointments:
● The Fifth District Commissioner’s nominee, Dr. Diane Mahoney, to the Community Corrections Advisory Board.
● The Third District Commissioner’s nominee, John A Tann, to the Board of Code Review.

The Board approved the application submitted by the Bonessa Trust for real property disaster relief, authorizing the County Clerk and County Treasurer to abate 2025 property taxes on the residence located at 11004 W 141st Street, Overland Park, which was destroyed by fire in January.  After discussion among the Commissioners and clarification by Trent, the consensus of the Board was to discuss whether to include similar tax relief for commercial properties at a future time. Hanzlick’s amendment adding plans for the Board to consider this issue at a future time was accepted.  Ashcraft noted the presence of a media representative at the meeting and that there might be wider interest in this issue in the future.

The Board approved a lease agreement with Northwest Consolidated Fire District to occupy the Sunflower Fire Station at 35050 99th Street in De Soto. Ashcraft voted No because he objected to “funding a project for another government entity” and “the burden on county taxpayers by concessions to Panasonic.” Trent explained that a clause in the lease allows for recouping of costs in case the facility moves to another location. Kelly noted that the source of funding is Countywide Support Funds (General Fund Reserves), which is prudent fiscal management. Trent reminded the Board that “Panasonic matched funds on this project, and it’s the safety of neighboring residents that is at issue.”

The Board authorized the Department of Emergency Services Director to increase MED-ACT user fees equal to a rate of two times the Medicare reimbursement rate and to hire nine EMTs and paramedics to expand the current IMPACT ambulance program for $1,200,000. Currently, reimbursement rates are 1.8 times the Medicare reimbursement, but industry standards recommend 2.5 to 3 times the Medicare rate, a jump that would have a negative impact on users. According to the briefing sheet for this item, however, MED-ACT currently faces significant challenges in meeting its response time goals. In 2025, the department managed to respond to 87.63% of C1 calls within 10 minutes, a decline from 92.35% in 2021. This decline in performance is coupled with a substantial increase in daily call volume, which has risen to an average of 156 calls per day in 2025. The growing demand for services without a corresponding increase in resources has put a strain on the system and personnel, highlighting the urgent need for additional support. 

Election Update—County Manager Postoak Ferguson thanked Election Commissioner Fred Sherman for a well-run election, and Aaron Otto reported that the Kids Vote project was successful. This project encourages parents to vote, also. Turnout was 25%, similar to numbers for the two previous off year elections. The canvass was completed this morning, and the election staff is waiting to see if there are any requests for a recount.

Adult Crisis Stabilization Center Opening - More than 80 people attended the grand opening of this 24-hour observation and treatment center for adults experiencing mental health crises. It is housed at the Recovery Place, Shawnee. 

The peer review of the County Auditor’s office by the Association of Local Government Auditors in October found that the internal quality control systems were “adequately designed and operating in compliance with government auditing standards". 

Brewer commented that this is the last election in which mail-in ballots that are postmarked on election day and arriving within three days of the deadline will be counted; 445 ballots came in within that grace period last week. That grace period has disappeared because of state legislation.

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Eight of the nine board members were present, as was Julie Brewer, County Commissioner.

Development Director Shelley O’Brien reminded the board of the importance of advocacy for libraries.  She invited board members to attend a legislative meeting in Topeka on January 27, 2026, to promote library collaboration throughout the state.

Megan Levitt, Project Manager for the Spring Hill and De Soto renovations/builds reported that  timelines are on track, with interior work being completed in the  winter months at both locations  

Extended Access Team members provided the plan to pilot unmanned library hours for the new Spring Hill library.  This is currently in use at the Lenexa site.  The goal is to provide services throughout the system so that all libraries have the same access hours.  This will be further discussed at the next meeting.

Updates were given by Joseph Keehn and Lisa Nason about the recent Writers’ Conference held by the library.  It was a resounding success, as reported by reviews from participants.  It strengthened the entire writing community and built professional expertise.  It was attended by 1,458 writers, and 11 online sessions were available to the public at no charge.  The disappointment was that fewer teen writers attended than expected, but will be addressed differently next year  

The Library is now giving a $1.50 daily print allowance for patrons who hold cards. 

To learn more, click here.

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The meeting was called to order at 5:30. All Board members were present. Special tribute was paid to Kyle Hayden, Deputy Superintendent on his retirement and to outgoing Board member Jim McMullen. 

Board Committees reported that items of discussion at their meetings included the topics of student screen time, KSHAA preliminary survey including HS girls’ flag football as a sports option, the independent auditor’s report, and the newly approved BV legislative positions. 

The annual enrollment report was given, noting that total enrollment is 21,563, down 140 students from 2024 partially due to lower Kindergarten enrollment as a result of migration and a lower birth rate. Cohort growth has stayed level and 335 new single family building permits indicate that more potential residents have opted to begin building, unsure whether interest rates will lower significantly in the foreseeable future. The report indicates steady future growth with a total number of students expected in the range of 18,478-24,710 in the coming years. All elementary, middle and high schools are within capacity guidelines and expected to remain so.

The Board then heard a presentation on the A and B bonds and approved the sale.

Long-Standing Legislative Priorities were noted and approved.

Following Board comments, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45.

To learn more, click here.

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Mayor Skoog opened the meeting with 11 Council Members present. 

The Council approved an agreement with the Johnson County Transit Service, Lenexa City Center, the Overland Park Convention Center, and Kansas City International Airport, to establish express bus service (KCI Express Services) to  support the FIFA World Cup and associated activities in Overland Park and Lenexa. The service is expected to begin March 1, 2026, and end on November 30, 2026. Regular travelers to KCI are welcome to take advantage of this express service for the nine months of operation. For more details of the agreement:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/document/387379/ 

City Manager Lori Curtis Luther announced a new public education program designed for e-bike and e-scooter riders, with input from the chairman of the OP Public Safety Committee and Council Member, Melissa Cheatham.  As stated in the minutes of the meeting, "The campaign will include outreach on the City's website; the Overview newsletter; City Source, social media, including the City's police and fire department media accounts; and the new City TikTok account. Paid media, including parent focus publications and school newsletter partnerships, local media outlets, in-school outreach opportunities through the Overland Park School Resource Officers (SROs); and much more. The campaign will feature tips for kids to ride safely, ideas for parents to help their pre-teens and teens to ride safely, and warnings for all drivers to watch out for individuals riding e-vehicles."

City Manager Luther also announced the launch of the new Overland Park Portfolio Homes program. This program offers a selection of smaller scale home plans that can be used by residents and builders/developers at no cost. The plans include single family homes and duplexes. To see the offered new plans:

https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/planning-development/portfolio-homes/ 

To listen to the meeting discussion or view the video of the meeting:  opkansas.civicweb.net. 

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Mayor Skoog opened the meeting with one council member absent. 

The oath of office was administered to re-elected Mayor Curt Skoog and re-elected Councilmembers Logan Heley and Melissa Cheatham.  Newly elected City Councilmembers Amy Scrivner,  Amy Antrim,  Andrew Payne, and Josh Beck were also sworn in. 

The first Public Hearing for the 2027-2031 Financial Plan, Capital Improvements Program and Maintenance Program (currently under development) was held at the Council meeting, with one resident offering input. The plan is scheduled to be presented by the City Manager to the Committee of the Whole in February of 2026. ( The Committee of the Whole is comprised of all Council members and handles major city issues)

The Five-Year Plan addresses 5 "Strategic Goals" identified by the Council Members. 
● Safe and healthy neighborhoods  
● A high quality of life  
● Infrastructure and connectivity
● Government accountability and  
● Economic well-being and housing.

For more details see:

https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/budget-taxes/city-budget/capital-improvements-maintenance-programs/ 

Mayor Skoog announced reappointments for the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, the Environmental Advisory Council, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council.

During her review of the city's 2025 accomplishments, Council President Grummert announced that a new Snow Map is now available to residents.

https://www.opkansas.org/city-services/traffic-roads-transportation/snow-ice-removal/ 

For a video, agenda, and minutes of the meeting:

https://opkansas.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=9419 

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The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. Lori Sharp was absent. Graduates of the latest Police Citizen’s Academy were recognized. State Senator Ethan Corson and State Representatives Jerry Stogsdill, Stephanie Sawyer-Clayton and Rui Xu updated the Council on issues facing the legislature in the new year. Property tax is likely to be the number-one issue in the coming session. Evergy gave a presentation, as they do annually, highlighting electrical grid maintenance and outages. Public comments began about 7:45 and went for about 12 minutes.

The Council approved a donation of $11,500 (already included in the 2026 budget) to the Human Service Fund administered by United Community Services (UCS). Johnson County and 14 cities in the county besides Prairie Village contribute to this fund. The proposed total of all grants from the Human Service fund is $474K, with the four largest going to Health Partnership Clinic, CASA, Catholic Charities of NE Kansas, and Sunflower House.  There are 19 total grantees, all working for health, wellness, safety, and basic needs in Johnson County.

According to the report submitted by UCS, “For 2025, the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for a three-person household is $26,650 per year. According to U.S. Census American Community Survey 2023 1-Year Estimates, the total number of people living in “low-income” households in Johnson County (those at or below 200% FPL) was 84,638, or approximately 14% of the Johnson County population.”

To learn more about this community resource, click here: United Community Services of Johnson County

Note that some of the citizen commenters have complained about Prairie Village taxes supporting UCS, seemingly because the services benefit people outside the city. In tonight’s presentation, UCS called out the specific numbers of PV residents (315 identified) who benefited from these services in 2024.

Next, the Council approved a contribution of $73,000 to the Drug and Alcoholism Council, also administered by UCS.  These funds are the sum of opioid settlement funds allocated to PV and a portion of the state sales tax on alcohol generated in PV and are already included in the budget for 2026. The grantees and descriptions are available on the UCS website.

Other city business was conducted, and the Council went into executive session at 9:05, with adjournment immediately afterward.

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The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. Lori Sharp was absent. 

Councilmembers whose terms have ended were recognized: Chi Nguyen, Dave Robinson, Greg Shelton, Terrence Gallagher. New council members were sworn in: Shelby Bartelt (attending by Zoom), Nathan Vallette, Betsy Lawrence, Jim Sellers.

Public comments lasted about 20 minutes. Seven residents spoke in favor of “grandfathering in” the one  currently-licensed spider monkey, given a proposed regulation change that would prohibit ownership of any primates. Absent the “grandfathering”, the spider monkey will be required to be re-homed outside the city if the ordinance is revised as proposed. 

Councilman Cole Robinson was elected Council President for the coming year. Council President chairs the Committee of the Whole and stands in for the Mayor if the Mayor is absent.

Council voted to approve the issuance of bonds up to $28 million for the municipal complex project.

Council took up the proposed changes to the animal control ordinances and sent them back to staff for more work and further discussion at a future meeting.

Council discussed the city property tax rebate program and approved increases in the maximum property value in order to qualify. In 2025, 93 households with average yearly income of $33,208 received an average refund of $656, totaling $61K. (This is a program that allows a low-income household to receive a refund of the Prairie Village portion of their property taxes.)

Meeting as the Committee of the Whole, Council discussed results of and proposed increases to the exterior and sustainability grants.  These are two programs that help residents make certain improvements to their owner-occupied homes to address code violations and improve environmental sustainability.  Increases were approved and will be voted on at a future meeting of Council. To learn more about these programs, click here.

Other city business was conducted, and the Council adjourned at 8:40.

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The Council met in person at 6:00 p.m., with public viewing in person or via livestream. Betsy Lawrence and Tyler Agniel attended via Zoom. Lori Sharp and Nick Reddell were absent. 

Representatives of First Washington (owner of the Prairie Village and Corinth shops)  updated the Council on the rebuilding projects happening at the two shopping centers.

Public comments lasted about 25 minutes, with most people commenting in favor of passing a non-binding resolution to support the provision of election materials and ballots in Spanish in Johnson County.

Next, the Council took up that very question, hearing from Logan Dumont of the KS ACLU (in favor) and also Fred Sherman, JOCO Election Commissioner (against). Mr. Sherman’s main argument against the resolution is that a change like this is properly done by the KS Secretary of State at the state level in order to protect uniformity and, ultimately, the integrity of the election process. Mr. Sherman did not express opposition to providing election materials in languages other than English; only the method being used to try to force a change. Resolution for a non-binding statement in support of the change passed 8 to 2.

Acting as the Committee of the Whole, Council discussed its legislative agenda for 2026. There was extensive discussion on local control of zoning. The legislative platform will be voted on at the next meeting and is available on the city’s website.

Other city business was conducted, and the Council went into executive session at 8:28, with adjournment immediately after.

To learn more click here.