Resignation of county auditor sparks urgent appointment process

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors convened on July 31, 2024, for a public meeting that included significant discussions regarding county operations and personnel changes. The meeting began with a public comment segment, where Edward from Southlake Health expressed gratitude for the service of Travis Weifert, the county auditor who recently resigned.

Following public comments, the board addressed several agenda items, starting with the renewal of an agreement for reimbursement of judicial hospitalization referees with the state of Iowa. County Attorney Rachel Zimmerman Smith highlighted the efficiency of this partnership, which allows for quicker access to care for vulnerable community members. The contract, which is set to not exceed $29,250, was praised by officials for its positive impact on the judicial process.

The board also discussed the appointment of Ashley Thomas as a reserve deputy sheriff, who is returning to the role after a brief hiatus. This appointment is expected to be formalized in the upcoming weeks.

A significant topic of discussion was the GuideLink Center, where the board considered a request for a six-month extension of the Master Professional Services Agreement and lease agreement. The board acknowledged the complexity of drafting Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for service providers at the center and agreed to seek outside consultancy assistance to ensure a thorough and professional process.

In a notable development, the board acknowledged the resignation of County Auditor Travis Weifert, effective July 25. The board is set to publish a notice of intent to appoint a successor, with plans to finalize the appointment by mid-August.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue engaging with community members and stakeholders as the board navigates these transitions and agreements.