[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86,98,110],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6075083,"mediaKeyId","2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb","parentId",2980131,"title","Johnson County proclaims April Fair Housing Month, schedules landlord and tenant forums","audioSeconds",253,"startMs",367000,"endMs",620000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb&start=367&end=620","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb/thumbnail_367000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6075083/Johnson-County/Kansas/Johnson-County-proclaims-April-Fair-Housing-Month-schedules-landlord-and-tenant-forums","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075083-104b91dff5357da4191e4a47208e541d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770057593&Signature=lql0z44IB06tD~rN8WvQDqXpvwlNkQWeBPs4NMdgvLGFiPaFKvFY6oI9T09KRk5zvFVcwr-eBVMM0Gpzw~NV9k7-LeeeaCJAWYKrEGNpQBTyRbJL1qp3ZDOIi1P5-FB3sn4DUSXulYKbaF6CfoU~QK-IQZgx8xKB3hgWgUXCO5wAy3Y752g8r6IkoK3RevgLu-g1EqgEe-yiq7qQT7ZEoHMC4K7CVLoBYs97F3P2P~D1LYrJOGBTiJMVayPDpyCRSnLlUtbPtboX8G9pin617iSOTq7981Oq8P3LlPxpobOYUWTF2C9ve6dhX1Qg9e6tTEnedrYaETVEzmFeQqxX8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Johnson County, KS ","date","2025-04-10T00:00:00Z","article","The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month at its April 10 meeting and County housing staff announced upcoming public events to mark the observance.

Chair Mike Kelly read the proclamation affirming the county’s commitment to equal housing opportunity and invited Planning Housing and Community Development Director Jay Leipzig and Housing Services Director Heather McNeve to accept the proclamation. Leipzig said it was an honor for the department to recognize the federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) and described fair housing as a foundational community priority.

Heather McNeve announced that the county will host two fair housing forums on April 22 in partnership with Overland Park and Kansas Legal Services. She said the 3:30 p.m. session will be aimed at landlords and property managers to review obligations under fair housing law and how to navigate complex tenant situations; a 6:00 p.m. session will be for tenants to learn about rights and reporting mechanisms at the state and federal level.

County officials encouraged attendance and provided contact information for housing services for additional questions. No formal action was required; the proclamation and events were ceremonial and informational.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Meeting- April 10, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month and county housing staff announced two free fair housing forums on April 22: a 3:30 p.m. session for landlords and property managers and a 6:00 p.m. session for tenants, in partnership with Overland Park and Kansas Legal Services.","taxTitle","Johnson County, Kansas","taxId",2884,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6075088,"County audit urges Medicaid data-sharing to boost WIC participation; health department begins coordination",1354,4898000,6252000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb&start=4898&end=6252","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb/thumbnail_4898000.jpg","/articles/6075088/Johnson-County/Kansas/County-audit-urges-Medicaid-data-sharing-to-boost-WIC-participation-health-department-begins-coordination","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075088-6f2b6ca602fb64a5c3de8c759cd5920c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770057593&Signature=MmEFshBRYSBAjqGTYW4~sO~A3dCuVqnFySviO0lXDTWsiRHlXojtzn6xjJ5UOM2JxbLgsfN2u5ycrlNRGCuvlejngJFryEIC-xDBQApj7QnjkQ1gckz455QArV4uJSyQ0xyw26cGXZFnYZjyA2RdXwJK3vYKoKbAne56KVZ0wWO36hAjyjlmF0T6T9lXuwwh35D6USE9-7RZxd2928l3MdLYGuys2fWINxGdhUjWfrw~BpYLuFbu1PW6~bMqXck3frHtyaG-9R3F2eVO2zFoSwkNXV1hCWVgOVJ~8DSWO8rt9Ovwhuav98dHNSZchA0NVw5N5DZN1c-qgfw9FCeLMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A county audit presented April 10 recommends that Johnson County increase WIC enrollment by sharing and matching Medicaid-managed-care data to identify eligible families and reach out to them. The board heard the audit, and Department of Health and Environment officials said they are already working with managed care organizations and state partners to implement data sharing.

Doug Jones, county auditor, summarized research showing WIC’s positive health and economic outcomes, noting that national estimates indicate about $3 in health-care savings for every $1 spent on WIC. The audit reported about 7,400 annual WIC participants in Johnson County and estimated roughly 6,500 additional eligible people who are not participating. It said WIC payments to local grocery stores totaled over $4 million in 2023, about $1 million of which was spent on fruits and vegetables.

The audit recommended that KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) coordinate Medicaid-managed-care data sharing with local WIC agencies. County health staff said they already receive monthly data files from two managed care organizations, Sunflower Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare; they are working to obtain the Healthy Blue file. County staff noted a gap of roughly 600 people on those lists who are not enrolled in WIC.

County health officials cautioned that expanding enrollment requires additional local resources to screen eligibility and meet with participants; funding for WIC services is federally provided through KDHE. The department also noted federal policy changes and immigration concerns can affect participation levels.

Audit staff recommended the county health department return to the board with updates on data-sharing progress and lessons learned. Management agreed. Commissioners asked about program capacity, use of adjunctive eligibility programs and administrative improvements such as the electronic card and electronic records used to streamline enrollment.

No board action was taken; staff said they will continue coordination with KDHE and managed care organizations and will report back with results of data sharing and any requests for additional resources.","An audit of Johnson County’s WIC program recommended using Medicaid-managed-care data to identify eligible participants. County health leaders said they are working with managed care organizations and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to expand data sharing; staff agreed to report back to the board on lessons learned.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6075093,"County reports 23% per-square-foot energy reduction since 2015; staff eyes solar expansion",1188,3156000,4344000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb&start=3156&end=4344","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb/thumbnail_3156000.jpg","/articles/6075093/Johnson-County/Kansas/County-reports-23-per-square-foot-energy-reduction-since-2015-staff-eyes-solar-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075093-3d4464572abe151e1bac764d24238164/orig.mp4?Expires=1770057593&Signature=AilnTwlIxEMwL~oBMuu1dn5wJVnD5Qw5RX37cJ3stI1NdkDtg3E7kalXAC9KqHdLmmTN4obep0pvKmL5ta1D503vgwjrIrRcsmtWlLvd63ij8UFXESaEo3-LDnx~j12zvCvy87jB3CvylRVIt7Frox56LdWmHdqIbHRdTbKGZaoK0nIUbpnI8mFvlB4lSzgcYDd5URfSSAdNLJ0fhZb60V93xfhXg-3lsG-ZkYI-XQIhq7AAZEJqEXCHnYpuUMzZBf5NF6jKh4xM9leKrKpD2zGfhUf8ZLKM5k7noQUyFoYhKAC0b93DQV02z-xO6jZ2VTkF47VDPwYeMYYMyO6Q1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Johnson County Facilities presented an Energy Consumption Management executive summary to the Board of County Commissioners on April 10 that showed measurable reductions in energy use and identified next steps including additional energy-efficiency projects and solar feasibility work.

Tony Baron, facilities staff, said the county decreased energy usage by 9% in 2024 and by about 23% per square foot since 2015 despite a 19% increase in electricity and natural gas prices. The department reported an avoided energy expense of $67,000 in 2024 and said the 2024 energy bill was $562 less than 2015 levels as measured in the presented summary.

Baron described the kBTU-per-square-foot trend: roughly 93 kBTU/sq ft in 2015 versus about 73 kBTU/sq ft at the end of 2024. Facilities said seven county buildings now rank in the top 25% of Energy Star categories and the department has a seven-step process for benchmarking, auditing and implementing Energy Efficiency Measure (EEM) projects.

Planned 2025 work includes seven funded EEM projects such as boiler replacements, HVAC control upgrades and supply fan conversions. Staff said they have performed a high-level solar study identifying 33 candidate buildings and are deep‑diving five buildings to evaluate structural, roof and code factors; staff said high‑use buildings (detention centers and other constant-use facilities) are likely initial priorities.

Commissioners asked about accelerating implementation, adding water audits to the dashboard, contracting capacity and sharing best practices with municipalities and other jurisdictions. Facilities staff said they are building regional networks with municipal facility managers, tracking potential reputable solar contractors and will coordinate further with the county manager’s office and budget staff before bringing specific solar projects forward for board consideration.

No formal board action was recorded; commissioners praised the results and encouraged continued acceleration where ROI and operational needs justify it.","Facilities staff reported a 9% reduction in energy use across county-managed buildings in 2024 and a roughly 23% per-square-foot reduction since 2015. The department plans seven EEM projects for 2025 and is studying solar options for county buildings.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6075098,"Housing services reports growth in home-repair work, vouchers; highlights family self-sufficiency successes",346,2110000,2456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb&start=2110&end=2456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb/thumbnail_2110000.jpg","/articles/6075098/Johnson-County/Kansas/Housing-services-reports-growth-in-home-repair-work-vouchers-highlights-family-self-sufficiency-successes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075098-520acf96a73ff68b872a379a4c178734/orig.mp4?Expires=1770057593&Signature=F5qcSObUcCIVB1OPscAjCQqg2YB47bq6VBAgmv~DjsdK9B59YyQ~s3TF4f2TCn-UDQDpR2-ZGPowQ~ckCCQbF3hybyIxdCARokXXGoEi780S64nbKDD4peiPutMWNW2btTjqkvmXRzi0rssyG~XxQovaqMsAs~2nQATBtzA2xwkxJNm7Ws2WmxD3L2dym21QOIN-YPLL0Ns4SI~9DCR7XBLOizec0ufzpROji8eq6Bdt8fnlikz3YiaNZv5qRThD8greiRkkJzVdRPAAkyiYVTegTSBHs71e0OQxEaBPj5plzUBxio6kJU9SLkZZLan8ZrsUeluPwPfuCAIAKES9LQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Johnson County Housing Services presented its 2024 annual report to the Board of County Commissioners on April 10, citing growth in home-repair work, continuing demand for Housing Choice Vouchers and expansion of targeted voucher programs for young people leaving foster care.

Heather McNeve, Housing Services director, told the board the Modern Home Repair Program completed 46 projects in 2024 — a roughly 58% increase over 2023 — and the Major Home Repair Program completed 12 projects in 2024. Together those programs served 58 households, the department said.

McNeve highlighted the Family Self-Sufficiency program, which helps participants increase earned income while accruing escrowed subsidy that can be used for goals such as car repair, tuition or a down payment on a home. The department reported its highest-ever escrow balance in Johnson County in 2024 for a client who is starting a business and plans to buy a house.

The presentation also described the Foster Youth to Independence voucher program, which creates permanent vouchers for young people aging out of foster care. McNeve said Johnson County had nine vouchers in 2024 and now has 14 referrals; those vouchers remain in the community once issued.

Commissioners asked about program details and funding. McNeve said minor home repairs are funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from Johnson County, Shawnee and Overland Park; major repairs follow federal regulations including lead-based paint assessment where applicable. She said the department typically opens the Housing Choice Voucher application portal in July each year.

Commissioners and staff discussed partnerships with Metro Lutheran Ministries and Habitat (Habitat for Humanity) on a housing preservation program, and noted the importance of rehabilitation work to preserve aging housing stock and keep housing affordable and safe for current and future residents.

Staff distributed a printed copy of the 2024 annual report and showed a short video highlighting a homeowner assisted by the programs. The board praised the department’s efforts and asked staff to return with more metrics and follow-up items as needed.","Johnson County Housing Services presented its 2024 annual report showing increased home-repair projects, progress on special voucher programs and partnerships with local nonprofits to preserve existing housing stock and help residents build savings toward goals such as homeownership.",{"_32":111,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":112,"_40":113,"_42":114,"_44":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6075104,"County approves EOC AV contract and $8.13 million Dykes Branch reimbursement",183,1919000,2102000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb&start=1919&end=2102","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2980131-6150d764ed448cbe699948450435ceeb/thumbnail_1919000.jpg","/articles/6075104/Johnson-County/Kansas/County-approves-EOC-AV-contract-and-813-million-Dykes-Branch-reimbursement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075104-c7af57b923fd47c04b7ea0a09ad47ded/orig.mp4?Expires=1770057593&Signature=eRo03FcFIa7Vx4aOJOg2pZc8ht1BPnO-ygJqkgJdPbH5cZF1LqDleOgey~K4Rj01RnlW3NlNMNMxi-Zm5RxJy4Zea-NDc6MzESV2AbGfa0zT5Wc8pYE-AeeQ3U29Njj5WdJPxYftE8W5W0YRqPcfK0zwOeAxABW-YSYu5UZ81UymsFL1qrrWD6t4OGWipYACb0mxH-xxqv7BLMZIkLG2S7pUsSJJ9C7si~QmcmAADBm7lLhngW7~n6HYTHi36BLHQEn~AeDcoNqaVqRGTRaD~t~aNFC9TyicRA6Yj0ME8q5Prl85d7wXAG5UZPrzm~3Q-q-1N7oHxnaE5meVze2yrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on April 10 approved two action items: a contract for audio-visual upgrades at the county Emergency Operations Center and a resolution authorizing reimbursement for the Dykes Branch interceptor project in Kansas City, Missouri.

The board approved a contract with Mission Electronics, Inc., not to exceed $704,451, to upgrade audio-visual systems in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Commissioner Ashcraft moved the contract approval; Commissioner Brewer seconded. The motion passed on a 6-0 roll call vote (Commissioners Fast, Myers, Brewer, Hanslick, Ashcraft and Chairman Mike Kelly voting aye). County staff said the work is the largest component of a broader $1.5 million project funded in part by a FEMA EOC grant and county matching funds.

Separately, the board adopted Resolution WD25-013, authorizing up to $8,128,419 to reimburse the City of Kansas City, Mo., for Johnson County’s portion of the Dykes Branch interceptor project. Commissioner Hanslick moved the resolution; Commissioner Brewer seconded. The motion passed on a 6-0 roll call vote (Fast, Myers, Brewer, Hanslick, Ashcraft and Kelly voting aye). No public comment was offered during the required public hearing on the project.

Both votes were taken after brief staff briefings and questions from commissioners. County staff and the board noted the EOC upgrade is part of a federally supported effort to avoid technical obsolescence in emergency response, and county wastewater leadership said the interceptor project will increase treatment capacity and help keep wastewater rates lower for Johnson County customers.

Votes at a glance

- Contract with Mission Electronics Inc. (cooperative contract through the State of Kansas, contract number 57377): approve upgrade of EOC AV system, amount not to exceed $704,451. Motion: Commissioner Ashcraft; second: Commissioner Brewer. Vote: 6-0, outcome: approved.

- Resolution WD25-013 (Dykes Branch interceptor): authorize reimbursement to City of Kansas City, Mo., for Johnson County’s portion, amount not to exceed $8,128,419. Motion: Commissioner Hanslick; second: Commissioner Brewer. Vote: 6-0, outcome: approved.

No amendments to either motion were recorded in the public minutes.","The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved a $704,451 contract to upgrade audio-visual equipment at the county Emergency Operations Center and adopted a resolution to authorize up to $8,128,419 to reimburse Kansas City, Mo., for the county's share of the Dykes Branch interceptor project. Both measures passed unanimously.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Johnson County proclaims April Fair Housing Month, schedules landlord and tenant forums

County audit urges Medicaid data-sharing to boost WIC participation; health department begins coordination

County reports 23% per-square-foot energy reduction since 2015; staff eyes solar expansion

Housing services reports growth in home-repair work, vouchers; highlights family self-sufficiency successes

County approves EOC AV contract and $8.13 million Dykes Branch reimbursement