[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"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","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_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,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6162518,"mediaKeyId","5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3","parentId",5438107,"title","Public commenters urge Johnson County to expand homeless services; one speaker repeats claims about COVID vaccine guidance","audioSeconds",331,"startMs",486000,"endMs",817000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3&start=486&end=817","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3/thumbnail_486000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6162518/Johnson-County/Kansas/Public-commenters-urge-Johnson-County-to-expand-homeless-services-one-speaker-repeats-claims-about-COVID-vaccine-guidance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162518-5a153a0db93ff4541c05d43ce76a043d/orig.mp4?Expires=1777357565&Signature=j5oSXRlfFqYo0TuGELHgaKlm3GVo8I4YCbConz43qdr1nHaTIbO8CQfOfVVy-fy8ByJWX~C1Ndv33k-8ysKglwHHm~kEcaQpNjYyZ8OAU8L3L3fUPGtBi46hJzbj9Lxzh2irIpadAIseDpUshIldRMpLokzES~521H-B8A-mM19cZOUi9pGZQrbIjEfrUdDHdHNPYtBnHnu5XlpQSgIuRzrIs7fxXs6RuenL7W44OcsRUZdC7~m7rzZw3VhVOrfg0ctrFFLswm41p3k9aBAkXStMxaIiOdf8AcjfngDtMoF5G~opTar7TL2xbZOJKQws0JOAc-xK7S62qI7IZvLZ9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Johnson County, KS","date","2025-07-17T00:00:00Z","article","Several residents who spoke during the public‑comment portion of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Thursday urged expanded services and funding to address homelessness, while one commenter asked the county health department to address recent federal guidance on COVID‑19 vaccination.

Brian Perkins, who identified himself as homeless, said the county should adopt strategies similar to Houston’s Built for Zero and Housing First efforts and urged Johnson County to use partnerships and local resources to reduce unsheltered homelessness. Perkins said Houston reduced homelessness by 62% after implementing Built for Zero and a Housing First approach and argued a county of about 632,000 residents should be able to make similar progress.

Pam Randolph, who said she lives in Overland Park, urged commissioners to act with compassion and said family members are among those experiencing homelessness. Donald Stout, also identifying himself as an Overland Park resident, thanked a local church for providing cooling‑center services and praised Commissioner Hanslick for attending; he also urged the county to provide more funding and cited the work of a consultant named Mandy Sample, saying she had helped other cities address long‑term homelessness.

Separately, Ben Hobert of Westwood Hills addressed the Board and described COVID‑19 vaccine guidance. Hobert said that “the U.S. Health and Human Services Department announced on May 27 that COVID‑19 … vaccines have been removed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended immunization schedules for healthy children and pregnant women,” and cited figures from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s website he said he viewed on July 13. The Board did not take action on the health‑policy points raised by Hobert; commissioners did not endorse the factual claims and did not direct the health department to issue guidance during the meeting.

No formal Board action was recorded in response to the public comments. Commissioners acknowledged the speakers and thanked them for participating.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Meeting -July 17, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","During the Board’s public‑comment period residents urged the county to adopt Housing First approaches and increase funding for unsheltered residents; a separate commenter raised unverified claims about changes to federal vaccine recommendations and asked the county health department to issue guidance.","taxTitle","Johnson County, Kansas","taxId",2884,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6162523,"Johnson County wins clean audit, issues first popular annual financial report; SLFRF update shows about $5M remaining",806,5572000,6378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3&start=5572&end=6378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3/thumbnail_5572000.jpg","/articles/6162523/Johnson-County/Kansas/Johnson-County-wins-clean-audit-issues-first-popular-annual-financial-report-SLFRF-update-shows-about-5M-remaining","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162523-9071fb857fbfe6c9b1d6ac61b369a3d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1777357565&Signature=kpFMJ7lN~C60R~u-ArWtsmX3Awb9KpjUsVZnNJGiIeLCGlv8u-KKHXosit1TlkEEzfMBiumIXrQA9ciwiD26FiNdJREFf7buaChUyHxYT628TG~TQhCQz6G6yMYhJaZte1v12kaXCQHTw0cLa71IZkfXmw9poRUI4DU9Rh4Vvl4uXawGmJEkBfWw2qwISteDb3HFzSLnzPW8wEZJQZ69oBoGw6aYJLePAh11D~5DeBkPBl1ckSI5SQSRlTZaycVH-m-KQ08MNQYSWQhULkNSOja6ypbtzXpU-rns2PCIO753~ut0WuGWF-7K3z3pjxe3BuQ7XK0BYl8jCY~GcKK2Cg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An independent audit of Johnson County’s 2024 financial statements returned an unmodified (clean) opinion, county officials announced Thursday, and staff also presented the county’s first Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). Reuben Brown, the county’s external auditors, reported no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control.

Becky Jones of Financial Management Administration said the county received its 30th consecutive certificate of achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and that the newly prepared PAFR — designed as a plain‑language summary of county finances, priorities and accomplishments — will be posted on the county website. Jones said the PAFR was submitted to GFOA for consideration of an award and helps improve transparency for residents.

Chester Moyer, partner at Reuben Brown, told the commissioners the audit objective is reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement. Moyer said auditors identified and accepted a corrected overstatement of inventory for personal protective equipment (COVID‑19 gloves) discovered during 2024 preparation; the adjustment was not material and did not require restatement of the prior year. He also noted the county implemented a new accounting standard for compensated absences in 2024 with no significant presentation impact.

County staff also provided a mid‑year update on State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). Becky Jones said net changes for the reporting quarter included approximately $2.3 million in community investment program expenses and that about $5 million of SLFRF remains to be spent by the federal deadline in October. She listed principal community recipients with remaining funds, including Friends of JCDS (housing for IDD population) and Habitat for Humanity, and said some projects (for example, a Salvation Army shelter reservation) have not yet drawn funds; staff have scheduled follow‑up meetings.

Jones said the county’s single‑audit of federal expenditures is underway, with a September deadline. The auditors and county staff emphasized cooperation in producing timely reports and thanked internal fiscal staff for their work in preparing audit work papers and reports.","Independent auditors issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on Johnson County’s 2024 financial statements; county staff released the first Popular Annual Financial Report and provided a mid‑year update on State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, noting roughly $5 million remains to be spent before the federal deadline.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6162528,"Johnson County publishes proposed budgets for consolidated Fire Districts; plans staffing increases and truck replacements",1069,3389000,4458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3&start=3389&end=4458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3/thumbnail_3389000.jpg","/articles/6162528/Johnson-County/Kansas/Johnson-County-publishes-proposed-budgets-for-consolidated-Fire-Districts-plans-staffing-increases-and-truck-replacements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162528-0f921dd01c84646247a5bf4d9c89ccb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1777357565&Signature=jCp07Z5CpqB2rJlSLW-sHD~3a-GqEErN0rwd~jVSFbXtGJ9sOMcZLVLSbPreugbFglQPTFwKY~roB6yEcRyjroeKV4e-TEFxKt29wUQHrjwV0dMYV11Wz-eFZ1D54E3TL1YDgh1zIYXxIvWgbIv7WCagfp5FTpCCagvAoIUihYcARSnNgqcTUD8176J1nEemzT-ShFwW8EbH8zQLK9v1lteNNR~e3p1Zv4xgizI07mrGhuEtOYNB1OkmPcyDcePD3tNMqV0xa-M7xg9r9IDOrX8kEgp46hmBkZgVBGlyuAiHEDrQear~MQ-Vxh9blgVw8iqTLNlU68BIXpHg6fBS7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Johnson County commissioners on Thursday authorized publication of proposed fiscal‑year 2026 budgets for the newly consolidated Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 and for Johnson County Fire District No. 2, and set public hearings for Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. The Board voted 6‑0 on both items.

The consolidated Fire District No. 1 proposed budget totals $22,365,305, the district told commissioners. Fire‑district staff said the budget includes 4.5% salary increases, funds to hire three additional firefighters for 2026 (bringing on‑duty staffing closer to desired relief factors), conversion of three lieutenants to captains, and $425,000 identified toward replacement of three fire trucks anticipated to be replaced in the next two to three years. Fire District officials also said the budget contains a planned $200,000 transfer to reserves and an anticipated carryforward reserve of roughly $4.6 million transferred into the new consolidated district.

Jim Francis, Fire Services Administration, told the Board the consolidation reflects an 8.4% assessed valuation increase and noted contract revenues and existing interlocal contracts with municipalities and Miami County. He said the county expects to renegotiate the Overland Park contract and other agreements to align services across the consolidated district. Francis described long‑standing contractual relationships with Miami County dating back decades and said Miami County’s fire entity currently owns no assets; the county’s fire district provides services under contract for that territory.

On staffing, Francis described staffing shortfalls triggered in part when Station 81 (Edgerton intermodal) opened in 2021 without additional assigned personnel. He said that after recent hires the district currently assigns 23 people to five stations with a minimum staffing target of 19 on shift; adding three positions in 2026 would bring the on‑duty roster to 24 and reduce overtime. “When everybody’s at work, we can put in service what we call Squad 82,” Francis said, noting the secondary resource would improve response capacity and reduce wear on heavy apparatus. The presentation also referenced an expected reduction in overtime costs and a multi‑year plan to move to cash purchases for apparatus to reduce interest expense.

The Board moved to publish the proposed budgets and to notify the county clerk of the districts’ intent to exceed the revenue‑neutral rate. The motion on Fire District No. 1 was made by Commissioner Allen Brand and seconded by Commissioner Hanslick; the motion on Fire District No. 2 was made by Commissioner Allen Brand and seconded by Commissioner Brewer. Both motions passed 6‑0. Public hearings on the proposed budgets were scheduled for Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. in the Board Chambers.

Chief Craig Morley and other fire‑district leaders attended the meeting and answered commissioners’ questions about reserves, contract timing and capital replacement schedules. The district noted three current trucks are about nine to ten years old and estimated replacements could take two to four years depending on manufacturer lead times.

The Board will consider finalized budgets after public hearings and following an Aug. 14 work session when all districts will present details.","The Board set proposed budgets and public hearings for the newly consolidated fire districts (Fire District 1: $22,365,305; Fire District 2: $3,372,425), approved notifications to exceed revenue‑neutral rates, and heard details on staffing additions, reserve transfers and planned truck replacements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6162533,"Johnson County approves 3‑year Agilent service agreement for crime‑lab instruments",580,2797000,3377000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3&start=2797&end=3377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5438107-7c0cf4b5c691f6f2200734a4e5f29ec3/thumbnail_2797000.jpg","/articles/6162533/Johnson-County/Kansas/Johnson-County-approves-3year-Agilent-service-agreement-for-crimelab-instruments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162533-a5df844104b525628c2b89228388da95/orig.mp4?Expires=1777357565&Signature=B7i8gZEq8DqUYQQZrbc~3FEErBXHKCAZK4RhsEgWKxUljbtr80nLSsITcFetD-eNWMaatPc41T43cMXS4kSIrHwD7-0izGSC~UYawy6s05fu6jxY0M4XDjaFeyB4TAqF7aGTdxX5pfYozfsMKQJJ7ba99DzO941McdDUU0mDE4WXb6DAPUd7POXZfd4xinyNGR4byxCj7hMk3ETvgb2WfIA0xj5VS6Qo4vNlwe0NVsiklXBMTpOcwrev~0Mm6ZBrUB9RkrAQ6xeQaOwRTpJaY6rXRZF8c0dpp2t2UoCDzdm-PmcdwVNfuJyGU-hHMnNOgNXj-5wrNuaGqd5R3G18HQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Johnson County commissioners on Thursday authorized a three‑year, $201,136.50 service contract with Agilent Technologies Inc. to maintain and repair forensic laboratory instruments used for drug confirmation and toxicology testing. The Board of County Commissioners voted 6‑0 to approve the exception to the county's competitive purchasing rules that allows the county to contract directly with the equipment manufacturer.

County officials said the agreement covers seven instruments used across the controlled‑substances and toxicology disciplines and will be invoiced annually in three equal installments of $67,045.50. Deputy county staff said entering a multi‑year agreement locks in a lower cost than annual renewals and preserves OEM (original equipment manufacturer) warranties and access to proprietary parts and software.

The service contract was presented by Julien Kemp of the sheriff’s office. Kemp told commissioners that, “we purchase these pieces of instrumentation from Agilent Technologies and therefore we consider the manufacturer to be the best repair guide for this equipment,” and that Agilent has access to OEM parts and proprietary firmware third‑party vendors cannot provide. Kemp also said the three‑year option produces a small cost reduction compared with last year and avoids annual inflation increases.

Commissioners asked several procurement and operational questions before voting. Commissioner Allen Brand thanked staff for “continually being good stewards” and for the detailed briefing materials. Commissioner Ashcraft asked about life‑cycle planning for the equipment; Kemp replied the instruments are robust when maintained properly and can perform “more than 15 years” with proper care and that manufacturer service increases trade‑in value when replacement is required. Commissioner Burrow noted the county’s use of accrual accounting — which counts the total multi‑year commitment up front — as the reason the item exceeded the $150,000 threshold and therefore required Board approval.

The motion to authorize the exception was moved by Commissioner Myers and seconded by Commissioner Hanslick. Roll call recorded aye votes from Commissioners Myers, Brewer, Hanslick, Ashcraft, Allenbrand and Chairman Mike Kelly; the motion passed 6‑0. The agreement runs through August 2028 and will be invoiced annually.","The Board of County Commissioners authorized a $201,136.50, three‑year service agreement with Agilent Technologies for maintenance of analytical instruments used by the county crime lab; the contract was approved as an exception to competitive procurement and will be invoiced in three annual installments.","actionData","errors"]

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