The Johnson County Board of Supervisors discussed an information-technology personnel request to proceed with hiring a full-stack software developer and clarified how the position fits within the department's previously approved leveling policy.

IT staff explained that three to four years ago the county created multiple developer roles but had only one person in each role, producing a backlog. The proposed approach divides work between support and development roles and establishes tiers (1, 2 and 3) to retain staff by providing career progression. Bill, representing the IT department, described ongoing work maintaining existing county applications and building specialized applications where third-party products do not meet county needs.

Why it matters: IT staff said the county is building a customer-relationship-management (CRM) layer that will store client records once and enable multiple departmental applications (veterans services, health, general assistance) to access the shared client record with appropriate security separations.

Bill said some code concepts were borrowed from Polk County's code base but required customization for Johnson County'specific workflows. Supervisors asked whether the requested position was a new headcount for FY26; staff clarified the position was part of positions approved in the FY26 leveling and staffing plan rather than an additional third new position for the same fiscal year.

Supervisors complimented IT for recruiting and retention efforts and for collaborating with peer counties. The board asked staff to ensure hires follow the approved leveling policy and to confirm budget lines are correctly reflected in future personnel paperwork.

Ending: Staff signaled they would proceed with the personnel process consistent with the board's prior approval and leveling policy; the request will be brought forward for formal personnel processing as appropriate.