Johnson County supervisors on Aug. 13 backed a proposed charter to form a Budget Assistance and Preparation Committee intended to provide quarterly financial trend analysis, fund-balance history and tools to help county leaders prepare budgets, with two requested edits: change language from "predictive" to "informative" and soften the meeting-frequency wording.

Supervisor Scott (the item sponsor) described the committee as a way to pull together the county's financial experts and outside advisors to produce quarterly briefings on financial market conditions, fund balances and cash positions so policymakers have better information heading into the budget season. The sponsor compared short-term forecasting value to a 20'day weather forecast and emphasized the committee's role as informational rather than prescriptive on spending decisions.

Why it matters: The charter aims to give supervisors and department managers earlier financial context in a period of rapid economic change so the county can make more informed budget decisions. Members suggested that the committee will help county leaders anticipate fund-balance trends, review cash and cash-management practices, and revisit financial policy adherence.

Board edits and next steps: Supervisors unanimously asked two edits before formal adoption: replace any "predictive" language with "informative" to avoid overpromising forecasting accuracy, and clarify that meeting frequency is advisory and may be adjusted by committee members. The sponsor agreed to redraft the charter to reflect those changes and to consult the county attorney as appropriate. The board asked the sponsor to present the revised charter for formal consideration when ready.

Support: Several supervisors and department leaders endorsed the concept, saying the county has benefited from similar informal conversations in the past. County Auditor Julie Persons and county finance staff indicated the committee would help track fund balances and fiscal trends.

Ending: The board authorized the sponsor to refine the charter and proceed with scheduling; no funding or permanent staff were committed at this stage.