Commissioners approve claims, question prosecutor billboard expense and multiple bottled-water charges
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Summary
The board approved claims but raised concerns about a $4,188.75 billboard purchase tied to the prosecutor's pretrial diversion program and noted 22 separate bottled-water charges to a county account, suggesting alternative water dispenser options might reduce recurring costs.
Johnson County commissioners on Sept. 8 approved claims presented for payment but discussed two items the board said warranted further scrutiny: a $4,188.75 billboard purchase tied to the prosecutor's pretrial diversion program and repeated bottled-water charges across county locations.
One commissioner described the billboard as featuring the prosecutor and the sheriff with a public-safety message; the commissioner said he supported the message but questioned whether $4,188.75 was a prudent use of program funds and invited the prosecutor to provide justification. The transcript records the claim amount as $4,188.75.
The board also discussed that Petro's Culligan appeared on claims for bottled-water disbursements in 22 separate locations. A commissioner suggested installing shared water coolers or fountain units to reduce recurring charges; another commissioner said such fountain units cost about $6,000 each. Commissioners approved the claims but asked for follow-up and possible alternatives to recurring bottled-water purchases.
No formal audit or policy change was approved during the meeting; commissioners asked that the prosecutor or staff contact them with additional justification for the billboard expense and to explore options for reducing bottled-water costs.