Johnson County appoints Ed Bartels interim county engineer after Parker retirement

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors voted Jan. 8 to appoint Ed Bartels as interim county engineer, effective close of business Jan. 31, 2025, after County Engineer Greg Parker notified the board he will retire at the end of the month.

The move ensures an on-duty county engineer during the transition while the county begins a national search for a permanent replacement. The board made the appointment by roll call vote during the Jan. 8 meeting.

Bartels, who told the board he has served as assistant county engineer for about 18 years and is a licensed professional engineer, said he has also held a land surveyor license and is a licensed bridge inspector. “I’m fully confident with the terrific staff that we have, that this will be no issues, and things should go really, really, really smoothly during any of the transition period,” Bartels said.

Board discussion noted the practical need for an identified contact for after-hours emergencies before Parker’s retirement. A county staff member noted a payroll/administrative detail suggesting a Feb. 2 pay or record date, but the board said the county would “work that out internally” so that Bartels would be the contact if a bridge or road emergency occurs before Feb. 2.

Supervisor Sullivan moved to appoint Bartels; Supervisor Remington seconded. The board took a roll call vote and recorded four ayes; the motion passed and Bartels was congratulated.

The board did not set an exact timeline for the permanent hiring process during the public portion of the meeting; staff said the county will proceed with advertising and hiring procedures.

Background: Greg Parker’s retirement announcement prompted the interim appointment. Bartels described his long service preparing him “to do this exact job” and invited supervisors to contact him with questions during the transition.