Residents press Johnson County commissioners on tax increases at budget public hearing; county summarizes comments

At the Aug. 21 meeting of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, budget staff summarized a public hearing held “last night” at the Olathe Conference Center and reported roughly 220 residents attended and about 45–47 people spoke, with many residents urging restraint on property tax increases and questioning new positions and reserve amounts.

Why it matters: The county’s annual budget affects property tax bills, county services and local programs for mental health, aging and libraries. Public comment raised concerns that rising assessed values and new county hiring are increasing costs for homeowners on fixed incomes.

Key takeaways: Robin Symes, director of budget and financial planning, told the board the hearing yielded opposition to tax increases, concerns about rising expenditures and reserve levels, and questions about the pace of new full‑time positions. Symes also reported speakers in support of funding for mental health services, aging services and libraries. Symes said the county held six departmental presentations this year and five budget open houses attended by about 50 residents; budget materials and a new budget guide are available on the county’s website.

Public comments quoted in the meeting: Cassie Woolworth spoke virtually and urged an inclusive vision for the county: “We can tell the story of freedom that's big enough to include everyone.” Ben Hobert criticized assessed valuation increases and staff growth, noting “215 new employees in the last 3 years, a 5.14% increase when the population has increased just slightly more than 1%.” Amanda Kivett described an abandoned house near her Leawood property and said unpaid taxes and property maintenance were a local concern; she told commissioners she could not afford further tax increases. Brian Perkins, who identified himself as currently homeless, thanked commissioners for their attention to housing and urged continued focus on shelters and supportive programs. Charlotte O’Hara criticized tax incentives for corporations (a separate subject discussed later in the meeting) and urged the board to reconsider abatements.

Board and staff response: County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson introduced Robin Symes for the summary and said staff would prepare follow‑up information if the board wanted it. Symes asked the board to note the outreach the county had performed — departmental presentations, open houses, and website materials — and invited commissioners to request additional data before final budget adoption.

What the public asked for: Speakers requested greater transparency on reserves and hiring; residents urged the county to limit increases or reconsider capital projects and programs perceived as contributing to higher bills. Several speakers asked the county to enforce delinquent tax collection on vacant properties and reconsider county facilities and staffing levels.

Next steps: Symes said staff can prepare additional follow‑up information and provide it to commissioners before the budget is adopted. Commissioners asked staff to continue outreach and to respond to specific questions from residents as requested.

Bottom line: The public hearing drew higher turnout than recent open houses and focused attention on property tax pressure and county spending priorities; staff told the board it will continue to provide documents and data as the budget process proceeds.