The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted 6'1 to authorize reallocation of $291,968 in county general fund reserves to the Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) for an outdoor video display, sound equipment and associated technical infrastructure to support FIFA World Cup watch parties at Theater in the Park.
The motion, moved by Commissioner Myers and seconded by Commissioner Allenbrand, followed staff presentations and public comment that included opposition to drawing from county reserves. Commissioner Ashcraft cast the lone no vote.
Why it matters: County leaders described the request as a time-sensitive, one-off purchase tied to the county priority to support World Cup-related community events in 2026. JCPRD officials said lead times for the equipment range from eight to 11 months and that the equipment would be a legacy item for future events, including Theater in the Park.
Public comment and debate: Ben Hobert and Charlotte O'Hara both urged the board to require JCPRD to find the funds in its own budget or issue a note payable to the county instead of using general reserves. Hobert asked why the county should "bleed its reserves" for the project and suggested JCPRD could adjust its budget or issue a short-term note. O'Hara criticized prior county World Cup spending and repeated concerns about reserves.
JCPRD response: Jeff Stewart, executive director of JCPRD, said the department will invest in marketing, staffing, security and other support for watch parties and is seeking sponsorships, but the procurement window for display equipment and supply instability mean JCPRD needed to move quickly. Stewart said equipment would support watch parties and future events and that JCPRD planned to pursue partnerships and sponsorships where allowed by FIFA.
Fiscal and procedural notes: During discussion, commissioners noted JCPRD's existing capital projects and revenue sources. Ben Hobert cited figures during public comment that JCPRD received $39.3 million in ad valorem tax support in 2025 and had planned capital expenditures including an administrative headquarters and soccer fields; those figures were presented by the commenter and not verified in board materials during the meeting. JCPRD staff described the $291,968 request as outside of previously budgeted 2026 capital items and said it would come from reallocated county general fund reserves.
Vote and outcome: The motion passed 6'1, with Commissioner Ashcraft voting no and expressing a preference for a county loan to JCPRD so the department could amortize the cost and pursue sponsorships first. Commissioners Myers and Allenbrand described the request as an appropriate, time-sensitive investment that could yield community and economic benefits.