Johnson County publishes proposed budgets for consolidated Fire Districts; plans staffing increases and truck replacements

Johnson County commissioners on Thursday authorized publication of proposed fiscal‑year 2026 budgets for the newly consolidated Johnson County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 and for Johnson County Fire District No. 2, and set public hearings for Aug. 21 at 1 p.m. The Board voted 6‑0 on both items.

The consolidated Fire District No. 1 proposed budget totals $22,365,305, the district told commissioners. Fire‑district staff said the budget includes 4.5% salary increases, funds to hire three additional firefighters for 2026 (bringing on‑duty staffing closer to desired relief factors), conversion of three lieutenants to captains, and $425,000 identified toward replacement of three fire trucks anticipated to be replaced in the next two to three years. Fire District officials also said the budget contains a…