The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted 6–1 on June 26 to authorize publication of a proposed fiscal year 2026 budget of $1,904,065,703 and to notify the clerk of its intent to exceed revenue-neutral rates for the county library and park-and-recreation taxing districts. The board set a public hearing for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Olathe Conference Center.

The proposal keeps the county’s mill levy effectively flat while setting a maximum expenditure under state statute, Robin Symes, Johnson County budget director, told the commissioners. “This is a responsible, balanced budget, maintains existing services and addresses some of the inflationary impacts affecting the county,” Symes said, adding that the plan includes no new property-tax-funded positions.

The budget document shows about $1.4 billion in expenditures and roughly $500 million in reserves. The board approved several targeted additions: one firewall administrator to be funded from an existing vacancy, and modest increases for utility assistance, nutrition services and food pantry support.

The item drew public comment from residents who criticized continued growth in property taxes. “There have been more than 10 consecutive years of property tax increases in Johnson County,” Ben Hobert said during the public comment portion. Phil Bauer urged commissioners to hold the line on a proposed $33 million library replacement, recommending instead a lower cap and a review of capital choices.

Commissioners discussed the process and constraints behind the proposed numbers. Commissioner Mike Kelly noted the vote is a procedural step under state law that sets the expenditure maximum; the mill levy can be reduced later but not increased after publication. Commissioner Ashcraft cast the lone no vote, saying he remained concerned about long-term revenue pressures and the desire for additional departmental 1–3–5% reduction scenarios during budget planning.

The board’s action starts the formal notice process required by statute. The budget will return to the board for further hearings and a final mill-levy decision in the autumn.

Public hearing: Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Olathe Conference Center, 10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe.