Johnson County approves $8,100 contractual increase for United Community Services human-services fund

Commissioner Myers moved and Commissioner Hanslick seconded a motion to approve an $8,100 contractual increase to United Community Services’ (UCS) human-services fund allocation for FY2026. On a roll-call vote the motion passed 5–2: Commissioners Fast, Myers, Brewer, Hanslick and Chair Kelly voted yes; Commissioners Ashcraft and Allen Brandt voted no.

Commissioners and UCS staff described the human-services fund as a long-standing pooled program that supports many local social-service providers. Commissioner Hanslick read a list of agencies that receive HSF funding to illustrate the fund’s reach: “that includes the community center of Shawnee, CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte County, Center of Grace, El Centro, Foster Adopt Connect, Habitat for Humanity, Health Partnership Clinic, Kansas Children's Service League, Kids TLC, Pathway to Hope, Safe Home, Salvation Army, and Sunflower House.” He noted the increases requested were modest compared with individual agency grants and argued the funds help the most vulnerable.

Erica, a UCS staff member, explained the recommended increase was calculated as a percentage and described the county’s increase as about 5%, smaller than increases UCS has asked of some larger jurisdictions. Commissioners discussed the voluntary city participation model and how the county’s funding interacts with city contributions and nonprofit needs.

The board’s approval funds the $8,100 contractual increase for UCS in the FY2026 budget. Commissioners also said they expect follow-up material as part of the broader outside-agency review that the board directed staff to undertake.