Johnson County approves $11 million cost-share for Olathe courthouse parking garage after debate on ADA access and cost

The Johnson County Board of Commissioners voted 5–1 on June 5 to approve an interlocal cooperation agreement with the city of Olathe to split design and construction costs of a parking garage adjacent to the Johnson County Courthouse, authorizing up to $11 million from Public Safety Sales Tax 3 reserves.

The approval creates a 50/50 cost-share with Olathe and adds contract provisions guaranteeing the county at least 50% of courthouse parking spaces if occupancy becomes constrained. The agreement also requires a city–county review after the structure’s first year to assess ADA parking needs; if adjustments are needed then, the city will pay for the first-year modifications and the county may pay for subsequent requests.

Adam Norris, a county staff member involved in the project, told the board the agreement was revised to include an allocation mechanism to protect the county’s investment and a one-year ADA-review process. "This provision . . . ensures a process where the county would receive at least 50% of the parking spaces for courthouse users," Norris said during the briefing.

Commissioners aired concerns about cost, distance from the courthouse entry and whether alternatives were exhausted. Commissioner Mike Ashcraft said he struggled to justify the per-space cost and urged further exploration of options such as opening nearby lots, shuttle service or use agreements with area churches. "It's going to end up costing the county about $50,000 per space . . . and I struggle with that," Ashcraft said. Commissioner Allen Brand and others argued that growth in downtown Olathe, existing shortages and the site’s adjacency to the courthouse made the garage the most practical option.

Norris reported the Public Safety Sales Tax 3 fund balance was projected at $42,000,000 before the commitment and $32,000,000 after the $11 million allocation. Public commenters also pressed the board on timing of funds: Ben Hobert urged the board to disclose fund balances and construction draw timing; Norris confirmed a projected draw schedule and the revised agreement requires certain protections but does not change the projected allocation amount.

The motion, made by Commissioner Allen Brand and seconded by Commissioner Hanslick, passed on roll call: Commissioners Fast, Myers, Hanslick, Allen Brand and Chairman Mike Kelly voted yes; Commissioner Ashcraft voted no.

The board and staff noted the garage will add structured parking (weather and security protection) and free up surface stalls used by courthouse staff and visitors. Design and construction are expected to take multiple years; staff and commissioners discussed interim measures to improve ADA access — for example, volunteer or on-request accommodations — while the project proceeds.

The county emphasized no property taxes are planned to fund the project; the money comes from the designated Public Safety Sales Tax 3 fund balance. The board instructed staff to continue coordination with Olathe on design, ADA access and potential operational mitigations prior to construction.

The vote authorizes staff to proceed with the interlocal agreement and budget reallocation as described in the motion.

Less critical details: commissioners asked staff to continue exploring short‑term options (shuttles, agreements for use of nearby lots) and to convene stakeholders — including courts, DA's office and human services — to plan interim ADA accommodations.