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Commissioners create standalone Communications and Engagement Department; 6–1 vote
Summary
The board approved Resolution No. 019-25 to create a standalone Communications and Engagement Department by moving the existing communications division out of the county manager’s office and repurposing a funded appraiser position to become the new director; vote 6–1 (Commissioner Ashcraft opposed).
Johnson County commissioners on Feb. 13 voted 6–1 to approve Resolution No. 019-25, creating a standalone Communications and Engagement Department and elevating the existing communications division to a department-level operation under a director.
Deputy County Manager Julie Cairns told the board the reorganization moves the division’s 10 current FTEs into a standalone department and repurposes one funded appraiser position to create the director role. Cairns said a standalone department will give communications a seat at the executive table, enable strategic planning and allow the director to coordinate proactively across departments.
Public commenters objected to the change, calling it budget-bloating and arguing it duplicates existing functions. Ben Hobert and Charlotte O’Hara urged the board to reject the creation, citing concerns about longer-term budget impacts and the use of a funded vacancy as the source of the director position.
Supporters on the board, including Commissioner Hanslick, said the move signals the county’s commitment to improved transparency, modernization of outreach channels and better resident access to services. Commissioners noted the fiscal implications will be addressed during the budget process; creation of the department itself does not change the overall county budget but will allow the department to submit its own budget request for review.
Commissioner Allen Brand moved adoption of the resolution; Commissioner Allenbrand seconded. The clerk called the roll: six ayes and one no (Commissioner Ashcraft). The motion carried. The board directed the county manager and staff to develop a departmental strategic plan, review communications operations and present budget requests and a work plan during the upcoming budget cycle.
