County to hold public hearing on creating a standalone Communications and Engagement Department

Johnson County held a public hearing Feb. 6 on a county‑manager recommendation to reorganize the administrative structure by converting the Communications Division into a standalone Communications and Engagement Department.

Julie Kearns, deputy county manager, explained the Home Rule Charter authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to alter the administrative organization of county government and that elevating communications to department status would transfer 10 existing FTEs currently in the County Manager’s Office into the new department. Kearns said a funded vacant position in the Appraiser’s Office would be repurposed to create a director position and that no new funds or FTEs were being requested; the new department would receive its own budget allocation carved out of the County Manager’s budget and be given dedicated space in the Administration Building.

Kearns told commissioners the elevation is intended to strengthen strategic engagement with the public, partners, media and employees and align communications with other core county functions such as finance and public works. Commissioners asked procedural and operational questions about recruitment for the director position, departmental reporting lines, and whether the new director would provide recommendations for potential future structural changes, including a less decentralized communications model. Kearns said the new director would be hired via national recruitment and would be responsible for developing a strategic plan and coordinating with departmental communication staff.

Commissioners requested additional follow-up meetings to discuss department metrics and responsibilities; no new budget or staffing was approved at the Feb. 6 hearing. The item will return for final action on the board’s next regular agenda.