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Johnson County adopts new procurement preferences to encourage apprenticeships; board approves 5-2
Summary
The board adopted Resolution 115-25 to amend purchasing policy language to include preferences for local presence and apprenticeship programs; the motion passed 5-2 and is effective Jan. 1, 2026.
The Board of County Commissioners voted 5-2 to adopt Resolution 115-25, amending county purchasing policy numbers 110.125 and 110.165 to add preference criteria that can be used when otherwise equal bids are received. The policy changes, effective Jan. 1, 2026, add preference language relating to local vendor presence, Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship participation and categories such as disabled-veteran-owned businesses.
Public commenters and industry representatives raised concerns that the proposed preferences could disadvantage small, locally owned firms that do not maintain Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship programs. "This provision tilts the scales in favor of large firms to the detriment of smaller firms," public commenter Ben Hobert said. Will Reeder of the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City commended the county for emphasizing workforce development but asked that the policy be applied in a way that does not unintentionally exclude smaller contractors who support local workforce pipelines.
Chief counsel and staff said the language was intended as a transparent, minimum standard and mirrored practices observed in comparable jurisdictions. Staff emphasized the preference applies only as a tie-breaker where bids are otherwise equal, and that implementing procedures will be developed before the policy goes into effect to clarify how preferences are counted and applied. Commissioner Hanslick and other supporters said the policy is a proactive tool to promote local workforce development and keep taxpayer dollars in the community; opponents expressed concern about potential federal entanglements or complexity for small businesses.
The final roll call was: Commissioners Fast, Myers, Brewer, Hanslick and Chairman Kelly — yes; Commissioners Ashcraft and Allen Brand — no. The motion carried 5-2. The board directed staff to develop implementation procedures and to provide outreach in the months before the policy takes effect.
