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Resident urges Johnson County to act on homelessness; commenters raise tax and planning concerns
Summary
During public comment, Brian Perkins, who said he is homeless, described 24‑hour vacate notices and deaths among acquaintances and urged shelter and affordable housing; other speakers raised long-term planning and transparency concerns about property taxes and study sessions.
Brian Perkins, who identified himself as a resident of Lake the Woods and said he is homeless, told the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on April 16 that friends recently received 24‑hour vacate notices for tents and that one person he knew has died.
“How many more 24‑hour vacant letters are going to be delivered to people experiencing homelessness?” Perkins asked, calling for shelter, transitional housing programs and affordable units and urging the county to continue work to provide housing and services.
Two other speakers used the public‑comment period to press county officials on long‑term planning and property‑tax transparency. Jeff Harkins, speaking from the Overland Park/Shawnee Mission area, urged the county to consider multi‑decade cycles for infrastructure and funding and suggested that combined transit revenue should cover public-transportation costs. He also advocated rethinking development patterns tied to stadiums and large projects.
Gaylene Van Horn of Lenexa told commissioners she is waiting on property appraisal appeals, said rising tax bills are a heavy burden in retirement and criticized the lack of public streaming or recording for study sessions, arguing that a lack of transparency makes it hard for residents to follow how resolutions are developed.
No commissioner action on these comments was recorded at the meeting; the board moved on to routine business and the consent agenda.
