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Roeland Park will administer Johnson County BMP cost-share program in-house for 2026
Summary
Council approved an agreement to have Roeland Park administer a Johnson County stormwater BMP cost-share program in-house; city staff will handle pre/post inspections and reimbursement submissions while the county provides limited intern support for the first year.
The council approved a cost-share agreement with Johnson County that will allow Roeland Park to administer the county—s 'contain the rain' stormwater best-management-practice (BMP) program within city limits beginning in 2026.
Public Works Director Donnie Scharf explained that, under the new arrangement, city staff will conduct pre-installation checks, inspect final installations and submit reimbursements to the county. Previously, the county and city coordinated the program with the county performing much of the field work; taking administration in-house will allow the city to align the program with its own tree-fund policies and expand eligibility for private projects and income-based subsidies.
Assistant City Administrator Jennifer Jones Lacy told the council the county agreed to provide interns to help with site visits for the first year but has not committed to long-term field support. Jones Lacy said administering the program locally allows the city to continue subsidizing new trees and to tailor rules that support its policy priorities.
The council moved, seconded and approved the BMP cost-share agreement. Staff will update residents about application process changes and the first-year inspection schedule.
What happens next: Staff will develop an internal workflow for inspections, approvals and claim submissions and will coordinate with the county on year-one intern support while monitoring ongoing staffing needs.
