August 25, 2026 - Public Hearing on Budget and Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate

This was a public hearing held by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on August 25, 2026, regarding the proposed 2027 budget and the intent to exceed the revenue neutral property tax rate. The county manager and budget director presented a $1.91 billion budget, with $1.38 billion in expenditures and $532 million in reserves. The budget maintains core services without new property tax-funded full-time employees, relying on reallocations and new fee revenues. The presentation highlighted the county's efforts in cost savings, infrastructure maintenance, and public safety funding. Numerous public comments overwhelmingly expressed concern and opposition to property tax increases, citing rising tax burdens, stagnant incomes, and calls for spending cuts and fiscal responsibility. Despite public opposition, the Board voted 6-1 to approve resolutions authorizing property tax levies exceeding the revenue neutral rate for the county, park and recreation, and library taxing districts. The hearing concluded with plans for further budget review and a final vote scheduled for September 3, 2026.