# Johnson County Council Budget Hearings 2026 2nd Reading Part 1 9-17-2026

The Johnson County Council held a budget hearing on September 17, 2026, focusing on the second reading and public hearing of the 2027 county budgets. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for county employees, increasing the COLA from $1,500 to $2,000, which was approved by roll call vote. The council reviewed and approved multiple departmental budgets with adjustments reflecting the COLA changes, salary reclassifications, and stipends. Specific budget funds discussed included community mental health, co-op extension service, soil and water, parks, health department, emergency management, planning and zoning, highway, sheriff's office, juvenile detention, probation services, and others. Several motions were passed to approve budgets as resubmitted or as approved on first reading, with noted salary and stipend adjustments. The council also addressed concerns about staffing and outsourcing in the fleet department, salary classifications for hybrid positions, and probation officer pay structures. The meeting involved detailed line-item budget reviews, salary range adjustments, and motions to approve budgets with noted changes, reflecting a comprehensive approach to fiscal planning and employee compensation for 2027.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Sources
- [Johnson County Council Budget Hearings 2026 2nd Reading Part 1 9-17-2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUL_chBZTd0) - Johnson County Government