The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners adopted a fiscal year 2026 budget that will maintain fundamental, high-quality services for residents despite a landscape of financial challenges and at-risk revenue.

This year, county residents had the opportunity to attend budget open houses at five locations in June, up from two locations in 2024. Members of the Board and county management, staff from the Department of Budget and Financial Planning and leadership from other departments were on hand to discuss the budget and answer questions. The public also had the chance to weigh in on the budget at the August 20 public hearing.

The 2026 budget totals $1.9 billion, including $1.393 million in expenditures and $508 million in reserves. Funding priorities align with focus areas established by the BOCC. The county’s annual community survey also served as a helpful tool to gauge residents’ priorities.

Next year’s budget includes no new full-time employee positions paid by the county’s general fund. For new positions added, the county identified non-tax sources or repurposed existing positions in creative ways.

Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly said the 2026 county budget focuses on fundamental programs and services including support for the county’s vulnerable populations.

“Our number one priority remains delivering the fundamental services that our growing and aging community deserves,” said Chairman Kelly. “We also understand that rising property taxes are a major concern for our community. Our budget invests in the essential services that maintain our quality of life while keeping property tax rates at a minimum.”

County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson, who developed and presented the proposed budget in May, looked back at the county’s recent accomplishments to define why people want to live in Johnson County. Highlights include:

Building two new MED-ACT stations – one in Lenexa, one in Shawnee – to keep ambulance response times quick and first responders nearby.

Being the first county in the country to earn an ETC Leading the Way award three years in a row for quality of services offered, the level of customer service and resident satisfaction with government services.

Allocating millions of dollars in funding toward affordable housing solutions and homelessness support.

Creating an innovative pilot program to offer property tax relief to older adults and veterans, and another pilot program offering helping tenants facing eviction avoid losing their homes.

“The 2026 budget allows us to continue this great work and explore more ways to deliver efficient and valuable services to all residents,” Postoak Ferguson said.

More information on the adopted budget is available at jocogov.org/budget.