On Feb. 17, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners met in executive session during a special meeting to interview non-elected candidates for the county appraiser’s position. No action was taken after the meeting.

The Board of County Commissioners met on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Hearing Room at the Johnson County Administration Building.

Commissioner Michael Ashcraft was absent.

Below, you can find a recap of the items discussed during the meeting.

More information, including official minutes, votes, videos, information about how to make public comments and how to request accommodations is available at boccmeetings.jocogov.org. This recap is not the official record of the BOCC meeting.

Plat for Prairie Trace Meadows subdivision

Approved the City of Gardner’s application for Prairie Trace Meadows, Fourth Plat, a residential subdivision comprised of 20 lots on approximately 4.82 acres, located south of 175th Street and west of Clare Road, and within 1 mile of New Century AirCenter.

Rezoning for Century Farms North development

Approved the City of Overland Park’s application for rezoning from RUR-J, Rural District Johnson County, to R-1 Single Family Residential District, on 40 acres, for the Century Farms North development, located at the northwest corner of 167th Street and Quivira Road, Overland Park, and within one mile of Johnson County Executive Airport.

Consent Agenda Vote: Passed 6-0.

K-State Research and Extension Johnson County offers income tax assistance

K-State Research and Extension Johnson County in partnership with El Centro, Inc. and Kansas City Metropolitan Tax Coalition is offering free basic tax return preparation services at the Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, until April 12. This service is available to qualified individuals who make $67,000 a year or less. There are two types of services available:

• Walk in assistance: Available Wednesdays and Thursdays (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Saturdays (8:30 to 11:30 a.m.). There are no appointments, with first come, first served, or until capacity is reached.
• Drop-off assistance: A secure drop box is available in the Extension office Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Document copies must be received by April 8.

The IRS has operated the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for more than 50 years. VITA services are a free and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA tax preparers are trained and certified before completing returns. Preparers are volunteers and receive no compensation for their service. While the IRS managed the VITA program, the VITA sites are operated by partners and staffed by volunteers.

Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Update

Planning staff with assistance from consultants, Clarion Associates, have begun the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Update process. An Advisory Committee has been formed and has met. We have met with stakeholder groups, with additional meetings scheduled. An assessment of the current regulations has been completed, and an informational website has been launched. The next steps are to begin working on drafting the proposed regulations which will be released over the next year in several modules for input. A variety of opportunities for public input will be available throughout the process.

Other Reports: Legislative Update

Erin Winn, governmental relations coordinator, presented a legislative update.

Contract for natural gas management service

Consider authorizing a contract with Constellation NewEnergy Gas Division, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $700,000 annually, for natural gas management service. The contract term is for a 3-year period with two additional 2-year renewal options per State of Iowa Master Agreement #22251A.

Grant for substance use prevention program

Consider accepting the Kansas Fights Addiction Grant from the State of Kansas in the amount of $200,000 for implementation of the Strengthening Families and Empower Parents for Substance Use Prevention program and authorize the reallocation and expenditure of fund balance (reserves) for FY 2025 in the amount of $200,000.

Agreement for #ZEROREASONSWHY campaign

Consider approving an exception to competition and authorizing the Johnson County Mental Health Center to enter into a services agreement with Overflow Storytelling Lab, LLC to provide a story campaign and community mobilization efforts for Phase 7 of the #ZEROREASONSWHY campaign in an amount not to exceed $154,000 and for SWAG purchases in an amount not to exceed $14,360 for the contract period ending Feb. 27, 2026 per Administrative Policy and Procedure #110.180.A.16.

Agreement for law enforcement services to Edgerton

Consider authorizing an agreement between Johnson County and the City of Edgerton for the provision of law enforcement services in 2025 by the Sheriff’s Office to Edgerton for the total amount of $576,279.