The Board of County Commissioners met on Thursday, Oct. 2 in the Hearing Room at the Johnson County Administration Building.

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.

Planning items for personal storage business

Approved a request from David Eskov, Eskov Architecture, applicant on behalf of Woody Palmer, Stillwell Land Holdings, landowner for a Revised Preliminary and Final Development Plan for personal storage business and Conditional Use Permit for an outdoor storage yard for a term of 10 years at Storage Haul, 7225 W. 207th St., on 6.37 acres and zoned PEC-3 (Planned Light Industrial Park) District. Consent Agenda Vote: Passed 7-0.

Appointments to Board of Code Review

Appointed the First District Commissioner’s nominee, Scott Hazelitt, and Sixth District Commissioner’s nominee, Jack Poole, to the Board of Code Review. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Appointment to Community Corrections Advisory Board

Appointed the Sixth District Commissioner’s nominee, Anne Timmons, to the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Bond sale for wastewater and airport projects

Authorized the offering for sale of approximately $60,310,000 principal amount of General Obligation Internal Improvement Bonds, Series 2025A (the “Series 2025A Bonds”) of Johnson County, Kansas. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Adding FMLA Leave administration to existing contract

Authorized a contract amendment with Lincoln Financial Group to add FMLA Leave Administration services in the amount of $110,000 annually, resulting in a revised total annual contract authority not to exceed $394,365. Vote: Passed 7-0.

Furniture term and supply contract authority increase

Authorized a contract authority increase for the term and supply contracts with multiple suppliers for furniture purchases in the amount of $4,080,000 for a revised aggregate authority amount not to exceed $7,080,000 for the third yearly renewal option term through Nov. 14, 2026. Vote: Passed 6-1.

• Yes: Fast, Meyers, Brewer, Hanzlick, Allenbrand, Kelly
• No: Ashcraft

CyberSecurity Awareness Month promotes ‘Stay Safe Online’

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a nationwide effort to promote safer online practices. Now in its 22nd year, the campaign encourages everyone to take simple steps to protect their digital lives. This year’s theme, “Stay Safe Online,” from the National Cybersecurity Alliance, highlights four key actions:

1. Use strong passwords and a password manager
2. Turn on multifactor authentication
3. Recognize and report scams
4. Update your software

By following these practices, we can all help create a more secure digital environment. 

Hispanic Heritage Month ends Oct. 15 

Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 is an opportunity to recognize the impacts of our Hispanic and Latino community. The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The free, public event will feature musical performances, food for sampling and purchase, bike displays, a community art project and more. Johnson County Library is hosting a walk and read program on “Green is a Chile Pepper:  A Book of Colors” at the Arts & Heritage Center from Oct. 4-12. View more information about these events.

Motion was made to approve and adopt Resolution No. PBC 002-25 authorizing the offering for sale of approximately $6,485,000 principal amount of Lease Purchase Revenue Bonds (Master Lease), Series 2025A (the “Series 2025A PBC Bonds”) of the Public Building Commission of Johnson County, Kansas. Vote: Passed 7-0.

After meeting in executive session, motion was made to authorize the Chair to approve and execute a new employment agreement between the Board and County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson, effective Oct. 15, 2025, to include a structured performance evaluation process that aligns with the Board's priorities and strategic goals, and the compensation and benefits package as directed by the Board to the Chair. Vote: Passed 7-0.  

Motion was made to approve a merit salary increase of 2% for the County Manager, effective with the first payroll period of 2026, raising the annual base salary to $355,468.98. Vote: Passed 5-2.

• Yes: Fast, Meyers, Hanzlick, Brewer, Kelly
• No: Ashcraft, Allenbrand

Early start date for FY 2026 authorizations

Consider authorizing a Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 start date for the FY 2026 approved:

• FTE TTV-motor vehicle specialist 
• Sheriff vehicle equipment purchases 
• Sheriff Operations Center Security Upgrade Capital Improvement Project 
• Facilities Major Asset Replacement Program (MARP) Capital Improvement Project, authorizing the execution of a cooperation agreement between Johnson County and the Public Building Commission to transfer and advance up to $1,280,000 from County General Fund reserves to provide interim funding for the MARP; and authorizing the reallocation and expenditure of reserves for FY 2025 in the amount of $3,772,530 from the General Fund

CARS program for 2026

Consider authorizing the 2026 County Assistance Road System program expenditures, in an amount not to exceed $18,781,000. 

Stormwater Management Program for 2026

Consider authorizing the 2026 Stormwater Management Program expenditures, in an amount not to exceed $25,013,842.

Bonds for industrial facility at New Century

Consider adopting Resolution No. 124-25 and authorizing Johnson County to issue Taxable Industrial Revenue Bonds, Series 2025, in the principal amount not to exceed $25.3 million for the purpose of financing the construction of an industrial facility located at New Century, Kansas; and to grant an ad valorem tax abatement on the constructed improvements for 10 years starting at $0.30 a foot escalating at 1.5 percent (1.5%) each year thereafter; and entering into a payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreement; and certain other documents in connection with the issuance of the bonds.

Real estate sale contract with Sky Partners II

Consider approving a real estate sale contract for real property located at 600 New Century Parkway and 561 Sumner Way, New Century, with Sky Partners II, LLC, buyer, in the amount of $5 million.