Year after year, Johnson County residents say that emergency medical/ ambulance service is the most important service for the county to provide. They also say that safety and low crime should be the county’s top priorities for the next five years. With inflation, a growing and aging population, and uncertainty with the county’s future revenue, the county finds itself at a critical financial juncture.

Real and growing needs

Residents in Johnson County age 65+ now account for over half of all MEDACT emergency calls. That trend isn’t slowing. Whether it’s a 911 response, a mental health co-responder, or reliable emergency communications, our services are experiencing record demand.

And while demand has surged, costs have followed. Inflation has driven up the price of everything from ambulance parts and medical supplies to food service in our correctional facilities. At the same time, state legislative changes have slashed $38–$45 million annually from the county’s revenue since 2020.

In this environment, stability matters. Johnson County’s AAA bond rating and 36 years of financial reporting awards reflect a deep commitment to careful planning and smart investment. Even during times of economic strain, the Board of County Commissioners reduced the mill levy seven times in the last eight years, equating to $39 million in 2025.

Yet continuing this legacy means facing new realities head-on. The tools we’ve used in the past aren’t enough to meet tomorrow’s needs. That’s why the county is inviting residents to learn, ask questions and get involved.

Renewal of a public safety sales tax

Over the last few months, Johnson County leaders have been discussing the best way to fund growing needs for essential services like public health and safety and have considered several revenue options.

When Johnson County voters go to the polls this November, they’ll be able to vote on whether to extend the current 1/4 cent sales tax dedicated to public safety. Voters may remember this sales tax from when they first approved it in 2016 to finance transformative projects like the new county courthouse and medical examiner facility. Following the completion of those one-time investments, the conversation has shifted—from facilities to the backbone of public safety services that all Johnson Countians rely upon.

“Johnson County has experienced significant population growth over the past 15 years, with an especially rapid increase in residents aged 65 and older. This demographic shift has created increasing demands on our public safety infrastructure,” said Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. “Renewing an existing public safety sales tax allows us to continue funding essential services without increasing the property tax burden on residents.”

The Board of County Commissioners voted on May 8 to put the renewal on the ballot, as required by Kansas law. The tax would provide approximately $35 million annually to the county, as well as $19.7 million collectively to cities within the county.

The county’s portion would fund a wide variety of public safety programs, including but not limited to: Emergency Medical/Ambulance Services (MEDACT), Sheriff’s Office, Mental Health Crisis Intervention, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response, Department of Corrections, District Courts, and District Attorney’s Office.

Impacts to JoCo Residents

If approved by voters, the renewal would extend the existing Public Safety Sales Tax for an additional 10 years.

The sales tax is paid by both residents and visitors to Johnson County. Over 28% of sales taxes collected in Johnson County come from visitors, not residents. The Public Safety Sales tax renewal would continue to be 0.25% on all purchases. For example:

• You pay $0.01 in public safety sales tax for a $5 coffee.
• You pay $0.25 in public safety sales tax for a $100 pair of wireless earbuds.
• You pay $1.25 in public safety sales tax for a $499 outdoor grill.

The county’s portion would fund a variety of public safety projects in these areas:

• Vehicles (such as replacing aging ambulances)
• Technology (such as upgrading 911 systems)
• Equipment (such as emergency radios)
• First responders (such as EMS, Sheriff, Mental Health co-responders)
• Facilities (such as renovated or new fire/EMS stations)

Residents are encouraged to stay engaged throughout the election process by visiting jocogov.org/salestaxrenewal. There, you can review results from a recent survey on the issue, access Board of County Commissioners meetings, and share your feedback or ask questions.