Johnson County commissioners moved forward with the $1.9 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year after a contentious public hearing on Tuesday night. About 175 residents attended, and 36 speakers took the floor to express anger over the county’s flat property‑tax rate, which they say will still increase their out‑of‑pocket costs as home values rise.
Public backlash over tax burden
Many speakers highlighted the gap between soaring home valuations and stagnant household incomes. Rebecca Renard of Lenexa claimed her total tax bill has risen 300 % since she moved to the area 22 years ago, while Aaron Haffey of Olathe said his property‑tax bill has jumped 600 % since 2012. Others, like Tabitha Looper, linked higher taxes to personal hardship, noting that her mortgage payment doubled after her husband’s death.
Commission’s response and budget details
Commissioners noted that the budget remains largely unchanged from the May proposal submitted by County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson. Key figures include a county levy of 17.283 mills, with separate levies for the library (3.815 mills) and parks (3.021 mills). No new full‑time positions funded by property taxes were added, and the budget retains a 28 % revenue‑reserve target to protect the county’s Triple‑A bond rating.
Staff vacancies will stay open for three to six months while a review committee evaluates whether to fill them, except for positions deemed critical to public services.
Vote to exceed revenue‑neutral rate
Under Kansas law, the commission must hold a hearing before exceeding the “revenue‑neutral” tax rate, which balances property valuations against the levy to prevent additional revenue growth. Commissioners Julie Brewer and Janeé Hanzlick explained that the state definition does not account for growth or inflation.
In the final vote, six commissioners—Chair Mike Kelly, Becky Fast, Janeé Hanzlick, Julie Brewer, Jeff Meyers, and Shirley Allenbrand—supported exceeding the revenue‑neutral rate, while Commissioner Michael Ashcraft dissented.
Commissioner Kelly cites cost‑saving measures
Chair Kelly said the commission and staff saved more than $15 million by combining departments and eliminating positions, and that the property‑tax issue is part of a broader economic challenge that includes inflation and high gas prices. He pledged to keep seeking cost reductions and diversified revenue sources.
The budget will return to the commission for final approval at the September 3 meeting.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
