Economy and Budget
Johnson County has the lowest mill levy of any county in Kansas, yet its citizens enjoy the highest level of services anywhere in the state or region. The county faces a serious challenge in ability to continue these services during current economic conditions.
I believe the county commission must balance the taxpayers’ ability to pay with the increasing demand for services that is a result of the economic recession.
In preparing the county’s budget, my priorities are as follows:
- Continue the aggressive review of existing programs for cost savings or elimination where such services are no longer needed.
- Maintain services at their current levels of excellence.
- Support compensation plans that reward meritorious staff performance and avoid unnecessary reductions in critical areas of our work force.
- Strategically pursue options for expansion of services and facilities that will maximize use of current low costs in order to meet long-term needs.
- Defer and minimize additional revenue increases.