County Manager's Office
Phone: 913-715-0725
111 S. Cherry St., Suite 3300, Olathe, KS 66061
The County Manager's Office is responsible to the Board of County Commissioners and the residents of Johnson County for the effective and efficient delivery of programs and services, using sound management and financial principles while emphasizing high ethical values, innovation, and continuous improvement.
According to the state’s top doctor, testing wastewater can help identify the virus up to a week before it shows in the case and hospitalization numbers. That's why Johnson County has teamed up with the University of Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and other jurisdictions on expanding a study of COVID-19 in wastewater. More information is available in this news release.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Johnson County Veterans Day observance will carry on its traditional recognition of local veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. Considering the pandemic, organizers have gotten creative with this year’s ceremony. It will be available online only in observance of guidelines for reducing/containing the spread of the coronavirus.
Plans include a special tribute to local World War II veterans and Holocaust survivors in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the end to the war and the Holocaust. Leading up to the event, the county is featuring brief profiles of more than local 60 living Johnson County WWII veterans on its social media platforms (@jocogov) and online at jocogov.org/JoCoHonorsVets.
“To be sure this will be a very different celebration to ensure the health and safety of local veterans, their families and friends, participants and attendees, but no less meaningful,” said Chairman Ed Eilert, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners.
The Veterans Day celebration will feature pre-recorded videos of traditional participation, including posting of colors by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, singing and musical performances, a video message from Kansas Senator Pat Roberts, wreath presentations by local veteran organizations, the playing of “Taps” and a rifle salute.
Chairman Ed Eilert will serve as the in-person emcee for the program. Judy Jacobs, a Holocaust survivor, will also present her comments on video.
The county’s annual celebration, dating back to 1987, has traditionally taken place on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month. The 2020 observance will live streamed on boccmeetings.jocogov.org and Facebook Live.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment released new public health recommendations for indoor winter sports. The information was shared in a letter to school superintendents.
In the letter, JCDHE Dr. Sanmi Areola reiterated his appreciation to schools for minimizing the transmission of the virus through safety measures, but he also shared that infections are increasing across the county, and with upcoming holidays, transmission is expected to increase even further as we enter the winter months. In light of the high level of COVID-19 in the community, and the inherent risk of transmission with indoor winter sports, where athletes are in close contact, with less air ventilation and no masks during active participation, JCDHE is strongly recommending schools not allow indoor winter sports at this time.
Read the letter to the superintendents.
Get additional information about public health recommendations for schools.
The COVID-19 incidence rate is the key metric we look at when determining the current recommended phase for schools. However, we also consider several other factors when changing the recommendations to school districts. We look at the trend in positivity rate and additional indicators, including the trend of cases, the capacity of the school districts to assist in case investigations and contact tracing, and public health capacity. We also consider the risk of spread within school buildings which can be minimized by the schools’ ability to implement mitigation measures (e.g., masking, distancing, etc.). Other considerations are student mental health, educational needs, and the impacts on families and school staff. These factors must be considered together in making decisions about the recommended learning mode.
We do not recommend changing learning modes with every change in incidence rate or other metrics. Our staff monitors these metrics daily and will make additional recommendations to the districts when/if the ability to implement mitigation measures become challenged. We have also been clear that districts will make decisions that are best for them in consultation with their parents, teachers, staff and school boards.
It is always safer for schools to offer in-person learning when community transmission is low. That’s why it’s important that the community continue to work to break the transmission cycle in Johnson County by wearing masks appropriately and consistently, physical distancing, washing hands frequently, staying home when sick and getting a flu shot.
Get additional details about our recommendations for school learning modes.
On JoCo on the Go, episode #64, hear from Johnson County Election Commissioner Connie Schmidt. She’ll talk about the record-setting election year for advance voter turnout and voter participation in general. She’ll also provide details about the many ways the Election Office is promoting safety in the pandemic for voters and staff. And hear what you can expect for returns on Election Day – how soon we’ll know the winners.
Look for JoCo on the Go where you regularly listen to podcasts. Learn more about JoCo on the Go and get a complete transcript of this episode.
We wanted to make sure Johnson County residents, business owners, schools and others are aware that they can apply for more than $35 million available as part of the county’s Community Reinvestment Process.
Funding is available for things like small business grants, workforce skills training, assistance with rent, utility and mortgage payments, COVID-19 rapid testing machines for adult care facilities, and more.
To get started, visit jocogov.org/JoCoCares. You’ll find summaries on what funding is available and links to learn more.
Get access to published meetings, resolutions, transcripts, management reports, and general files from the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners board meetings.
111 S Cherry St, Olathe, KS 66061 | 913-715-5000 | TDD: 800-766-3777
© Johnson County, KS, USA 2020
