The Johnson County Charter Commission will hold public hearings on Oct. 11 and 27, at the Olathe Embassy Suites by Hilton, 10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, to receive comments on the Johnson County Home Rule Charter. The charter establishes the Charter Commission’s authority to conduct comprehensive studies of any or all aspects of county government operations, including a review of the existing County Charter and major resolutions of the Charter Commission as they affect Johnson County Government operations.

The Charter Commission is comprised of 25 Johnson County residents who have been appointed by the various authorities as provided by state law. The charter approved by Johnson County voters in 2000 requires a Johnson County Charter Commission be established every 10 years to review Johnson County Government operations and present its findings and recommendations to the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. Any recommendations for charter amendments must then be placed on a ballot for consideration by Johnson County voters in an election. 

Since March 1, the Charter Commission has met approximately twice monthly to learn about county departments, programs and services. Each meeting was broadcasted through Facebook Live and is available online. The upcoming public hearing will allow the public an opportunity to provide feedback and comments for the Charter Commission’s consideration. Speakers will have at most two minutes to speak. The Charter Commission Chairman may modify the time limit for each speaker, or other procedures, as needed, to conduct an orderly and efficient meeting.

The meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m., on Oct. 11 and 27, at the Olathe Embassy Suites by Hilton, 10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, in the Olathe Conference Center-Grand Salon. Participants can also use Zoom as a virtual option or provide written comment. 

Learn more about the Johnson County Charter Commission.