The Johnson County Charter Commission will hold its second public hearing on Oct. 27, at the Olathe Embassy Suites by Hilton, 10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe, to receive comments on the Johnson County Home Rule Charter. The first public hearing was held on Oct. 11. 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.

WHAT: Johnson County Charter Commission public hearing  
WHEN: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27
WHERE: Public comment may be presented in several ways: 1) in person at the Olathe Embassy Suites by Hilton, 10401 S. Ridgeview Rd., Olathe (Olathe Conference Center-Grand Salon); 2) virtually through Zoom; or 3) through written comments. 

Learn more about the Johnson County Charter Commission.  

How to provide comment: Those wishing to speak by Zoom must pre-register by 11 a.m., Oct. 27. Those providing in-person comments may sign up at Olathe Embassy Suites beginning at 5 p.m., on Oct. 27. Written comment will also be accepted through an online submission form. A live broadcast will be available on Johnson County Government’s Facebook page @jocogov.org. 

In-person safety precautions: Masks are strongly recommended and requested. Occupancy requirements will be enforced.

Johnson County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those needing accommodations, such as a sign language or oral interpreter, can make a request at accessibility@jocogov.org, by phone at 913-715-0430 or through the Kansas Relay Operator service at 800-766-3777. Accommodation requests should be made at least two business days prior to the event.