At the June 8 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Johnson County Wastewater leadership presented its proposed budget for FY 2024. The presentation was informational only and the Board has not taken any action on approving the budget.

At the presentation, Wastewater staff highlighted notable accomplishments from the past year, including being selected for the Capstone Award by the KC Business Journal and being selected as a Resilient Success Story for the Tomahawk Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility. Additional accomplishments include securing outside financing for the renovation of the Nelson Treatment Facility and maintaining median residential billing among the lowest in the region.

The Wastewater budget proposal considers several service challenges, such as retention and recruitment of staff, rising interest rates, inflation and supply chain issues. The proposal included a request for one additional staff member, enhanced electronic bill payment software to improve the customer experience and increased operational funding to meet water quality standards and utility costs, among others.

Additionally, Wastewater is investing in capital improvement projects such as the replacement of the Nelson Treatment Facility, improvements at Blue River and New Century facilities, and Mill Creek Storage and Influent Pump Station Improvements, State Line Pump Stations and Force Mains.

The financial plan to help meet these requirements and improved infrastructure for wastewater treatment includes a 5% proposed rate increase, consistent with last year's plan and a 5% increase in connection fees in 2024, completing a two-year adjustment proposed last year.

Wastewater’s rates continue to be among the lowest in the region, and these investments will ensure the utility can meet the demands of our growing population and enhanced water quality standards while maintaining more affordable rates for our customers.

The Board has not yet approved the budget proposal. Learn more about the budget open house taking place on June 27. Stay up to date on the county’s budget process by visiting the budget page.