Johnson County property owners share frustrations at budget meeting

OLATHE, Kan. — Taxpayers let their frustrations fly in a raucous budget meeting Tuesday night in Johnson County.

This comes while the county commission tries to increase the budget for fiscal year 2025 and raise property taxes with it.

It sent out higher proposed property assessments a few days ago and many of those property owners voiced their disagreement on Tuesday.

Some reacted with outbursts to tax hikes and the stance some commissioners are taking.

It lasted nearly two hours. What we do know is that if the budget does pass, which every indication is that it will, the average Johnson County property owner will see a more than five percent increase in their taxes next year.

While two commissioners believe this is not the way to go, five others disagree not only with their colleagues but also with the majority of the taxpayers who came to voice their concerns.

Person after person voicing anger as the Johnson County commission is one step closer to approving the budget for fiscal year 2025.

The chair of the commission says this is something that must be done.

“How we operate this budget, how we operate this county in the most efficient way possible while also meeting that level of service that the people have said that they want,” Mike Kelly, the chair of the Johnson County Commission said.

But not all are on board. In fact, an overwhelming majority, only one person out of more than 30 people stood in support of this budget and one county commissioner is standing with them.

“I think tonight was perhaps was a wakeup call – that folks are – they really are at their wit’s end, they cannot afford this,” Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara of the 3rd district said.

So, in the end, what is trying to be accomplished is exceeding the revenue neutral rate which will mean higher taxes for people in the state’s most populous county.

The final vote on this will take place on August 29. Currently this budget has five votes in support and only two not in favor. So at this point again every indication is that it will pass.

That means an increase in taxes for property owners. But as with everything, things can change between now and then.

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