Johnson County's proposed $1.91 billion budget for 2027 faces its final public hearing Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Olathe Conference Center before the Board of County Commissioners votes on final approval Sept. 3.

The proposed budget identifies about $15 million in savings from combining positions and departments, partnering with other organizations and changing how some services are delivered. It adds no new full-time positions funded by property taxes.

The hearing also covers the county's intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate, a Kansas law requirement triggered when a taxing body proposes to collect more property tax revenue than the prior year. Even if the mill levy stays flat, rising assessed property values can push total collections higher, requiring the public hearing.

Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly framed the budget as a balancing act between maintaining services and controlling costs.

"We want to make sure that we can provide the same great quality of life and world-class outcomes that we expect in Johnson County, while being as efficient as possible," Kelly told KSHB 41. "Whether that means cutting spending, whether that means combining departments, whether that means a hiring freeze or actually eliminating positions, all of which we're doing within this year's budget."

Kelly said the county will need to find other revenue sources long-term as the population grows and the cost of services increases. The budget aims to maintain services in public safety, roads, wastewater and parks.

The county's fiscal standing provides context: Johnson County has held an AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor's, Fitch and Moody's since 2010, a distinction shared by only about 2% of U.S. counties. In August, the county sold approximately $61.5 million in bonds, according to a county press release.

The budget was first presented to commissioners during a Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday, May 21.

Residents who wish to speak at Tuesday's hearing may sign up in person starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Olathe Conference Center, according to the county's official social media account. Online registration closed before the hearing.