Johnson County Preliminary Budget at $11.9 Million

Johnson County’s preliminary operating budget was discussed by the county commission at their last meeting, set at just over $11.9 million, which will be cut significantly over the next few weeks before it is finalized.

County Assessor Deb Robinson said she should have her meeting with the State Board of Equalization in mid-June and will then be able to certify the county’s valuation in early July.

She does not expect big changes in valuation this year, and doesn’t expect any changes to the current situation anytime soon.

According to Chairman Bill Novotny, the commission is facing some tough choices in the coming weeks.

$11.75 million has been requested by the county departments and about $164,000 is for Capital Improvements.

The preliminary budget is about $50,000 less than last year’s finalized operating budget.

Novotny said there are slight increases in requests from the Treasurer’s office, the Sheriff’s jail budget, the Coroner’s office, the elections budget, County Mental Health, General County Budget, the Mikesell-Potts Recreation Area, Emergency Management, and the IT Department.

All other departments have requests either at or below their previous requests.