Johnson County adopts 2026 meeting calendar pilot, drops agenda review for six months

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted 5‑2 on Dec. 4 to adopt Resolution 145‑25, setting the board's 2026 meeting calendar and launching a six‑month pilot that alternates routine and action‑focused business meetings.

Assistant County Manager Adam Norris told the board the pilot would post action agendas a minimum of 10 days before meetings and temporarily eliminate agenda review meetings to streamline scheduling. Norris said the pilot would run through July 2026 to provide six full months of experience.

Opponents, including Commissioner Ashcraft, said removing agenda review risks reducing commissioners’ ability to interact with staff and to spot issues before the main meeting. Ashcraft said he had “reservations about removing the agenda review process” and that the change could hinder public understanding. Commissioner Fast also said she was “not supportive of eliminating agenda review,” citing staff coordination benefits and transparency.

Supporters said the early public posting requirement improves access. Commissioner Hanslick said the change would provide more time for both commissioners and the public to review materials, noting “our agendas will be made public 10 days prior to the meeting.” The board discussed publishing a July 9 meeting as tentative in case business requires it.

Commissioner Allen Brand moved adoption of Resolution 145‑25; Commissioner Hanslick seconded. A roll call reflected five votes in favor and two against; the chair declared the resolution passed and the pilot adopted.

The calendar includes a temporary change in July to accommodate regional events tied to World Cup planning and lists specific holidays and no‑meeting dates. The board said it will evaluate the pilot at the end of the six‑month period and may revert or adjust the practice based on staff and public feedback.