The Johnson County Board of Supervisors approved a Fiscal Year 2024 spending budget of $146.85 million and pay increases of up to 6.4% at its formal voting session held April 27. Of that funding, $60 million will be spent on personnel (salaries and benefits) and $27.4 million on capital projects. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects are slated for $9.6 million and road construction and maintenance will take up another $8.3 million.
The rural tax levy was reduced about one cent, to $3.68 per $1,000 of property valuation. The countywide general tax levy will be $6.06, an increase of about 2 cents. Those living in cities pay a city property tax and not a rural tax.
The FY24 budget was approved three days before the state of Iowa’s deadline and followed months of budgetary meetings between department managers and the board.
“I think it’s a responsible budget that addresses county needs and puts us in a sound position in the coming years, given the legislative uncertainty,” Supervisor Jon Green of Lone Tree told The News.
Included in that budget are salary increases of 4% for most county employees.
Pay increases for elected officials ranged from 4% for supervisors, county auditor, recorder and treasurer to 6.4% for the county attorney. The five supervisors, who are the lowest-paid elected officials, will earn biweekly salaries of $3,565.17, or about $92,690 per year. Sheriff Brad Kunkel is the highest-paid county employee at $178,256.
For more information, or to view the final budget, go to: johnsoncountyiowa.gov.

Legislative Point
Lisa Green-Douglass, Board Chair, used the closing moments of the April 26 work session to speak up about the state legislative session in Des Moines.
“I felt like this was a particularly mean legislative session,” she said. “There were a lot of pieces of legislation that were unnecessary. Damaging, hurtful. So I will be really glad when they drop gavel and they’re done for the year.”

Board Action
The Board passed a resolution authorizing multiple loan agreements and bonds in the amount of $16.9 million.
The Board set a public hearing on the FY23 spring amendment budget for May 18 at 9 a.m.
The Board approved an agreement, covering $4,712, with consultant Kevin James for the planning and facilitation of a board and staff retreat that will take place May 16.
The Board issued proclamations in honor of Crime Victims’ Right Week, April 23-29, and Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Next board meeting: The board will hold its next formal meeting at 9 a.m. May 4. The session will include a number of rezoning and platting requests, along with public hearings on each request.