Inflation-adjusted per-capita income in Johnson County in 2025 was just 1% higher than in 2021, while the Johnson County Commissioners increased property taxes by 28%. County staff proposes another $20 million increase for 2027, making it a 44% jump over 2021.
The tax increase is unnecessary, as the budget proposal admits the county would still have more than a $200 million reserve in its General Fund and total reserves exceeding $500 million. But Johnson County staff want to reach deeper into taxpayers’ pockets, and county commissioners will likely grant their wish regardless of necessity or taxpayers’ ability to pay.
County commissioners collectively approved a 378% tax increase since 1997, almost three times the combined changes in inflation and population.
Johnson County’s 2027 budget proposes adding 19 more positions to its bloated full-time equivalent staff of 4,408. The county employs 70 people per 10,000 residents, compared to 59 employees per 10,000 residents in Sedgwick County. To put that in perspective, Johnson County would have 650 fewer employees at Sedgwick County’s staff-to-population ratio, saving taxpayers more than $50 million.
Johnson County payroll jumps 44% since 2021
Per capita personal income hasn’t kept up with inflation since 2021, but county commissioners are spending big on county employees. Actual personnel costs, including benefits, were $285.6 million in 2021, and the 2027 budget is $410.6 million. That’s a 44% increase, while inflation will be around 25% (assuming 2.5% for 2027). Some of the increased personnel costs come from adding staff, but the average cost per employee will be 33% higher, rising from $69,573 to $92,752.
Johnson County staff may prepare the budgets, but county commissioners bear the blame for unnecessary spending and taxation, as they essentially rubberstamp budget proposals.
