Johnson County OKs director-level authority for no-cost emergency operations agreements

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 25 voted 6–1 to delegate to the director of the Department of Emergency Services (DES) the authority to enter into no-cost operational agreements with other Kansas municipalities to streamline regional training, resource sharing and coordinated emergency responses. Paul Davis, director of the Department of Emergency Services, told the board the delegations would ‘‘streamline this process by allowing the DES director to execute such agreements directly provided they meet specific criteria.’’

The move was framed as a procedural change meant to speed up collaborative work between Johnson County and nearby public safety agencies. ‘‘These agreements facilitate operational readiness and clarify roles and responsibilities at the interdepartmental level without imposing financial obligations on the county,’’ Davis said. He and Chief Counsel confirmed the agreements will be reviewed by county legal counsel and documented for the County Manager’s Office and the board.

Board members stressed the delegation covers only no-cost arrangements. Commissioner Richard Myers, who made the motion to approve the resolution, said the change was intended to help the county respond ‘‘swiftly and effectively’’ to public-safety needs while maintaining transparency. ‘‘If there were an agreement that had a cost associated to it, I would have to bring that back to the board,’’ Davis said when asked about spending limits.

Commissioners pressed staff on liability and review procedures. Commissioner Ben Ashcraft said he agreed conceptually but would not support ‘‘abdicating the responsibility to staff’’ and cast the lone no vote. Chief Counsel told the board that legal staff would include protections in each memorandum of understanding and that the substance and review process for MOUs are unchanged by the resolution; the only change is who executes qualifying agreements.

The board’s approval includes the stipulation that agreements must be no cost to the county, align with operational goals, and comply with county policy; staff said agreements with state or federal agencies will still come to the board.

The resolution passed on a roll call vote: Commissioners Fast, Myers, Brewer, Hanslick, Allen Brand and Chair Mike Kelly voted in favor; Commissioner Ashcraft voted no. The board directed staff to document agreements and continue legal review procedures so the board can inspect agreements and be informed of material matters.

Background: Davis cited existing, board-approved memoranda of understanding with Overland Park Fire Department, Olathe Fire Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office as precedents for the no-cost arrangements. The delegation takes effect immediately.