Johnson County staff presented three proposed service agreements with Miami County on Wednesday that would extend or expand Johnson County’s role as a contracted fire services provider in different parts of Miami County.

Fire Services Administrator Jim Francis said one proposed renewal would continue Johnson County’s long‑standing contract with Miami County Fire District 2 — a 73‑square‑mile area the county has served for decades — under a five‑year term that starts with an approximate payment of $410,001.96 next year and then includes a 6 percent annual increase through 2030; the agreement includes a review period and the option to extend for a second five‑year term at a 5 percent escalation. Francis said the Miami County Commission unanimously approved that version on Nov. 19.

Francis also proposed two new arrangements with Miami County Fire District 1. For the northeast corner (between Antioch Road and the state line, roughly 215th–231st streets), the county would contract with Overland Park to supplement the volunteer Lewisburg department on critical call types — such as non‑breather incidents, structure fires and highway extrications — with historic call volumes of about 15–25 calls per year. Francis said the initial contract amount for that fill‑in arrangement starts near $10,000 and carries a 6 percent annual escalation with a five‑year review.

For the northwest corner — largely agricultural and about 30 square miles with roughly 50 calls per year — Francis said Johnson County would serve as the primary responder beginning Feb. 1, replacing an existing Wellsville contract. The proposal accounts for mutual aid backstopping by neighboring departments when more than two or three trucks are required.

Commissioners probed whether the proposals represent full cost recovery. Francis said staff used a FEMA‑reimbursement‑rate methodology and historical call volume to align fees, but noted Miami County areas are not paying Johnson County’s fire district bond debt and that service levels differ (he cited ISO Class 10 ratings in fringe areas that keep insurance costs high until local stations and assets are added). He also pointed to a contract clause that would trigger renegotiation if call volume rises 20 percent for two consecutive years.

Commissioners generally signaled comfort moving the items toward consent or action agenda placement next week, asking staff to continue aligning contract terms across different partners to avoid cross‑subsidy or unexpected operational impacts.