Johnson County commissioners unanimously authorized the county chief counsel on Dec. 9 to prepare a resolution that would repeal a special mail‑ballot election scheduled for March 3, 2026.

Commissioner Hanslick moved "to authorize the chief counsel to prepare a resolution for the board's consideration at its business meeting on December 11, repealing the special mail ballot election to be held on 03/03/2026," and Commissioner Allen Brand seconded. The clerk recorded the vote as seven in favor and none opposed.

The board took the action after receiving a decision earlier that day from Judge Jay Bedford, Division 15 of the District Court of Shawnee, concerning the public safety retailer sales tax. Chairman Mike Kelly said the board called the emergency special meeting "to receive legal advice and also to take the action" now taken and that the resolution to rescind the special sales tax question will be considered at the board's Dec. 11 business meeting.

Before approving the authorization, the board met in a series of executive sessions to consult with legal counsel. Commissioner Hanslick moved three times to recess into executive session under KSA 75‑4319(b)(2) for attorney‑client consultation on legal matters and pending litigation related to Attorney General Opinion No. 2025‑013; each motion was seconded by Commissioner Allen Brand and approved by unanimous roll call. The board recorded that no action was taken while in executive session.

Chair Kelly framed the action as a procedural step in response to the court ruling but stressed the county's ongoing needs: "Our county continues to grow in the projects and the services that impact everyone's quality of life. The cost of those will continue to increase. As county leaders, we remain committed to meeting those community needs, and we'll explore all options to continue providing these services and programs that our residents expect and they deserve."

The board adjourned after the motion passed. The prepared resolution will be presented for consideration at the board's Dec. 11 business meeting; the board did not vote at the Dec. 9 meeting to adopt the resolution itself.