Home Rule Charter Commission
The Home Rule Charter is a legislative document that defines the structure, powers, purpose, and functions of county government. The Johnson County Home Rule Charter is the first of its kind in the State of Kansas, and was enacted by a public vote during the November 2000 general election.
The twenty-five member Johnson County Charter Commission drafted the Home Rule Charter, pursuant to the provisions of the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 19-2684, as amended. The Charter Commission was convened on May 13, 1999, to examine the structure of county government and submit for public consideration specific recommendations for improvements. In May 2000, the Charter Commission presented its final report and the proposed Home Rule Charter to the Board of County Commissioners.
Under the enabling legislation, the members of the Charter Commission were appointed as indicated below.
By the Johnson County Board of Commissioners:
(Eight appointments)
1. William E. Franklin
2. Sandra Howell
3. Jean Wise
4. Jan Meyers
5. Arlen Siegfreid
6. Charles Battey
7. Rod Richardson
8. Clay Blair III
By the Johnson County Legislative Delegation:
(Six appointments)
1. Robert F. Lytle
2. Vickie Truitt
3. Thomas A. Robinett, Jr.
4. Bill Tschudy
5. Stephen S. Richards
6. Vernon A. Avant
By the Johnson & Wyandotte Counties Council of Mayors:
(Three appointments)
1. Joan Wendel
2. Allen Roth
3. David C. Wysong
By the Johnson County Republican Party:
(Two appointments)
1. Jill Gerlach
2. Jerry Hedrick
By the Johnson County Democratic Party:
(Two appointments)
1. Carol Sader
2. Arnold Cole
By the Johnson County Chamber of President's Council:
(Two appointments)
1. Keith Drill
2. Blake Schreck
By the Johnson County Planning Commission:
(Two appointments)
1. William R. Klassen
2. Edwin Kinney
The Board must appoint a Charter Review Committee, which meets at least once a year for 5 years. The review committee is composed of seven members who served on the Charter Commission.
A new Charter Commission will be appointed every 10 years to review and update, if necessary, the Charter. Any changes require approval at an election.