Chief Elected Official and Administrative Oversight

The Chairman is the Chief Elected Official of Johnson County Government and is responsible to the public for ensuring that all laws, policies, and regulations are faithfully enforced.

 

The Chairman is thus responsible for the general activity of the County Government and the effectiveness of its operations.

 

Pursuant to provisions of the Home Rule Charter, the Chairman is required each year to present to the Board of County Commissioners a comprehensive message detailing the State of the County Government, including its economic, physical, and social conditions. In addition, as part of her annual message, the Chairman may propose public policies or programs deemed necessary to preserve the quality of life in Johnson County.

 

Providing leadership in the communication and interpretation of the County’s policies to the public is another important aspect of the Chairman’s position. Being elected at-large from a district encompassing the entire population, the Chairman is well positioned to use her office as a focal point for the articulation and resolution of important community issues. The Chairman uses her position to communicate the community's priorities at local, regional, state, and national levels.

 

The Chairman collaborates with community leaders from both public and private sectors to identify common issues, to prioritize needs, and to develop recommendations and specific policy proposals for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners. As the number and complexity of issues confronting the community continues to increase, the Chairman's ability to explore and establish new and continuing partnerships with key stakeholders rises in importance. Such alliances go a long way toward improving Johnson County's overall high quality of life. To this end, the Chairman—with assistance from the constituent services team—focuses on developing partnerships with civic and business leaders, chambers of commerce, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, local schools, members of the faith community, neighborhood and citizen-interest groups, as well as constituents from throughout the community.

 

Within the organization of County Government, the Chairman works closely with the County Manager and his executive team to ensure that County services and programs are provided effectively, cost-efficiently, and equitably. The Chairman represents the interests of the Board and its members with the County Manager; in fact, the Home Rule Charter stipulates that the Chairman shall receive the reports of the County Manager. The Chairman may require the County Manager and all agency and department directors to furnish reports and other communications providing such information as the Chairman may deem necessary or advisable, or which may be requested by the Board of County Commissioners. Finally, the Chairman partners with the County Manager to identify benchmarks to help inform the community about the progress and achievements of County Government.

 

Key Links:

 

Presiding Officer of the Governing Body

Ambassador of Johnson County Government