Overland Park takes this step to solve financial issues for fire departments in JoCo
As Overland Park, Leawood and Olathe have grown, financial problems have mounted for the fire district that serves rural southeast Johnson County. The expansion of those cities has shrunk Fire District No. 2, and its tax base, creating a bleak future for the district.
Right now, Fire District No. 2 is serving territory that Overland Park annexed in 2008, but the city is about to open a new fire station for that area and will terminate the service agreement earlier than initially planned. Jim Francis, chief of Fire District No. 2, said the move will cost the district even more revenue, about $1.5 million next year.
The remedy?
Fire District No. 2 will cede day-to-day operations to Overland Park and to Fire District No. 1, which serves southwest Johnson County.
Overland Park will absorb 22 staff members and the area east of Lackman Road. Fire District No. 1 will take 22 employees and the area west of Lackman.
“This enhances the efficiency in providing fire service to the region as well as provides stability for fire district firefighters,” Francis said in a news release. “We look forward to making this a smooth transition that will begin on the morning of Nov. 28.”
Since Fire District No. 2 was created in 1974, the county said, the district has lost about half its territory to Overland Park, Olathe and Leawood. That district should not be confused with Consolidated Fire District No. 2, which covers Prairie Village and other cities in northeast Johnson County.
Overland Park’s new station, at 12301 W. 175th St. near Blue Valley Southwest High School, is expected to open by the end of this year. That will trigger the closure of the Fire District No. 2 station at 19065 Lackman Road.
Fire District No. 2 will remain a taxing entity governed by the county commission. It will continue to own and maintain its stations and equipment, but Francis’s position will be eliminated. The chief said he expects to work several more months to assist with the transition.
Olathe schools contemplate bond issue
The Olathe Public Schools may ask voters next year for money for capital projects such as upgrading technology, renovating schools and sports facilities or building new facilities in the school district.
In the meantime, the district is asking patrons about what priorities are most important. An online survey lists several potential improvements, in addition to general building maintenance:
▪ Construction of a 37th elementary school that would serve up to 650 students.
▪ The demolition and replacement of some of the district’s oldest buildings.
▪ Upgrades to theaters and music/art rooms.
▪ A new central facility for career and technical education to accommodate expanded career programs for high school students..
▪ Construction of a new operations and maintenance service center, plus conversion of the current service center to a second depot for school buses.
▪ The replacement of laptops, tablets and other technology used by students.
▪ Athletic facility improvements.
▪ Inclusive playgrounds at all elementary schools; middle school auditorium upgrades and improvements to high school library/media centers.
▪ Enhanced school safety measures.
The survey is posted, along with an informational video, at olatheschools.org
Shawnee seeks feedback on sign rules
Shawnee officials are closing in on new sign regulations to take effect in January, and will accept written comments through Dec. 5.
Many regulations are the same as before, the city said, but among other things, the revisions are designed to be more flexible and business-friendly and to improve the readability of signs.
People can send comments to Planning@cityofshawnee.org or attend a Planning Commission hearing on Nov. 15. The commission will meet that night at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 11110 Johnson Drive. Get details on the new sign code at cityofshawnee.org.
Road closure at JoCo’s north doorstep
People in northern Johnson County are potentially affected by a prolonged traffic closure in Kansas City, Kansas.
After heavy rains in August destabilized the east side of Roe Lane, the Unified Government in Wyandotte County issued an emergency order to close northbound Roe Lane north of 47th Street. The UG said it is monitoring the safety of the roadway and looking for money to repair it.
Olathe Snow Brigade needs volunteers
The Olathe Snow Brigade is looking for volunteers to help elderly and disabled residents with snow removal this winter. The volunteers go to work when snowfalls of 2 inches or more remain on the ground
“This year, the Olathe Snow Brigade hopes to match all homes with a volunteer,” the city said in a news release.
A volunteer application is available at olatheks.org, or those interested can get more information from Linda Sheldon at 913-971-8566.
This story was originally published October 28, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Overland Park takes this step to solve financial issues for fire departments in JoCo."