What to know about Johnson County's special election
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Nearly $500 milion in school bonds — plus a new city sales tax — are on the ballot Tuesday in Johnson County.
Why it matters: If approved, the measures would reshape how Edgerton pays for stormwater and street projects — and how De Soto and Olathe fund major school improvements.
How it works: Ballots were mailed to registered voters and must be returned by noon Tuesday to count. There are no in-person polling locations for this election.
School districts seek approval for big-dollar bonds
De Soto USD 232 is asking voters to authorize up to $99.9 million in general obligation bonds to improve school sites and buildings, including safety upgrades and technology improvements.
- Olathe USD 233 is seeking voter approval to issue up to $389 million in bonds for school construction and renovations, as well as for upgraded computer and communications systems.
State of play: De Soto's website calls the proposal a no-tax-rate-increase bond tied to long-range facilities planning, while Olathe officials have framed their bond as necessary to keep aging buildings safe and up to date.
Voters weigh a new 1% sales tax
Voters are also weighing a 1% special-purpose sales tax to fund stormwater fixes and street work, including road reconstruction, infrastructure upgrades and related projects.
- If approved, the tax would take effect on Oct. 1 and expire on Sept. 30, 2036.
What's next: The deadline is noon Tuesday. The bond election notices state that ballots must be received by the election commissioner to be counted.
- Johnson County's Board of County Canvassers is scheduled to certify results on March 10 at 9am at the Johnson County Election Office in Olathe.
- Voters who need help can contact the election office at 913-715-6800.