Johnson County reinstates 50 wastewater capital charge deferments amid leadership transition

Johnson County reinstates 50 wastewater capital charge deferments amid leadership transitionThe Johnson County Board of Commissioners reviewed 58 expiring wastewater deferments, moving to apply capital finance charges to eight properties while preparing for Chief Engineer Tammy Lorenzen to step in as interim general manager.

Johnson County Wastewater reviewed 58 properties with expiring capital finance charge deferments in 2026.

50 properties were approved for a five-year reinstatement after staff confirmed they are not undergoing development.

Eight properties will see capital finance charges placed on their tax bills, with an appeal window open until January 10.

General Manager Susan McCarrick is retiring on September 30, with Chief Engineer Tammy Lorenzen appointed as interim general manager.

The board also noted a resolution enlarging a privately financed sewer district near Johnson Drive and Alden Street.

Johnson County Wastewater has finalized its 2026 review of expiring capital finance charge deferments, reinstating the majority while placing charges on eight properties. The update was delivered during the September 10, 2026, Board of County Commissioners meeting, which also served as an announcement for an upcoming leadership transition within the utility. The wastewater department reviewed 58 properties with deferments set to expire this year. After notifying property owners, 50 requested reinstatement. Utility staff confirmed these properties are not currently undergoing development and approved them for a five-year reinstatement. The remaining eight properties will see their deferments expire this year, meaning the wastewater capital finance charges will be placed on their upcoming tax bills. The affected property owners will have until January 10 to appeal the charges. The briefing also marked the impending retirement of the utility's General Manager, Susan McCarrick, who will step down on September 30. County management announced that Tammy Lorenzen will take over as interim general manager. Lorenzen has been with the county for 13 years, recently serving as chief engineer and previously acting as interim public works director. In a separate procedural note, the board acknowledged Administrative Resolution WD 26-037. The resolution enlarges a privately financed sewer district and provides for the assessment of applicable fees, charges, and levies for the Consolidated Main Sewer District in the vicinity of Johnson Drive and Alden Street.