Johnson County advances $26.1 million bond sale for three wastewater infrastructure projects

Johnson County advances $26.1 million bond sale for three wastewater infrastructure projectsThe Board of County Commissioners has unanimously approved a resolution to set an August 5 sale date for internal improvement bonds to fund upgrades at the Blue River and Mill Creek facilities, as well as the Belender Pump Station.

The board authorized the offering of approximately $26.1 million in General Obligation Internal Improvement Bonds (Series 2026A).

Funding is earmarked for three specific Johnson County Wastewater projects: Blue River, Mill Creek, and the Belender Pump Station.

Budget officials anticipate an interest rate of around 3.7%, consistent with the county's borrowing rates over the past two years.

The board also approved a $203,850 storm sewer inspection agreement with the City of Olathe.

Johnson County, Kansas, is moving forward with a $26.1 million bond issuance to support ongoing maintenance and upgrades to its municipal wastewater system. During the July 16, 2026, meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, the board unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the sale of General Obligation Internal Improvement Bonds (Series 2026A). According to Leslie Friedle of the county's Budget and Financial Planning department, the bond sale is scheduled for August 5, with the board slated to take final action on the sale on August 6. The approximately $26.1 million in proceeds will fund three specific wastewater infrastructure initiatives: the Blue River project, the Mill Creek project, and the Belender Pump Station. The projects are part of the utility's ongoing infrastructure maintenance program for its wastewater system. Friedle noted that the county anticipates securing an interest rate of approximately 3.7% for the bonds, which aligns with the rates the county has seen over the past two years. She added that the county's municipal advisor will continue to monitor market conditions leading up to the sale date. Should market volatility become a concern, the county retains the option to delay the transaction. In separate water infrastructure business, the board unanimously approved a consent agenda item authorizing a $203,850 agreement with the City of Olathe for a storm sewer inspection project. The cost will be covered by the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program. Additionally, the board executed multiple full releases of easements for Johnson County Wastewater following the removal of sanitary sewer lines in the City of Lenexa.