Message from Penny: Our 2024 Johnson County Employee Engagement Survey | |
|
On Monday, Jan. 29, you will receive an email from the third-party company GP Strategies inviting you to complete the 2024 Johnson County Employee Engagement Survey.
Please consider providing us your quick and honest responses. Most people can complete the survey in around 15 minutes. Remember that your responses will be completely anonymous. The county does not receive individual reports, since your responses will be combined with everyone else’s.
We need your feedback to gather insights that will be used to support work environments that drive engagement while creating a more inclusive workplace. The survey findings will also help shape our strategic approach. Key themes and trends derived from the survey will be posted on InsideJoCo so every employee has access.
Need more convincing? Check out this video message that provides even more insight into the survey. Additional information, including some fun incentives for departments, agencies and organizations who have more than 75% of their employees complete the survey, is available on the Employee Engagement Survey page on InsideJoCo.
Thank you for participating!
| |
Adam Norris begins work as assistant county manager | |
|
Adam Norris joined Johnson County Government as assistant county manager on Monday, Jan. 22.
“I am so excited to join this talented and committed team of public service professionals here is Johnson County,” Adam said. “This is a special place and has been my family’s home for the past 16 years where my wife and I have raised our three children.”
Adam has 20 years of executive leadership and management experience in government and most recently was employed for the City of Independence, Mo. There he served as deputy city manager and assistant city manager.
For more info about Adam, including the time he spent repairing potholes in Overland Park, click the button below.
| |
Attend Voya’s webinar, “Countdown to Retirement” on Feb. 8 | |
|
No matter where you are in your life, planning for the future can help you reduce stress, increase confidence, stay flexible when life gets in the way and take the next best step for your personal situation.
In the webinar presented by Voya titled "Countdown to Retirement" you’ll learn about the planning process, the phases of planning based on your career stage, and the tools that can help you no matter how involved you want (or don’t want) to be in securing your financial future.
You must register by Feb. 2 to attend, so reserve your spot today through Oracle Class Enrollment. You can also earn 5 wellness points with your attendance! Learn how using the button below. The link also provides more information on the webinar.
| |
Remember to complete January cybersecurity training | |
|
Please remember to take a few minutes to take our Business Conduct Series: Acceptable Use Policy course for the January security awareness training via KnowBe4.
The training course can be accessed via the button below.
This training will help reinforce various security awareness concepts to help you throughout the year. Please refer to our article for more information about HR Procedure 403-2 (Use of Information Technology) and tips to incorporate in your work life.
As a reminder, do not enter any business data into personal devices or any Artificial Intelligence source (such as Chat GPT), including a personal OneDrive, Google Drive, Electronic Notebook, or similar device, especially if you are working with HIPAA, PHI, PII, or similar information.
| |
Monday is Kansas Day: Test your knowledge of Kansas symbols! | |
|
Break out the birthday cake! Monday, Jan. 29 is Kansas Day, a celebration of our state’s birthday and the anniversary of Kansas’ admission to the Union.
In 2024, Kansas turns 163 years old. Kansas became the 34th state in the United States on Jan. 29, 1861.
Historically, Johnson County is older than the State of Kansas. The county turns 169 years old this year as one of the original 33 counties founded on Aug. 25 by the Legislative Act of 1855 in the Territory of Kansas.
You can learn more about the history of Kansas by checking out the Johnson County Library’s Kansas Day list of recommended books and films.
Want to test your knowledge on Kansas symbols? Follow the link below, and see if you can name the Sunflower State’s state bird, state song and more.
| |
|
The VIBE Advisory Team is seeking any of our county staff colleagues who might like to address one of these topics of cultural interest for upcoming issues of JoCo In the Know. Word count: flexible, at least 350 words.
If you can suggest or supply an appropriate image, that would be great; otherwise we'll find something! Contact Erin Chambers using the button below if you’re interested.
February: World Hijab Day (Feb. 1)
March: Nowruz Day (March 21)
April: Assyrian New Year (April 1)
| |
USPS announces rate increase: See what changed | |
|
The United States Postal Service has announced a rate change as of Jan. 21, 2024.
The new rates include a 2-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail® Forever® stamp from 66 cents to 68 cents and increases of just under 6% to USPS Ground Advantage™, Priority Mail® and Priority Mail Express® service prices.
Consult the USPS website for a complete, updated price list.
| |
The clock is ticking! Next series of supervisor training begins next week | |
|
There is still time to enroll in the upcoming series of the county’s Supervisor Training Institute (STI) before the series begins next week!
Remember – all supervisors are required to complete the series within their first year of employment, and we still have spots available if you have one or more classes you need to complete.
For more information, including enrollment instructions, visit the Learning and Development Page on InsideJoCo – Click on “Catalog of Scheduled Courses” to expand the menu – then scroll down until you reach the section for STI.
Enrollment will close at the end of the day on Wednesday, Jan. 31 so sign-up now! Questions? Contact hrd-organizationallearning&[email protected].
| |
|
It's Worth Repeating...
-
Donate blood! Sign up for an appointment online using group code KCUH.
-
Save $10 off a Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium membership by using the promo code in this flyer.
| |
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Recap: Jan. 25, 2024 | |
|
Funding for improvements to Sheriff Operations Building
Today, Jan. 25, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners authorized a contract with Pullman SST, Inc., for the Sheriff Operations Building Envelope Project at 27747 W. 159th St., New Century. The work will ensure the building envelope remains watertight and maintains the original aesthetics.
Update on BOCC priorities
The BOCC received an update on the progress made last year towards its 2023-2024 priorities. You can view our organization’s progress in this report and hope you’ll take a moment to note the work being done collaboratively between our elected officials and staff towards these priorities for the benefit of our community.
Property Tax Relief Program is now accepting applications
In her weekly memo to the Board, County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson commended the launch of Johnson County’s Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Program, which is now accepting applications. The Board approved a pilot program this year to offer up to $200 in property tax relief for seniors and disabled veterans who meet income requirements and other qualifications. The application window will be open until April 15. Residents can complete and submit an application form by mail, email or in person. More information about the program, including information on how to apply, is available on the county’s website.
| |
JoCo on the Go podcast: Property Tax Relief | |
|
JoCo on the Go is a podcast featuring everything Johnson County. Choose from more than 100 episodes about a wide range of topics featuring Johnson County Government subject matter experts. Episodes are about 20 minutes each and provide plenty of information about the topics that matter to you!
On episode #162 of JoCo on the Go, we look at Johnson County’s Senior and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Program, which is now accepting applications.
A pilot program this year offers up to $200 in property tax relief for seniors and disabled veterans who meet income requirements and other qualifications. The application window will be open until April 15 of this year. More information about the program, including information on how to apply, is available online.
Johnson County also sponsors another great podcast – Johnson County Library’s Jocolibrary Uncovered. Listen at jocolibrary.org/uncovered.
| | | | |
