SHARE:  
June 16, 2022
Change in leadership at Johnson County Library
Sean Casserly is retiring from the Johnson County Library after 10 years of service. His last day is June 30. Sean has served as county librarian since May 2012. The Johnson County Library system is annually one of the top-rated services for residents and that speaks highly to Sean’s contributions.
 
Sean worked in the library technology field for 18 years starting as a network specialist. He served as the bibliographic and IT manager at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana and was also a member of their executive team.
Join us in thanking Sean for his service and wishing him well in his retirement.

Deputy County Librarian Tricia Suellentrop will take over as Johnson County librarian, effective July 1. She has served as the deputy county librarian since 2008. Tricia also served as the interim county librarian for six months in 2012, during the national search for a new county librarian. She’s held other positions within the Library system as well, such as systemwide services manager, youth services manager and teen services coordinator.
When Tricia assumes the role of county librarian, she says she is most interested in maintaining the Library’s reputation as a top service in Johnson County. She attributes that success to diverse, knowledgeable employees and a supportive internal culture.

Currently, the organization is in the middle of several projects like the Antioch Replacement Project and the De Soto, Edgerton and Spring Hill Renewal Study.
Celebrating Juneteenth in Joco
For the past several months, dozens of employees from multiple departments, agencies and offices, including the VIBE Advisory Team, have been working on various events and programs to honor Juneteenth.

You may remember that last October, the Board of County Commissioners designated Juneteenth as a standard, fixed county holiday. In 2022, it will be recognized by Johnson County for the first time, on Monday, June 20, since June 19 falls on a Sunday.

County observances and events include a kickoff event at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center, multiple ways to learn about the holiday with Johnson County Library and Johnson County Government’s inaugural observance. We are not the first organization in the community to commemorate and celebrate this momentous day, nor will we be the last.

Learn more about all the ways you can participate in Juneteenth in JoCo at jocogov.org/juneteenth. This episode of JoCo on the Go (episode #137) highlights upcoming Juneteenth events and explores the history of the holiday.

This article is Powered by VIBE.
Challenge yourself to move more each day with the Route 66 Challenge
Employees and spouses on the county’s medical plan can earn 10 wellness points by completing this challenge. Take a virtual tour down Route 66 as you track your steps each day.

Successfully complete the five-week challenge by recording 250,000 steps (daily maximum of 20,000 steps per entry) before the challenge ends on July 17.

Challenge yourself to aim for at least 50,000 steps each week or 7,143 steps each day. Log in to assethealth.com/johnsoncounty to learn more and get started. 

The Wellness Program deadline is July 31.
Participate in Feed the Need collection challenge, other activities
June is the final month for activities and food donations to benefit the 2022 Feed the Need campaign.

The deadline to enter to win the outdoor package giveaway is June 28.

Departments/offices in the Administration Building were challenged by the CMO/BOCC to collect and donate a ton of food donations this month.

Other facilities (Libraries, Sunset, Northeast Offices, etc.) are invited to establish their own in-building challenges and goals.

Building totals would be an accumulation of donations by individual offices/departments in each building, heading into the final weigh in on June 30 from 9-9:30 a.m.

The goal is collectively to match the 3,820 pounds of collected food donations we collected through the end of May. Any size donation is most welcomed in reaching that goal. Find suggested food donations.

If each Johnson County employee donates one pound of food through their office/department, we can achieve the June goal and double total food collections.

Employees can also donate to Feed the Need by completing a payroll deduction authorization form through Financial Management and Administration.

Assistant County Manager Joe Connor and Shannon Miller from Corrections are the 2022 Feed the Need campaign chairs.

The 2022 campaign ends June 30.
Meet with Blue KC and Voya Representatives
Do you need help with medical claims?

Meet virtually with a Blue KC claims specialist to ask questions and review claims. Appointments are necessary.

Virtual appointments are available on the following dates in 30 minute increments:
  • Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 9 am to 11 am
  • Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 9 am to 11 am
 
Call FMA-Benefits at 913-715-0700 or email FMA-Benefits@jocogov.org to schedule an appointment with a Blue KC Specialist. Please include your preferred time, email and phone number.
 
FMA-Benefits has posted extensive information and resources on the Intranet that may
answer most, if not all, of questions. Your answers could be found on the Health Plan page.

Make an appointment with a local Voya representative to discuss enrolling in the START Retirement plan, rolling over another employer’s retirement plan, an account review, or near retirement income planning.
 
Beginning in July, in person meetings are back! If you prefer to meet virtually, make your appointment and contact the Voya representative prior to your meeting through the email confirmation you receive to make arrangements.

To make an appointment, click hereYou can also call the local Voya office at (913) 661-3797 to find a time and location that works for you. 
USPS rate change takes effect July 10: See what’s changing
The USPS announced a rate change that takes effect Sunday, July 10. There will be price increases for First-Class letters and postcards, some new and increased insurance coverage at no extra charge, and structure changes that can help you save money.
What’s changing? Watch this brief video to learn more about the upcoming rate change and how it will affect you.

Visit the USPS Postal Information page to stay on top of the latest news and sign up for the June 28 webinar, USPS 2022 Rate Change – What you need to know.
BOCC issued two proclamations
The Board of County Commissioners proclaimed June, 2022 as Pride Month in Johnson County. A group representing JoCo Pride accepted the proclamation from Chairman Ed Eilert.

From Left to Right: Jennifer Wilson, Johnson County Pride; Oscar W, August W, Olive W; Joy Hope, Johnson County Pride; Angie Powers, Johnson County Pride; Wendy Budetti, Johnson County Pride; Christopher Leitch, JCL; Joseph Keehn, JCL; Chairman Ed Eilert.
The commissioners also proclaimed June 19, 2022 as Juneteenth in Johnson County. Representatives from the county employee group, VIBE (Voices of Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity) accepted the proclamation along with the emcee of this year’s Johnson County Juneteenth celebration and this year’s Little Miss Juneteenth.

From Left to Right: Jen Newell, PRK; Colin Duffy, CMO; Nathan Louis Jackson, emcee; Megan Mascorro-Jackson, JCL; Elissa Andre, JCL; Mariah Turner, Little Miss Juneteenth; Erin Chambers, ELC; Chairman Ed Eilert.
BOCC recap
Today’s Board of County Commissioners meeting included the following:

  • Adopted a resolution to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program to include upgrades in the security camera systems at all remaining Library branch locations and authorized use of Library Operating Fund reserves in an amount not to exceed $600,000.
  • Authorized the Mental Health Department to add 6.0 FTE peer driver positions and authorized the reallocation and expenditure of fund balance (reserves) for FY 2022 in an amount not to exceed $175,000 through the UnitedHealthcare funded program expansion.
  • Authorized a change order request with EVERFI, Inc. for a suicide prevention module in the amount of $50,000 to provide for mental health and prevention education in all classrooms across Johnson County.

County Manager Penny Postoak Ferguson provided a reminder Johnson County is having its inaugural Juneteenth event from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 19, in the County Square. The theme is “Learn the Past...Change the Future.” The program will include emcee Nathan Jackson performing an original spoken word poem, a history of Juneteenth from Dr. Kimberly Warren and a keynote speech from Virginia Sewing. More information for this event and other events in the County can be found on our website. In addition, the program for the event is attached here.

More information on these and other items from today’s meeting is available at boccmeetings.jocogov.org.
In the News
Listen to the latest JoCo on the Go podcast
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. Also hear from community partners, volunteers and residents about how Johnson County programs and services impact them.
 
Episodes are about 20 minutes each and provide plenty of information about the topics that matter to you!
 
Here’s a look at our most recent episode:
 
Johnson County also sponsors another great podcast – Johnson County Library’s Did You Hear? Listen to them both at jocogov.org/podcast.
Hotlines available to take your questions
In order to efficiently answer the large volume of questions from both employees and the public surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, Johnson County has set up several hotline numbers to connect you with the experts you need. See below for hotline numbers and the kind of information each can provide.

Johnson County Employee HelpLine
913-715-HELP (4357)

When to call: if you have any questions about leave options during the COVID-19 crisis, travel restrictions, or other HR-related questions. If you have a technology issue related to working remotely, please contact DTI Support at 913-715-1700.

Health Department Hotline
913-715-CV19 (2819)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

When to call: if you have virus-related questions ONLY. You can remain anonymous if you choose. Spanish interpreters are available through same number. You can also call the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317 after business hours.

Childcare Licensing Hotline
913-477-8361
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

When to call: if you are a parent and have questions regarding COVID-19 changes or if you are a childcare provider and have questions about licensing requirements. If you call the hotline after hours, leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.