KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After several hours of back-and-forth discussion about what a recovery plan for Johnson County might look like, members of the task force charged with developing that plan voted Tuesday to forwrd their report to the full county commission for final approval.
The Johnson County COVID-19 Recovery Planning Task Force voted 8-1 to adopt the Johnson County Recovery Plan, which details how the county should proceed once Kansas’ statewide stay-at-home order expires.
Gov. Laura Kelly's order currently expires May 3, but an extension is possible this week for some or all of the state.
The task force's recovery plan recommends a phased approach to reopening the county’s economy based on reaching certain threshholds relatied to symptoms, number of cases and possible impacts on the county’s health system.
The four-phased plan also includes a table that outlines recommendations for the general population on when certain types of businesses and activities should be allowed.
These documents reflect the general outline of the plan, which didn't yet include adjustments made after deliberations Tuesday before sending the plan to the full commission.
The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners is expected to review and discuss task force's report during an informational session Wednesday and could vote on the plan as soon as Thursday.
During final discussions prior to Tuesday's vote, task force members went back and forth about the intent and scope of the committee.
Vice Chairman and County Commissioner Mike Brown suggested the committee’s work represented a path toward a “nanny state.” He instead suggested the task force adopt the same reopening plan announced this week by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, which has some general guidance but reopens all state businesses effective May 4 unless there are superseding local orders that prevent it.
“I struggle with this entire document,” Brown, who was the only committee member to vote against the proposal, said.
Other task force members relied on the guidance of top officials at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.
“If their comfort level with this document is strong, then my comfort level is strong,” United Community Services of Johnson County Executive Director and task force member Julie Brewer said.
Tuesday’s discussion also addressed around what type of enforcement the task force would recommend for businesses who violate the guidelines.
“I trust that the businesses will do the right thing,” Leawood Chief of Police Troy Rettig said.
Rettig said he believes businesses are likely to comply with any regulations out of fear that customers might take to social media to shame locations acting outside of the guidelines.
