In an unprecedented move, the Johnson County Commission will take control of an embattled rural fire district to try to ensure stable fire protection for an affluent, growing part of the county.
The commission voted 7-0 on Thursday to immediately assume governance of Johnson County Fire District No. 2, which provides fire and ambulance services to about 21,000 people in south Overland Park, Spring Hill, and part of unincorporated Johnson County and north central Miami County.
The county commission had become concerned about the long-term financial viability of the district, which was governed by a five-member volunteer board that critics said was dysfunctional and not adequately preparing for the future.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)