As Overland Park, Leawood and Olathe have grown, financial problems have mounted for the fire district that serves rural southeast Johnson County. The expansion of those cities has shrunk Fire District No. 2, and its tax base, creating a bleak future for the district. Right now, Fire District No. 2 is serving territory that Overland Park annexed in 2008, but the city is about to open a new fire station for that area and will terminate the service agreement earlier than initially planned. Jim Francis, chief of Fire District No. 2, said the move will cost the district even more revenue, about $1.5 million next year. The remedy? Fire District No. 2 will cede day-to-day operations to Overland Park and to Fire District No. 1, which serves southwest Johnson County. Overland Park will absorb 22 staff members and the area east of Lackman Road. Fire District No. 1 will take 22 employees and the area west of Lackman.
Source: Joco 913 News
