Operating the proposed homeless shelter in Lenexa would require annual funding not only from Johnson County but also its cities, under a new plan, totaling almost $500,000 in public money, presented to county commissioners on Thursday. The idea sparked a heated discussion among commissioners, as leaders work to push forward the long-needed shelter, but have yet to secure any financial commitment from cities to help run it. The board voted 4-3 to move the discussion forward about a fund that would require $62,000 a year from the county. The plan also asks for varying amounts from each city, based on population, totaling nearly $420,000 a year. The commission in the coming months will vote on whether to approve the funds, while cities in the meantime decide whether to participate as well. Johnson County has begun the process of purchasing the shuttered La Quinta Inn and Suites off of Interstate 35 in Lenexa to convert into a year-round shelter, a major milestone for the county where advocates have long pushed for such a resource.
Source: Joco 913 News
