Johnson County Supervisor Objects to Additional Strategic Planning Forum

Supervisor Rod Sullivan cites cost and previous decision to hold three forums, not four

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors voted informally to add a fourth community forum for the county's strategic planning initiative, despite objections from Supervisor Rod Sullivan. Sullivan argued the additional $1,000 cost was unnecessary and that the previous decision was to hold three forums, not four. Supervisor V Fixmer-Oraiz pushed for the additional forum in Iowa City, citing the need for input from the county's largest municipality.

Why it matters

The strategic planning process is an important initiative to help guide the county's future, and the community forums are meant to gather input from residents. The disagreement over the number of forums highlights the challenges in balancing costs, logistics, and ensuring all voices are heard.

The details

The Board of Supervisors voted informally to add a fourth community forum for the strategic planning process, to be held in Iowa City on February 26. Supervisor Sullivan objected, citing the additional $1,000 cost and a previous decision to hold three forums, not four. Supervisor Fixmer-Oraiz argued that Iowa City, as the largest municipality in the county, should have its own forum. The community forums are part of a strategic planning process being coordinated by a national consulting firm.

  • The Board of Supervisors voted informally to add the fourth forum during their February 19 session.
  • The additional Iowa City forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. on February 26.

The players

Rod Sullivan

A longtime Johnson County Supervisor who objected to adding the fourth strategic planning forum, citing cost and a previous decision to hold three forums.

V Fixmer-Oraiz

A Johnson County Supervisor who pushed for the additional forum in Iowa City, arguing the county's largest municipality should have its own input session.

BerryDunn

A national consulting firm coordinating the Johnson County strategic planning process, including the community forums.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I do think it is imperative that we do an Iowa City one. I do think the more input is better, especially given that Iowa City is probably one of the biggest municipalities that we serve.”

— V Fixmer-Oraiz, Johnson County Supervisor (thenews-ia.com)

“I believe the Board broke the law, deciding to spend $1,000 without a public vote, and without that expenditure noticed on the meeting agenda.”

— Rod Sullivan, Johnson County Supervisor (thenews-ia.com)

What’s next

The Board of Supervisors will vote on Thursday, February 26 to officially approve the additional Iowa City forum as part of the strategic planning process.

The takeaway

The disagreement over the number of community forums highlights the challenges in balancing costs, logistics, and ensuring all voices are heard in the strategic planning process. While additional input can be valuable, the Board must also consider budgetary constraints and previous decisions made by the planning committee.