> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Shawnee County Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/shawnee-county-commission-summary-38/ - Published: 2026-10-20T13:00:22.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-20T13:00:22.000Z - Description: Week of October 20, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: Topeka, #summary, dnn # Commissioners discuss vision for "one-stop shop" county government center # County considers transitioning courthouse to exclusively judicial center # County points to city stormwater line for admin building flooding # Costly HVAC replacement looming for Shawnee County Health Department J.P. Lewis Building # Facilities director recommends selling 10th Street Clinic # Future of historic former fire station building remains uncertain # Wind and hail damage prompt roof repair discussions for North Annex # Noxious Weed Department outgrows facility, seeks new location # County interviews contractors for Maner Conference Center overhaul --- ### Commissioners discuss vision for "one-stop shop" county government center SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Shawnee County commissioners expressed a desire to consolidate scattered administrative departments — such as the treasurer, clerk, register of deeds and appraiser — into a single "one-stop shop" facility. Commissioners noted that residents frequently have to travel between multiple buildings to complete basic transactions. However, finding a suitably sized building that wouldn't require exorbitant renovation costs remains a significant hurdle. The commission acknowledged that a massive, centralized judicial and administrative complex like Johnson County's recent $200 million construction is currently beyond Shawnee County's financial capabilities. --- ### County considers transitioning courthouse to exclusively judicial center SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Shawnee County is eyeing the relocation of several county administrative offices out of the Shawnee County Courthouse to transform the facility into a strictly judicial center. Facilities Director Justin Landon presented the idea during a facilities update at Monday's board of county commissioners work session. The courthouse is currently wrapping up $15 million in renovations that began in 2023, though lighting, plumbing and a chiller rebuild are still needed. A small capital improvement request will be made next month to replace the heavily worn sliding doors at the east ADA-accessible entrance. --- ### County points to city stormwater line for admin building flooding SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Recent heavy rains caused unexpected basement flooding at the Shawnee County Administration Building, despite recent drainage repairs in the facility's tunnels. Facilities Director Justin Landon reported that the county's assessment points to the city's main stormwater line in the street, which county officials say can back up into the county building's low-lying connections with only 6 inches of water. Check valves and backflow preventers have since been installed to mitigate future water intrusion. Commissioners also discussed the need to replace all exterior windows on the building, a project that has been delayed for several years. --- ### Costly HVAC replacement looming for Shawnee County Health Department J.P. Lewis Building SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - The Shawnee County Health Department's J.P. Lewis Building, located at 2600 SW East Circle Drive, is facing a major expense to replace an intricate and difficult-to-maintain heating, ventilation and air conditioning system installed in 2015\. Facilities Director Justin Landon reported that while the county has set aside partial funding for the mechanical work, the overhaul will be a significant and costly project. Aside from the heating and cooling issues, the rest of the facility is considered solid, with the roof redone in 2022 and an active request for proposals currently out to replace the flooring in the front half of the building. --- ### Facilities director recommends selling 10th Street Clinic SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Shawnee County may consider selling the Van Sickle-Thorn Building, commonly known as the 10th Street Clinic, and consolidating all health department services under one roof. The clinic, located at 2115 SW 10th Ave., provides services such as family planning, contraceptives, STI screening and vaccinations. Facilities Director Justin Landon recommended the sale during his building assessment report, noting the facility is in generally good shape but requires plumbing cleanouts, city sidewalk repairs and new flooring. Landon suggested expanding the J.P. Lewis Building location to house the 10th Street Clinic's services. However, commissioners expressed concern that the high cost of new construction for an addition could far outweigh the revenue generated from selling the 10th Street property. --- ### Future of historic former fire station building remains uncertain SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners debated the future of a historic former fire station building, a 1930s-era brick structure that currently sits vacant with its water shut off. While the exterior brick and roof remain structurally sound, the building requires basement foundation repair, fascia board replacement, updated electrical panels and new plumbing. Facilities Director Justin Landon noted that the building's specific design makes it difficult to find a suitable tenant. Despite the challenges, commissioners agreed the county should address the exterior water damage to preserve the property until a permanent use is found. --- ### Wind and hail damage prompt roof repair discussions for North Annex SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - The Shawnee County North Annex is in need of significant roof repairs following wind and hail damage to its single-ply membrane structure. County officials are currently weighing the costs of patching severely damaged sections versus applying a rubberized coating or executing a full tear-off and replacement. The building, which houses solid waste, public works and the appraiser's office, is also undergoing internal renovations to consolidate staff on the ground floor. The reshuffling will vacate half of the second floor, which could potentially be repurposed for the Kansas State University Extension Office or other departments. --- ### Noxious Weed Department outgrows facility, seeks new location SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - The Shawnee County Noxious Weed Department is seeking a new facility after outgrowing its current building at 2044 SW Western Ave. Although the existing department headquarters is relatively new and in excellent condition, core samples taken from the surrounding grounds indicate the land is unbuildable, preventing any additions to the site. Facilities Director Justin Landon told commissioners the department has submitted an active capital improvement request for a larger space, and another unnamed county department has already expressed interest in taking over the Western Avenue facility once it is vacated. --- ### County interviews contractors for Maner Conference Center overhaul SHAWNEE COUNTY, Kan. - Shawnee County is moving forward with a complete renovation of the Maner Conference Center and the adjoining Kansas State University Extension Office. The county has received four proposals for the project and began conducting personal interviews with prospective contractors on Monday. The facility, which has shown heavy wear and tear, requires comprehensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing updates, as well as the installation of a fire suppression system. The final scope of the project will depend on how much the county is willing to finance once contractors provide official cost estimates. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/tcj-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) [Click here for local jail logs](https://cjus.me/tcj-jail?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)