The Solon City Council recognized Older Americans Month, honored its 2026 Senior of the Year and heard updates from Johnson County officials last Wednesday.
Mayor Dan O’Neil read a proclamation declaring May 2026 as Older Americans Month in Solon, recognizing the contributions of older residents and encouraging the community to support opportunities for healthy aging. Representatives from the Johnson County Livable Community for Successful Aging Policy Board also shared several upcoming events focused on aging, nutrition, and community support.
The council also recognized John McFarland as the 2026 Senior of the Year. McFarland thanked the city, the senior advocates board, and the community for the recognition. “Solon’s been pretty dear to my heart,” McFarland said. “This is one of [my] favorite places I’ve lived.”
Council members praised McFarland for his longtime involvement and welcoming presence in the community.
Johnson County Treasurer Scott Finlayson updated the council on county tax collections, saying the office has collected most of the money expected during the current cycle.
“We collected all the money… we’re going to collect,” Finlayson said. “From now until August, September, we’re kind of in that lighter mode.”
Johnson County Auditor Julie Persons discussed the upcoming primary election, saying early voting begins May 13 and election day is June 2.
“If you haven’t heard, there’s an election that is going to be happening starting next Wednesday,” Persons said.
Persons also added that Johnson County is bringing back its highly regarded “I Voted” sticker contest, which includes children’s and adult categories.
Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel discussed staffing, jail needs, and a possible bond referendum expected to appear on the upcoming fall ballot. Kunkel said the sheriff’s office is currently fully staffed on the deputy side and is also bringing on two detention officers. “The recruitment and retention problem seems to have subsided since COVID,” Kunkel said. “We’re seeing a lot more applicants than we used to.”
Kunkel added that the county is considering a jail bond referendum for a project estimated at about $94 million. He said the project is intended to address both current and future public safety needs in the community.
“You don’t size your water tower or your wastewater plant for how many homes you have today,” Kunkel said. “You think about the capacity for the future. Public safety infrastructure is no different.”
Kunkel also said Johnson County spent about $410,000 last year housing inmates in other counties because of capacity issues and is currently spending about $3.2 million to maintain the existing jail facility.
“We’re pouring money into it right now just to keep it on life support,” Kunkel said.
Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith also visited the council, telling members her office currently has about 41 staff members, including 17 attorneys, and prosecuted roughly 6,700 cases in 2025. Smith said her office has been “heavily involved” in recent major criminal cases and ongoing county efforts, adding that she is “just really proud of what [her] office does.”
Smith also thanked the council for its service to the community. “This is actually the best part of my whole day today,” Smith said. “It makes you feel good to know that people are still out here doing good things, supporting each other, and supporting the older people in your community.”
In new business, the council approved two resolutions related to tobacco compliance violations at two different local gas stations. City Attorney Kevin Olson said the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office routinely checks tobacco retailers to ensure they are not selling to anyone under 21.
“Under Iowa law, the permit holder is also responsible for their employees,” Olson said. The businesses involved signed waivers and agreed to pay $300 civil penalties. The council also approved a resolution amending an employee health insurance offering. City Administrator Cami Rasmussen said the change allows employees an additional $600 to help offset family premiums or prescription costs.
Council members discussed concerns about door-to-door salespeople and contractor solicitation as storm season approaches. Council member John Farlinger asked whether the city could make solicitor permit information more accessible to residents online.
“The reason that we have ordinances for that is to keep our community safe,” Farlinger said.
Rasmussen said the city already keeps records of licenses a nd c ould w ork toward posting them online. Officials added that solicitors are required to carry their license and show it upon request.
The council also heard updates regarding the recent LR S garbage service complaints. Rasmussen said she recently met with company representatives and encouraged residents to contact the city office directly with concerns.
“There’s lots of complaints out there,” Rasmussen said. “If there are concerns, the city office can be contacted. That would be very helpful.”