IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION honoring the retirement of Barbara Casamento after 41 years of dedicated service to Jackson County.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22006, August 18, 2025
INTRODUCED BY DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Smith, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer, and Sean E. Smith, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, Barbara Casamento began her distinguished career with Jackson County on June 4, 1984, serving as a Senior Buyer in the Purchasing Department; and,
WHEREAS, over the course of her 41 year tenure, Ms. Casamento remained a steadfast and visionary leader within the same department; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Casamento was promoted to Purchasing Supervisor in 2006, and later to Purchasing Administrator in 2017, demonstrating an unwavering dedication, commitment to professional growth, and excellence in public procurement; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Casamento exemplified fiscal responsibility and stewardship by ensuring taxpayer dollars and County funds were spent efficiently and effectively through the competitive bid process, while upholding the integrity and transparency of County procurement; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Casamento collaborated tirelessly with County departments to secure essential goods and services for the citizens of Jackson County, earning a reputation as a trusted resource across all levels of County government; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Casamento has led in-service training initiatives for employees, vendors, and external agencies, fostering strong relationships and advancing best practices in procurement; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Casamento played a pivotal role in executing complex and impactful procurement projects-including infrastructure, construction, and software-significantly contributing to the modernization and progress of County operations; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Casamento was instrumental in introducing Bonfire Procurement Software, enhancing vendor accessibility nationwide, reducing costs, and improving the quality of County acquisitions; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Casamento’s leadership and mentorship of Senior Buyers established a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire future procurement professionals; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Casamento’s career was uplifted and supported by her loving family: her daughter, Major Marisa Barnes of the Kansas City Police Department; her grandson, Braden Barnes; her partner, Tommy Sutherland; her brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Sandy Potter; and her extended family of the Meiners and Hodes located throughout Kansas City and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, the Legislature and Jackson County expresses its deep gratitude and admiration for the outstanding service, lasting contributions, and exceptional career of Barbara Casamento; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the County celebrates her retirement plans, which include spending meaningful time with her family, supporting her daughter’s entrepreneurial endeavors, volunteering locally, enjoying Kansas City’s vibrant live music scene, and traveling to new destinations; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that one of the most anticipated moments of Barbara’s retirement will be a journey to Colorado-visiting her brother in Colorado Springs, relaxing in the hot springs of Pagosa Springs, and reconnecting with a cherished friend in Durango who she has not seen in over three decades-a well-deserved beginning to a retirement filled with love, adventure, and joy.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22006 of August 18, 2025, was duly passed on ______________________________, 2025 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _________________ Nays ___________
Abstaining ___________ Absent ____________
______________________ ______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature