IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION transferring $25,000.00 within the 2026 General Fund and authorizing the settlement of the claims of plaintiffs in the case styled Joyce Griffith, et al. v. U.S. Engineering, et al., now pending in Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, for a total payment by the County of $25,000.00.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22351, July 13, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Joyce Griffith, William Griffith, III, Charles Griffith and John Griffith have filed a lawsuit styled Joyce Griffith, et al. v. U.S. Engineering, et al. 2316-CV10882 now pending in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, seeking damages for the alleged wrongful death of William Griffith, II; and,
WHEREAS, after a thorough investigation, the County Counselor recommends a settlement in the amount of $25,000.00, to be paid by the County to the plaintiffs and their attorneys of record, The Accurso Law Firm of Kansas City, Missouri; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed settlement will limit the County’s financial obligation in this matter and is in the best interests of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Jackson County; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson, Missouri that the following transfer be and hereby is made:
|
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION |
CHARACTER/DESCRIPTION |
FROM |
TO |
|
General Fund County Counselor 001-1101 |
55010 - Regular Salaries |
$25,000 |
|
|
|
56380 - Legal Liability Claims |
|
$25,000 |
and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the County Counselor be and hereby is authorized to settle the claims of plaintiffs in the case styled Joyce Griffith, et al. v. U.S. Engineering, et al. 2316-CV10882 now pending in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, by the total payment of $25,000.00, in full, final, and complete release of all of their claims against the County and all of its employees, officers, agents, and servants, as to any damages incurred; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Counselor be and hereby is authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to affect this settlement; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Interim Director of Finance and Purchasing be and hereby is authorized to issue checks in the amount totaling $25,000.00 in full and complete settlement of this claim, payable to plaintiffs and/or their attorneys.
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. 22351 of July 13, 2026, was duly passed on July , 2026 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas_______7___________ Nays_______0__________
Abstaining______0________ Absent______2__________
____________________ _______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature
Fiscal Note
Funds sufficient for this transfer are available from the source indicated below.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 001 1101 55010
ACCOUNT TITLE: General Fund
County Counselor
Regular Salaries
NOT TO EXCEED: $25,000.00
There is a balance otherwise unencumbered to the credit of the appropriation to which the expenditure is chargeable and there is a cash balance otherwise unencumbered in the treasury to the credit of the fund from which payment is to be made each sufficient to provide for the obligation herein authorized.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 001 1101 56380
ACCOUNT TITLE: General Fund
County Counselor
Legal Liability Claims
NOT TO EXCEED: $25,000.00
_______________________ _______________________________
Date Phil LeVota, County Executive