IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
AN ORDINANCE repealing Ordinance 6096 and submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County at the general election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, a question authorizing Jackson County to continue its countywide anti-crime sales tax (COMBAT) at the rate of one-quarter of one cent for a period of ten years for the purpose of arrest, prosecution, incarceration, treatment, and prevention of drug-related offenses and violent crimes, and the judicial processing of adult and juvenile violators of such offenses.
Intro
ORDINANCE NO. 6120, August 17, 2026
INTRODUCED BY Sean Smith, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance 4881, dated August 22, 2016, the voters of Jackson County did, on November 8, 2016, authorize the continuation of a countywide sales tax at the rate of one-quarter of one cent, to be used solely to combat the serious problems of illegal drug use and violent crime which were then and are still plaguing our community; and,
WHEREAS, as passed, Ordinance 6096 could allow the COMBAT tax proceeds to be used for purposes beyond those related to "arrest, prosecution, incarceration, treatment, and prevention of drug-related offenses and violent crimes, and the judicial processing of adult and juvenile violators of such offenses", and this Ordinance seeks to clarify that this tax revenue is not for more expansive purposes; and,
WHEREAS, Jackson County Code section 9303 specifies that "not less than fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds of the anti-crime sales tax shall be appropriated for the arrest, prosecution, and incarceration of those accused of drug-related offenses and/or violent crimes" including this condition in the voter approval language ensures such provisions remain in place; and,
WHEREAS, since collection of this community-based anti-crime tax (COMBAT) began in 1990, the County has demonstrated a record of success in establishing anti-drug and violent cr...
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