Jackson County Missouri  
JOURNAL  
Jackson County Courthouse  
415 E.12th Street, 2nd floor  
Kansas City, Missouri 64106  
(816)881-3242  
County Legislature  
DaRon McGee (4th) Chairman,  
Donna Peyton (2nd AL) Vice Chairman,  
Jalen Anderson (1st AL), Megan L. Marshall (3rd AL),  
Manuel Abarca IV (1st), Venessa Huskey (2nd),  
Charlie Franklin (3rd), Jeanie Lauer (5th)  
Sean E. Smith (6th)  
Office of  
Mary Jo Spino  
Clerk of the County Legislature  
Monday, April 21, 2025  
3:00 PM  
Eleventh Regular Meeting  
K.C. Legislative Assembly Area, Kansas City, Missouri  
DaRon McGee, Chairman, called the meeting of the Jackson County Legislature to order.  
1
ROLL CALL  
Present 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
2
3
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
Recited.  
APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING  
A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Venessa Huskey to  
approve the journal of the previous meeting held on April 07, 2025. The  
motion passed by a voice vote.  
4
5
HEARINGS  
Resolutions #21907, #21908, #21909, #21905 and #21910 were adopted  
at this time. See pages 9-10 for details.  
COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE  
Frank White, Jr., County Executive, was not present.  
Sylvya Stevenson, Chief Administrative Officer, said she has returned to the  
office from maternity leave.  
Caleb Clifford, Chief of Staff, gave praise to Pastor Miles, the recipient of a  
courtesy resolution. He had no report from the County Executive’s Office.  
Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator, asked where the County Executive  
was and Mr. Clifford stated he did not know. Manuel Abarca IV asked what  
the protocol is for reporting serious issues to the Legislature. Mr. Clifford  
said he could not give an answer without knowing what issue he was  
referencing but would be happy to work with the Legislature regarding any  
issues and present that information in a timely fashion. Mr. Abarca stated he  
was asking about the protocol to report any serious issue, and Mr. Clifford  
had no definitive answer.  
Manuel Abarca IV asked for an update regarding the negotiations with the  
Royals and Chiefs sports teams. Mr. Clifford stated he had no update but  
would be happy to speak about the matter in a closed session. Mr. Abarca  
said he believes the public deserves some transparency on the subject. He  
then asked Mr. Clifford about the status of the vacancies on Boards and  
Commissions. Mr. Clifford answered there have been numerous  
appointments made over the last few weeks. Mr. Abarca stressed that he  
asked approximately four weeks ago for the total number of vacancies and  
did not receive an answer. He again requested Mr. Clifford provide the total  
number of vacancies at next week’s legislative meeting.  
Manuel Abarca IV wanted to know if there was an issue with leased vehicles  
in the assessment process. Mr. Clifford stated he was unaware of any  
issues. Mr. Abarca said he will follow up with him after the meeting.  
Sean E. Smith, County Legislator, asked Bryan Covinsky, County  
Counselor, for an update regarding a car being damaged at the Fred  
Arbanas Golf Course. Mr. Covinsky stated the protocol was for the claim to  
be submitted to the Risk Management office to process and his office be  
notified. Currently, he has not had any follow-up from the Risk Management  
office.  
6
PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE  
5904  
AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 5577., Jackson County Code, 1984,  
relating to possession of firearms and age restriction, and to enact in lieu  
thereof two new sections, Sections 5577. and 5578., relating to the same  
subject, with a severability clause and a penalty provision.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 21st Perfection)  
5909  
AN ORDINANCE submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County,  
Missouri, at the primary election to be held on August 5, 2025, a question to  
amend the Jackson County Charter, with an effective date.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 12th Perfection)  
5965  
5966  
Repealing subsections 2066.6., 2066.7., and 2066.8., Jackson County  
Code, 1984, relating to a senior tax credit, and enacting, in lieu thereof, four  
new subsections relating to the same subject.  
(WITHDRAWN BY SPONSOR MEGAN L. MARSHALL. CONCURRED BY  
SEAN E. SMITH AND JALEN ANDERSON)  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $1,688,456.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the General Fund, $293,956.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the Health Fund, $708,172.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the Anti-Crime Sales Tax Fund, and making the necessary  
transfers within the General Fund, Health Fund, Anti-Crime Sales Tax Fund,  
and the County Improvement Fund to provide the Circuit Court, Family Court,  
and Family Court Facilities with their portion of the 2025 Recommended  
Budget.  
(Budget Committee - 6th. Perfection)  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
waive the reading of Ordinances #5967, #5969, #5970, and #5971. The  
motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 6 - DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa  
Huskey, Charlie Franklin, and Sean E. Smith  
No: 3 - Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall and Jeanie Lauer  
5967  
AN ORDINANCE repealing subsections 7401.2., 7405.4., and 7406.5.,  
Jackson County Code, 1984, relating to protections against retaliation for  
complaints, cooperating with complaint investigations, and amending the  
discretionary authority to decline a complaint and enacting, in lieu thereof,  
three new subsections relating to the same subject.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 2nd. Perfection)  
5969  
5970  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $75,000.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the 2025 Anti-Crime Sales Tax Fund for the purpose of creating  
a new position in the COMBAT Administration Division of the Jackson  
County Prosecutor’s Office.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Perfection)  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $100,000.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the 2025 Anti-Crime Sales Tax Fund for the purpose of acquiring  
a financial management system for grant reporting for the COMBAT  
Administration Division of the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 2nd. Perfection)  
5971  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $25,000.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the 2025 Delinquent Sales Tax Fund and authorizing the  
Prosecuting Attorney to execute a Cooperative Agreement with Michael  
Mansur, of Kansas City, MO, for the Stand Against Violence KC Project at a  
cost to the County not to exceed $25,000.00.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 2nd. Perfection)  
5972  
5973  
Enacting sections 5293., 5294., 5295., 5296., and 5297., of Jackson County  
Code, 1984, related to the subject of wreckers and tow services.  
(WITHDRAWN BY SPONSOR DARON MCGEE. CONCURRED BY JALEN  
ANDERSON AND SEAN E. SMITH.)  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $69,345.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the 2024 Grant Fund, in acceptance of a three-month extension  
of the VOCA Grant awarded to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office by  
the Missouri Department of Social Services.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 1st. Perfection)  
7
FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES  
5959  
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $71,751.00 from the undesignated fund  
balance of the 2025 General Fund in acceptance of the Missouri Western  
Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force grant awarded by the Missouri  
Department of Public Safety.  
(PERFECTED)  
8
RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE  
21641  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive or the Chairman of the  
Legislature to sell the County-owned property located at 1300 Washington  
Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 via the competitive bidding process.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 40th Meeting)  
21766  
A RESOLUTION transferring $49,500.00 within the 2024 General Fund and  
authorizing a contract to cover the cost of consultation and proposal services  
to Colette Holt & Associates Law Firm of San Antonio, TX, at a cost to the  
County not to exceed $49,500.00.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 27th Meeting)  
21843  
21864  
A RESOLUTION requiring the Jackson County property cards provided by  
the Assessment Department to include photographs of the property  
inspection and related property comparable sales that were used to  
determine the Fair Market Value (FMV) and property classification.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 3rd. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive to execute a contract with  
the Jackson County Board of Services for the Developmentally Disabled to  
provide for partial funding of various Parks + Rec Department's Special  
Population Services Division programs.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 7th. Meeting)  
21869  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the Jackson County Sheriff to execute a  
contract for services with the Family Court Division of the 16th Circuit Court  
of Missouri to provide deputies to assist with the Family Court’s  
Connections supervised visitation program.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Meeting )  
A motion was made by Sean E. Smith, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
waive the reading of Resolutions #21870, #21871, #21872, #21873,  
#21874, #21875, #21876, #21877, #21878, #21879, #21880, #21881,  
#21882, #21883, and #21897. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 6 - DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa  
Huskey, Charlie Franklin, and Sean E. Smith  
No: 3 - Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall and Jeanie Lauer  
21870  
21871  
A RESOLUTION awarding a month-to-month contract extension for the  
furnishing of food service at the Jackson County Detention Center to Trinity  
Services Group of Oldsmar, Florida, under the terms and conditions of  
Invitation to Bid No. 27-21.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Meeting )  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,  
with two twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of calcium  
chloride pellets and rock salt supplies for use by various County  
departments, to Nu-Life Labs, Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri and Humana  
Chemicals, Inc. of Potomac, Maryland, under the terms and conditions of  
Invitation to Bid No. 24-087.  
(Budget Committee - 7th. Meeting)  
21872  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with  
three twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of electrical supplies  
for use by various County departments to Graybar Electric Company of St.  
Louis, MO, under the terms and conditions of the City of Kansas City,  
Missouri contract No. EV2370, an existing competitively bid government  
contract.  
(Budget Committee - 7th. Meeting)  
21873  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with  
two twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of softball umpire  
services for use by the Parks + Rec Department to Eastern Jackson County  
USSSA Umpire Association of Independence, MO, as a sole source  
purchase.  
(Land Use Committee - 7th. Meeting)  
21874  
21875  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,  
with two twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of trash removal  
service for use by various County departments to Waste Management of  
Kansas, Inc., under the terms and conditions of Invitation to Bid 24-096.  
(Public Works Committee - 7th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with  
three twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of body  
transportation services for use by the Medical Examiner’s Office to First Call  
of Kansas City, MO, under the terms and conditions of Invitation to Bid No.  
24-082.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 7th. Meeting)  
21876  
21877  
21878  
A RESOLUTION authorizing the County Executive to execute an  
Intergovernmental Agreement with the Mid-America Regional Council Solid  
Waste Management District to provide access to the regional household  
hazardous waste centers for the residents of the unincorporated areas of  
Jackson County, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of  
$26,761.00.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 6th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,  
with two twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of paint and  
painting supplies for use by various County departments to PPG  
Architectural Finishes, Inc. of Columbia, MO and Sherwin Williams of  
Cleveland, OH, under the terms and conditions of Invitation to Bid No.  
25-003.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 6th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a contract for annual software maintenance for  
use by the Sheriff’s Office and Department of Corrections to Lexipol, LLC, of  
Frisco, TX, at an actual cost to the County in the amount of $57,992.00, as a  
sole source purchase.  
(Legislature As A Whole - 1st. Meeting )  
21879  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,  
with one twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of bottled water  
and dispenser services for use by various County departments to Metro  
Pure Water, LLC of Smithville, MO and DS Services of America dba Primo  
Water North America of Mableton, GA, under the terms and conditions of  
Invitation to Bid No. 24-079.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 5th. Meeting)  
21880  
A RESOLUTION awarding a thirty-one-month term and supply contract, with  
two twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of Maintenance,  
Repair, and Operations (MRO) supplies, equipment, and related products  
and services for use by various County departments to Lowe’s Home  
Centers, LLC, of Mooresville, NC under the terms and conditions of Lowe’s  
OMNIA Partners Cooperative Program Contract No. R240805, an existing  
government contract.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 5th. Meeting)  
21881  
21882  
21883  
21897  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,  
with one twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of fuel dispensing  
equipment services for use by various County departments to Petroleum  
Equipment, Inc., of Kansas City, MO, under the terms and conditions of  
Invitation to Bid No. 24-078.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 5th. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a thirty-six-month term and supply contract with  
three twelve-month options to extend for the furnishing of public safety  
uniforms for use by various County departments to Galls, LLC, of Lexington,  
KY, under the terms and conditions of Sourcewell Contract No. 011124, an  
existing competitively bid contract.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 2nd. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a forty-five-month term and supply contract with  
three twelve-month options to extend for the furnishing of body armor with  
related accessories, equipment, and services for use by various County  
departments to Galls, LLC, of Lexington, KY, under the terms and conditions  
of Sourcewell Contract No. 091924, an existing competitively bid contract.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 2nd. Meeting)  
A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract with  
two twelve-month options to extend for the furnishing of portable outdoor  
toilet rentals for use by the various County Departments to ORI Outdoor  
Restrooms of Blue Springs, MO, under the terms and conditions of Invitation  
to Bid No. 25-008.  
(Finance and Audit Committee - 2nd. Meeting)  
Three applications with resumes were received for the Jackson County  
Sports Complex Authority (Resolution #21901).  
A motion was made by Donna Peyton, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
insert the names Shalonn (Kiki) Curls, Phil LeVota and Chris Hernandez.  
The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 8 - DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Megan L. Marshall, Manuel Abarca  
IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E. Smith.  
No: 1 - Jalen Anderson  
21901  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Resolution #21901, nominating candidates for appointment to the  
Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, for a term to expire July 15,  
2028. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 8 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Megan L. Marshall, Manuel Abarca  
IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer and Sean E.  
Smith  
No: 1 - Jalen Anderson  
(ADOPTED)  
9
CONSENT AGENDA  
None.  
10  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
5974  
Amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the Unified  
Development Code by rezoning a certain 2.5± acre tract from District AG  
(Agricultural) to District RE (Residential Estates).  
(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)  
5975  
Enacting subsection 24005.26., Jackson County Code, 1984, relating to  
wedding and events facilities within the unincorporated areas of Jackson  
County.  
(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)  
5976  
5977  
Vacating Lots 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Moore View, a subdivision in Jackson  
County.  
(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)  
Amending the zoning districts established pursuant to the Unified  
Development Code by rezoning a certain 5.00± acre tract from District AG  
(Agricultural) to District RR (Residential Ranchette).  
(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)  
The Land Use Committee will hold a public hearing regarding Ordinances  
#5974, #5975, #5976, and #5977 on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 1 P.M. in  
the Kansas City Legislative Assembly Area.  
5978  
Enacting sections 5293., 5294., 5295., 5296., and 5297., of Jackson County  
Code, 1984, related to the subject of wreckers and tow services.  
(Assigned to the Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee.)  
11  
INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE  
21903  
Awarding an eight-month contract extension for the lease of golf carts, a  
beverage cart, and a range picker for use by the Parks + Rec Department to  
PNC Equipment Finance, LLC, of Cincinnati, Ohio, at cost not to exceed  
$37,912.00, under the terms and conditions of National IPA Contract No.  
161101, an existing government contract.  
(Assigned to the Budget Committee.)  
21904  
21905  
Authorizing the County Executive to execute a temporary construction  
easement and a permanent utility easement in favor of Spire Missouri, Inc.,  
for a fee payable to the County.  
(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
adopt Resolution #21905, congratulating Reginald L. Thomas on his  
retirement from LIUNA Local 264. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
21906  
21907  
Authorizing the County Executive to execute Cooperative Agreements with  
certain agencies that provide services and assistance to victims of  
domestic violence, at an aggregate cost to the County not to exceed  
$128,295.00.  
(Assigned to the Health and Environment Committee.)  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to  
adopt Resolution #21907, celebrating the 46th Anniversary and the 25th  
Annual Awards dinner for the Labor Management Council of Greater  
Kansas City. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
21908  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Donna Peyton, to  
adopt Resolution #21908, honoring Working Families’ anniversary,  
recognizing its dedication to supporting working families in times of crisis  
and advocating for their well-being. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
21909  
21910  
21911  
A motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Resolution #21909, honoring Earth Day on April 22, 2025, and  
recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability  
in Jackson County. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to  
adopt Resolution #21910, honoring Pastor John Modest Miles and First  
Lady Jeanette Miles for celebrating 38 years leading Morning Star Baptist  
Church of Jesus Christ. The motion passed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 9 -  
DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall,  
Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, Jeanie Lauer  
and Sean E. Smith  
(ADOPTED)  
Authorizing the County Executive to execute a Temporary Right-of-Entry  
agreement in favor of the City of Independence, Missouri, for the Square  
Streetscape Project.  
(Assigned to the Land Use Committee.)  
12  
13  
COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS  
None.  
UNFINISHED BUSINESS  
There was no response from the County Executive regarding the items listed  
on the agenda.  
Manuel Abarca IV asked the Administration for answers to the items under  
Unfinished Business. DaRon McGee requested Caleb Clifford send  
responses to the questions to all legislators by Friday, April 25, 2025 so  
legislators could review them prior to next week's legislative meeting.  
The following items were requested by the County Legislature and are  
awaiting response from the Administration:  
·
·
·
Opinion from County Counselor regarding investigation.  
Update on NDA's with Chiefs and Royals.  
Update on Troy Schulte contract.  
·
·
Timeline for Impact Notices from Assessment Department.  
Timeline of all correspondence to taxpayers sent by Assessment, County  
Executive or Board of Equalization.  
14  
NEW BUSINESS  
Veto message from County Executive for Ordinance #5958, requiring  
the Jackson County Assessor to provide an Assessment Roll that complies  
with the Missouri State Tax Commission's Order and rolls back the 2023  
value of any parcel that exceeded a 15% increase in 2023 to be changed  
and to be valued at no more than 15% more than the 2022 property value.  
There was a motion by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded by Sean E. Smith to  
override the veto for Ordinance #5958.  
Manuel Abarca IV shared an article from Education Week, dated  
September 30, 1987 titled "Kansas City Judge’s ‘Excessive’ Tax Order  
Ignites Public Furor, Has Leaders Ducking”. The article is about a judge  
ruling to increase the tax levy for a particular school district, after the rates  
had been set, and the County Executive indicating he would not enforce the  
tax-increase order. In doing so, the County Executive was subject to being  
held in contempt of court and jailed which Mr. Abarca compared to the  
situation faced with the current County Executive refusing to abide by the  
ruling of the State Tax Commission (STC) regarding 2023 tax assessments.  
Megan L. Marshall, County Legislator, read the following prepared  
statement opposing Ordinance #5958:  
"I’ll start by stating the obvious 2023 assessment process was flawed,  
confusing, chaotic and most times deeply unfair. Does this ordinance is not  
the fix the community deserves nor the fix to Jackson County’s assessment  
process.  
First and foremost, this ordinance does not explain how it would be  
implemented. It mandates a 15% cap on assessment increases - but  
provides no plan for how the Assessor’s Office is supposed to carry that out.  
No process for recalculating bills or notifying property owners. No clarity on  
how refunds IF ANY would be handled or how taxing jurisdictions would be  
made whole.  
In short: it’s policy with no plan. That’s not governance - that’s risk.  
Second, the legal foundation of this ordinance is far from settled. The State  
Tax Commission’s order can still be challenged in court. Initially a judge has  
said it’s unenforceable. Then another decision says otherwise. And here we  
are - preparing to carry out a massive rollback based on something that’s  
has the potential to still being appealed.  
That brings me to my third point: the financial impact. If this ordinance is  
implemented, taxing jurisdictions across Jackson County could lose over  
$200 million. Including tens of millions of dollars in lost funding for public  
schools.  
That’s not just a number. That’s teachers, counselors, school buses, and  
after-school programs. And it’s not just schools - it’s public safety,  
infrastructure, and essential county services.  
Fourth, this ordinance risks creating more inequity. If we don’t have a clear  
plan, some homeowners will get relief - others could see their tax bills go up.  
Especially people in modest homes who didn’t see huge spikes, but could  
end up covering the shortfall. That’s not fair. And it’s not what we were  
elected to do.  
Finally - and most importantly - we need to lead with responsibility. This  
ordinance is a reaction, not a solution. We need long-term reforms to the  
assessment process - grounded in law, guided by data, and implemented  
with fairness. But Ordinance 5958 offers none of that.  
And let me say this clearly, for the record - my vote today is not influenced by  
public pressure or any other elected official. I’m voting based on the facts,  
the law, and what I believe is best for the people of Jackson County. I was  
elected to think independently, not to rubber-stamp anyone’s agenda - and  
that’s exactly what I’m doing here and that is exactly what I have strived to do  
with every vote I have had the privilege of making.  
I am here to represent the entire county, not just act on what’s immediate or  
the loudest. Sometimes the right decision is the harder one. We owe it to  
our constituents to make decisions that are well-thought-out, sustainable  
AND addresses the need for immediate relief.  
For all these reasons - legal, logistical, financial, and ethical - I cannot  
support Ordinance 5958."  
Jeanie Lauer, County Legislator, agreed with Legislator Marshall.  
Sean E. Smith reiterated that the ordinance is an attempt to force the County  
Executive to abide by the ruling of the State Tax Commission, which has  
now been upheld in court. He stated not doing so will result in greater harm  
to the taxpayer and the county overall.  
Jalen Anderson, County Legislator, asked Bryan Covinsky, County  
Counselor, to explain the document handed out by Legislator Abarca. Mr.  
Covinsky responded by saying he would rather wait until all lawsuits are  
settled and/or finalized before acting on them prematurely.  
After much discussion, a motion was made by Manuel Abarca IV, seconded  
by Sean E. Smith, to override the veto for Ordinance #5958. The motion  
failed by a roll call vote:  
Yes: 5 - DaRon McGee, Donna Peyton, Manuel Abarca IV, Venessa Huskey  
and Sean E. Smith  
No: 4 - Jalen Anderson, Megan L. Marshall, Charlie Franklin and Jeanie  
Lauer  
The veto for Ordinance #5958 was sustained.  
Signing statement from County Executive for Ordinance #5968,  
repealing subsections 2066.6., 2066.7., and 2066.8., Jackson County  
Code, 1984, relating to a senior tax credit, and enacting, in lieu thereof, five  
new subsections relating to the same subject.  
15  
ADJOURNMENT  
A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to  
adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.  
Meeting adjourned until Monday, April 28, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. at the Jackson  
County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Floor,  
Legislative Assembly Area.