Minutes - County Legislature

Jackson County Courthouse

415 E.12th Street, 2nd floor

Kansas City, Missouri 64106

(816)881-3242

Jackson County Missouri

JOURNAL

County Legislature

Manuel Abarca IV (1st) Chairman, Sean E. Smith (6th) Vice Chairman,

Jalen Anderson (1st AL), Donna Peyton (2nd AL), Megan L. Smith (3rd AL),

Venessa Huskey (2nd), Charlie Franklin (3rd),

Office of

Mary Jo Spino

Clerk of the County Legislature

DaRon McGee (4th), Jeanie Lauer (5th)

Monday, July 6, 2026

3:00 PM

Twenty-fifth Regular Meeting

Jackson County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 2nd Floor, K.C.

Legislative Assembly Area.

Manuel Abarca IV, Chairman, called the meeting of the Jackson County Legislature to order.

ROLL CALL

Present 9 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna

Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin,

DaRon McGee and Jeanie Lauer

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Recited.

APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Sean E. Smith to

approve the journal of the previous meeting held on June 29, 2026. The

motion passed by a voice vote.

HEARINGS

Presentation by Cheri Roberts, City Administrator for Buckner, Missouri.

She distributed a PowerPoint presentation. Darrel Box, Mayor of Buckner,

reiterated the urgent need for funding to help with their major

infrastructure needs.

To view details from this section of the journal, click on the link below and

select the presentation listed in Attachments or view the video of the

County Legislative meeting dated Monday, July 6, 2026.

https://jacksonco.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

The County Legislature interviewed the following candidates who

submitted their application and resume for the position on the Jackson

County Sports Complex Authority:

Michael Macias and Robert Hepting

Brian Burns indicated he was unable to attend.

Since there were only three candidates, the three names were approved

by acclamation. Resolution #22330 was adopted at this time. See page 8

for details.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH AND REPORTS OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Phil LeVota, County Executive was present and gave the following report:

He introduced Robert Gowens, the first Veterans Services Officer for the

new Jackson County Office of Veterans Affairs. He is a Navy veteran

who comes to the County from Mississippi, where he worked for the State

Veterans Commission. He thanked Legislator Megan Smith for her

continued urging to fill this important position.

He read a letter from Dan Hutton, State Ombudsmen for Property

Assessment and Taxation. A copy is available online under meeting

details for the July 6, 2026 legislative meeting.

He reiterated the need to pass Ordinance #6092, the proposed

appropriation of $15 million in ARPA funding, and urged the legislature to

discharge it from committee, have the required public hearing and allow

the process to move forward. He appreciated the presentation made by

the officials from Buckner because they helped highlight the need to

distribute the funds as soon as possible. There was discussion with

Chairman Abarca and Legislator Huskey who asked if there was money

in the budget to cover all the requests, as well as clarify that the funds are

being distributed from the General Fund and are no longer ARPA related.

The County Executive said yes to both.

On July 4, 2026 the County Executive signed Executive Order 26-27

DIRECTING IMPLEMENTATION OF RESIDENTIAL ASSESSMENT

ADJUSTMENTS AND THE LEVOTA TAX CREDIT PROGRAM. It

solidifies that taxpayers get tax credits, over the next three years, as the

solution to the ruling from the State Tax Commission that stated 2023

assessments were illegal and refunds were owed. He also urged the

adoption of Ordinance #6089 as the legislative companion to his

executive order. There was additional discussion with Chairman Manuel

Abarca IV, Vice Chairman Sean E. Smith, and Legislators Charlie

Franklin and Megan L. Smith.

To view details from this section of the journal, click on the link below and

select the video of the County Legislative meeting dated Monday, July 6,

2026.

https://jacksonco.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

PERFECTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

6050

AN ORDINANCE prohibiting law enforcement officers from concealing

their faces or badges during performance of their official duties and

establishing penalties and exemptions.

(Legislature As A Whole - 23rd Perfection)

6077

AN ORDINANCE enacting section 6004., of the Jackson County Code,

1984, relating to standards for care and treatment in Jackson County

residential facilities with a severability clause.

(Legislature As A Whole - 14th Perfection)

Any questions by legislators for the Sheriff should be sent to the

Chairman so he can forward them to the Sheriff. Sean E. Smith, County

Legislator asked if the response will only be through written

communication. The County Executive said that was his proposal to the

Sheriff.

6089

AN ORDINANCE enacting subsection 2067. Jackson County Code, 1984

relating to tax credits and assessment adjustments.

Chairman Abarca asked about legal opinions sent to the County

Legislature in 2025 by the County Counselor's office regarding

assessments and tax caps. Bryan Covinsky, County Counselor replied.

He said he sent an email to all legislators today regarding Ordinance

#6089. Discussion.

Sean E. Smith, County Legislator, summarized the legislation. He said

Mr. Hutton has agreed to be on TEAMS for the legislative meeting next

week.

Manuel Abarca IV suggested Ordinance #6089 be amended to include

Executive #26-27 in the body.

Jeanie Lauer, County Legislator, said she would like to move forward with

this legislation.

Sean E. Smith assumed the Chair.

6089

A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Manuel Abarca IV, to

perfect Ordinance #6089 as amended on June 15, 2026. The motion

passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna

Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin,

DaRon McGee and Jeanie Lauer

(PERFECTED)

Comments by Donna Peyton, County Legislator.

6089

A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

adopt Ordinance #6089 as amended, enacting subsection 2067. Jackson

County Code, 1984 relating to tax credits and assessment adjustments.

The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna

Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin,

DaRon McGee and Jeanie Lauer

(ADOPTED)

Manuel Abarca IV resumed the Chair.

Phil LeVota applauded the County Legislature for adopting Ordinance

#6089.

6090

A motion was made by Jeanie Lauer, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

approve the Floor Amendment for Ordinance #6090 dated July 6, 2026,

to insert the phrase "and awarding a contract for the furnishing of" after

the word "Fund", to delete the word "for" after the "of", to delete the words

"provided by" and insert the word "to" before the word "Frisbie" and to

insert the punctuation and phrase ", as a sole source purchase" all in the

heading on page one; to insert the third paragraph "WHEREAS, pursuant

to section 1030.1 of the Jackson County Code, the Interim Director of

Finance and Purchasing recommends the award of contract for

installation services to Frisbie Monuments of Independence, MO as a

sole source purchase for the reason that it is the proprietary manufacturer

of the needed structure/monument; and," on page one. The motion

passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna

Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin,

DaRon McGee and Jeanie Lauer

(ADOPTED)

6090

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Jalen Anderson to

perfect Ordinance #6090. The motion passed by a voice vote.

(PERFECTED)

6090

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Jeanie Lauer, to

adopt the Floor Amendment dated July 6, 2026 for Ordinance #6090,

transferring and appropriating $25,000.00 from the undesignated fund

balance of the 2026 Park Fund and awarding a contract for the furnishing

of installation services to Frisbie Monuments of Independence, MO for

use by the Parks + Rec Department, as a sole source purchase. The

motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna

Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin,

DaRon McGee and Jeanie Lauer

(ADOPTED)

6091

AN ORDINANCE submitting to the qualified voters of Jackson County,

Missouri, at a general election to be held on November 3, 2026, a

question authorizing Jackson County to impose a countywide sales tax of

one half of one percent for public transportation purposes.

(Regional Transit Committee (Ad Hoc) - 7th. Perfection)

Whitney Miller, Deputy County Counselor, said she is working with the

taxing entities and the KCATA to figure out a legal mechanism. Manuel

Abarca IV requested it be completed by the legislative meeting on July

13, 2026.

6092

AN ORDINANCE appropriating $15,415,000.00 from the undesignated

fund balance of various funds and authorizing the County Executive to

execute Cooperative Agreements to fund infrastructure projects with

certain municipalities within Jackson County in an amount not to exceed

$15,415,000.00.

(County Infrastructure & Strategic Planning Committee (Ad Hoc) - 7th.

Perfection)

Chairman Abarca announced there will be a public hearing regarding

Ordinance #6092 on Monday, July 13, 2026 during the legislative meeting

scheduled to be held in the Independence Legislative Chambers.

6097

AN ORDINANCE establishing the position of Legislative Intern within the

Office of the Jackson County Legislature and setting forth provisions

governing the appointment, supervision, and employment of Legislative

Interns.

(Legislature As A Whole - 6th. Perfection)

6099

AN ORDINANCE 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).

(Land Use Committee - 4th. Perfection)

A motion was made by Charlie Franklin, seconded by Jalen Anderson, to

waive the reading of Ordinances #6099 through #6102. The motion

passed by a voice vote.

The Land Use Committee will have a public hearing regarding the

above-mentioned Ordinances on Monday, July 27, 2026 at 2 p.m. in the

Kansas City Legislative Assembly Area.

AN ORDINANCE requesting a conditional use permit (CUP) of AG

(Agricultural) zoning district for continuous operation of an agritourism

operation associated with the management of an alpaca farm.

(Land Use Committee - 4th. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE amending the zoning districts established pursuant to

the Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 10.05± acre tract

from District AG (Agricultural) to District RE (Residential Estates).

(Land Use Committee - 4th. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE amending the zoning districts established pursuant to

the Unified Development Code by rezoning a certain 25.00± acre tract

from District AG (Agricultural) to District RR (Residential Ranchette).

(Land Use Committee - 4th. Perfection)

AN ORDINANCE appropriating $1,000,000.00 from the undesignated

fund balance of the 2026 Anti-Crime Sales Tax Fund to create the Public

Safety Education Cost Center Fund and authorizing the County Executive

to execute a consulting agreement with TJP Strategies, LLC, of Kansas

City, MO, at a cost to the County not to exceed $1,000,000.00.

(Finance & Audit Committee - 1st. Perfection)

FINAL PASSAGE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES

None.

RESOLUTIONS IN COMMITTEE

22281

A RESOLUTION awarding a thirty-month term and supply contract for the

furnishing of automation control products and services for use by the

Jackson County Detention Center to Control Service Company of Lee’s

Summit, Missouri under the terms and conditions of OMNIA Cooperative

Contract #159051, an existing competitively bid government contract.

(Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - 7th. Meeting)

22304

A RESOLUTION establishing the Unincorporated Jackson County Fund

and directing the County Executive and County Administration to develop

policies and procedures for the administration of said fund.

(Legislature As A Whole - 4th. Meeting)

22311

22312

Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

A RESOLUTION authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and

Purchasing to issue a check in the amount of $239,121.00 for the

purchase of equipment for the City of Buckner.

(Public Works Committee - 5th. Meeting)

22313

Legislature As A Whole moved to adopt.

Megan L. Smith objected to the Consent Agenda. She said would like to

hear about the strategic plan for this organization and was wondering if

they had secured any other funding sources.

Manuel Abarca IV said they would invite a representative from Mattie

Rhodes next week to address her questions.

22313

22315

Authorizing the Interim Director of Finance and Purchasing to issue a

check in the amount of $50,000.00 to the Mattie Rhodes Center to fund

the creation of a youth employment and community arts pilot program.

(Assigned to the Legislature As A Whole.)

A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract, with

one (1) twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of Workday

professional services for use by the Information Technology Department

to Remy Corporation of Denver, CO, under the terms and conditions of

State of Oklahoma contract No. SW1025, as an acquisition from another

governmental entity.

(Budget Committee - 5th. Meeting)

22323

A RESOLUTION directing the County Executive, the Department of

Public Works, and all appropriate County departments and agencies to

develop and implement a comprehensive framework governing the siting,

construction, expansion, and operation of artificial intelligence and

high-capacity data center facilities within Jackson County, Missouri, and

establishing conditions necessary to protect public infrastructure, utility

systems, environmental resources, public safety, and neighboring

communities.

(Public Works Committee - 4th. Meeting)

22324

A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract for

the furnishing of electronic monitoring services for use by the Jackson

County Sheriff’s Community Supervision Office, to BI Incorporated of

Boulder, CO, under the terms and conditions of OMNIA Partners Contract

No. 2022118, an existing competitively bid government contract.

(Justice & Law Enforcement Committee - 1st. Meeting )

Public Works Committee moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

A motion was made by DaRon McGee, seconded by Venessa Huskey, to

insert the names of Michael Macias, Robert Hepting and Brian Burns to

Resolution #22330. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 8 - Manuel Abarca IV, Jalen Anderson, Donna Peyton, Megan L.

Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin, DaRon McGee and Jeanie

Lauer

Abstain: 1 - Sean E. Smith.

22330

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Jeanie Lauer, to

adopt Resolution #22330, nominating candidates for appointment to the

Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, for a term to expire July 15,

2031. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna

Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin,

DaRon McGee and Jeanie Lauer

(ADOPTED)

22331

Arts & Culture Committee (Ad Hoc) moved to adopt. Consent Agenda.

CONSENT AGENDA

22311

A RESOLUTION awarding a twelve-month term and supply contract for

the furnishing of personal computers, miscellaneous computer hardware,

software, maintenance and professional services for use by various

County departments to SHI International Corporation, of Somerset, NJ

under the terms and conditions of State of Missouri Contract Number

CT220337001, an existing competitively bid government contract.

(ADOPTED)

22327

A RESOLUTION awarding a thirty-six-month term and supply contract,

with three (3) twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of fleet

fuel cards for use by various County Departments, to Openlane

Technology Corporation dba Roadflex of Brooklyn, NY under the terms

and conditions of Sourcewell Contract No. 030625-RDFX, an existing

competitively bid government contract.

(ADOPTED)

22328

22329

A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,

with one (1) twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of trailer

maintenance and repair services for use by various County departments

to Croft Trailer Supply of Kansas City, MO under the terms and conditions

of Invitation to Bid No. 26-027.

(ADOPTED)

A RESOLUTION awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract,

with two (2) twelve-month options to extend, for the furnishing of janitorial

supplies for use by various County departments to Hillyard Inc., of

Kansas City, MO, Imperial Bag & Paper Co. LLC dba Imperial Dade of

Kansas City, MO, and RJ Kool Company of Missouri dba Controlled

Environment Products, LLC of North Kansas City, MO under the terms

and conditions of Invitation to Bid No. 26-022.

(ADOPTED)

22331

A RESOLUTION authorizing the Director of Finance and Purchasing to

issue a check in the amount of $50,000.00 to the National World War I

Museum for the Centennial Gala and Liberty Beacon Tower Lighting

Celebration.

(ADOPTED)

Resolutions #22311, #22327, #22328 #22329 and #22331 were moved

to the Consent Agenda for adoption.

A motion was made by Jalen Anderson, seconded by Venessa Huskey,

to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion passed by a roll call vote:

Yes: 9 - Manuel Abarca IV, Sean E. Smith, Jalen Anderson, Donna

Peyton, Megan L. Smith, Venessa Huskey, Charlie Franklin,

DaRon McGee and Jeanie Lauer

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

None.

INTRODUCTION OF PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ASSIGNMENT TO COMMITTEE

22333

22334

Authorizing the County Executive to execute Supplemental Agreement

No. 3 to Longview Lake Lease No. DACW41-1-87-34 with the United

States Secretary of the Army to allow for expansion and remodeling of

the concession area within the Longview Club House at the Fred Arbanas

Golf Course.

(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)

Awarding a twenty-four-month term and supply contract, with one (1)

twelve-month option to extend, for the furnishing of certified lawn mower

tractor maintenance and repair services for John Deere equipment for

use by the various County departments to Deere & Company of Cary,

NC, as a sole source purchase.

(Assigned to the Public Works Committee.)

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ORDERS

26-27

AUTHORITY AND RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Missouri State Tax Commission issued an order

requiring that Subclass 1 residential real property assessments for 2023

and 2024 be capped at no more than a 15% increase over the

corresponding 2022 assessed value, or the market value of the same

property, whichever is lower, with certain exceptions for new construction

or improvements; and,

WHEREAS, on November 7, 2025, County Executive Phil LeVota

ordered that Jackson County roll back and reduce residential

assessments for 2023 and 2024 in compliance with that order, directing

that affected residential property values be adjusted accordingly; and,

WHEREAS, as a result of those assessment adjustments, residential

property owners whose taxes were initially billed or certified at amounts

above the adjusted level are entitled to relief for their overpayment of

taxes during the 2023 and 2024 tax years; and,

WHEREAS, issuing that relief as tax credits applied against future tax

obligations - rather than as direct refunds - is the appropriate mechanism

to make affected taxpayers whole while avoiding the need to recapture

funds already distributed to school districts, municipalities, and other

taxing jurisdictions; and,

WHEREAS, it is the duty of the County Executive to direct the

appropriate departments and officials of Jackson County to carry out

these assessment adjustments and the resulting tax credit program in an

orderly, accurate, and timely manner;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. Assessment Adjustments. The Jackson County Assessment

Department is hereby directed to identify all Subclass 1 residential

parcels whose 2023 and/or 2024 assessed values exceeded a 15%

increase over the corresponding 2022 assessed value, excluding

increases attributable to new construction or improvements, and to

calculate the corrected assessed value for each such parcel, consistent

with the Missouri State Tax Commission's order and any applicable

exceptions for atypical residential properties.

2. Tax Credit Calculation. The Assessment Department and the

Collection Department are directed to jointly calculate the tax credit to

which each affected parcel is entitled. The credit shall equal the total

difference between taxes initially billed or certified for the 2023 and 2024

tax years and the adjusted lower tax amount, divided into three equal

installments to be applied against the property owner's tax obligations for

2025, 2026, and 2027, as applicable.

3. Application of Credits. The Collection Department is directed to apply

the calculated credits to the tax accounts of all eligible parcels in

accordance with the schedule established in Section 2, and to ensure

that such credits are clearly reflected on tax statements issued to

property owners for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 tax years.

4. Taxpayer Notification. The Assessment Department, in coordination

with the Office of the County Executive, shall prepare and distribute

communications to affected property owners explaining the nature and

basis of the credit, the amount applied to their account, and the

three-year schedule of application.

5. Interdepartmental Coordination. All relevant County departments,

including but not limited to the Assessment Department, Collection

Department, County Counselor's Office, and Information Technology, are

directed to cooperate fully and prioritize the timely and accurate

implementation of this Order.

6. Reporting. The Assessment Director and Collection Director shall

submit a joint status report to the Office of the County Executive within

ninety (90) days of the effective date of this Order, detailing the number

of parcels identified, the total credit amounts calculated, and the

implementation timeline.

7. Effective Date. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon

execution and shall remain in effect until all assessment adjustments and

associated tax credits have been fully calculated, applied, and

administered.

26-28

I hereby make the following appointments and reappointments to the

Housing Resources Commission:

Janet Miles-Bartee is hereby appointed to a new term set to expire

6/30/2029. Ms. Miles--Bartee’s resume is attached.

Patricia Turner is hereby reappointed to a successive term set to expire

6/30/2029. Ms. Turner’s resume is attached.

Wakisha Briggs is hereby reappointed to a successive term set to expire

6/30/2029. Ms. Brigg’s resume is attached.

Rhonda Holman is hereby reappointed to a successive term set to expire

6/30/2029. Ms. Holman’s resume is attached.

26-29

I hereby make the following appointments to the Jackson County Senior

Services Board:

Susan Culpepper is hereby appointed to a new term, representing District

5, set to expire 6/30/2030. Ms. Culpepper’s resume is attached.

Jami Henry is hereby appointed to a new term, representing District 6, set

to expire 6/30/2030. Ms. Henry’s resume is attached.

26-30

I hereby make the following reappointment to MCPL’s Board of Trustees:

Marcie Gragg is hereby reappointed to a successive term set to expire

6/30/2030. Ms. Gragg’s resume is attached.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

Chairman Abarca said a closed meeting is scheduled to be held on

Monday, July 13, 2026 so there will be a Resolution on the agenda next

week.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Venessa Huskey, seconded by Jeanie Lauer, to

adjourn the meeting. The motion passed by a voice vote.

Meeting adjourned until Monday, July 13, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at the

Eastern Jackson County Courthouse, 308 W. Kansas, Independence,

Missouri, Ground Floor, Legislative Chambers.