KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has signed into law Ordinance 5052, the 2018 budget, with limited line-item vetoes.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2017
Contact: Marshanna Hester
(816) 878-1930
mhester@jacksongov.org
Jackson County Executive approves budget and vetoes unlawful ordinance
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has signed into law Ordinance 5052, the 2018 budget, with limited line-item vetoes.
“While there are numerous provisions in the Legislature’s approved budget that I do not agree with, I believe that it is in the best interest of Jackson County that I approve a vast majority of it in order to keep our government running,” White said.
White vetoed the funding for new, highly-paid and redundant positions in the County Auditor’s Office. He, instead, is asking the Legislature to use those funds to ensure current associates and essential positions are not eliminated. Positions in jeopardy include the Director of Collections and staff of the County Counselor.
Secondly, the County Executive vetoed the Legislature’s funding transfer of Emergency Management to the Sheriff’s Office. This transfer of authority is in violation of state law. It was necessary to veto the funding in the Sheriff’s Office so money is available to continue to pay staff and fund emergency management operations.
Also today, White issued a veto of Ordinance 5062, which attempted give the Legislature the unlawful authority to transfer county funds, as well as, allow the Legislature to withhold appropriations. This ordinance includes a similar transfer provision to that of Ordinance 5038, which White vetoed on November 8.
The County Executive’s veto message of Ordinance 5062 and his signing statement of Ordinance 5052 are attached.
Veto Message of Ordinance 5062
Signing Statement of Ordinance 5062
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