For Immediate Release Friday, January 2, 2026

County Executive LeVota Extends 2025 Property Tax Payment Deadline

Jackson County, Missouri — Today, Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota announced an extension of the payment deadline for 2025 Jackson County property taxes following delays in the mailing of tax bills.

In a typical year, property tax bills are mailed in mid-November. In 2025, the mailing process was not completed until December 15. Because official mailings often require several weeks for delivery, some taxpayers may not have received their bill until late December, and some may not have received it before December 31.

Several factors contributed to this delay. Jackson County did not have an approved 2025 operating budget until May. The contract for the vendor that does the printing and mailing tax bills expired before the budget was adopted, so in September the collections department didn’t even have a vendor to do the mailing.

In September of 2025, the Collection Department asked for an emergency approval of the tax bill printing contract. The request was denied by the former County Executive. As a result, the Collection Department had to try to secure a new vendor by joining another Missouri county’s existing contract.

With nearly 480,000 individual tax bills, Jackson County is a very large and complex customer for a new vendor. This transition required a new bill format, new software, and waiting behind counties with established relationships, all of which added time to the process.

Then the former County Executive was recalled and LeVota took office with this issue pending. Typically, the Jackson County property tax bills are mailed out in mid-November each year but that didn’t happen this year.

“I knew going into this position there were going to be problems to fix and here was yet another. But here we are. The buck stops with me. Even though this problem was created before my arrival, Jackson County government created the circumstances that led to these delays, not our taxpayers,” said County Executive Phil LeVota. “People should not be penalized for something that was beyond their control. This extension is about fairness, accountability, and making sure residents have a reasonable opportunity to pay their taxes without added burden. That is why, under my authority as County Executive, I am extending the deadline to pay 2025 Jackson County property taxes without facing penalties and interest.”

Under the extension:

• If a Jackson County taxpayer was not able to make a payment by December 31, 2025, they now have the ability to make that payment either in person or postmarked by January 31.
• In‑person payments for 2025 property tax bills will be accepted through Friday, January 30, 2026.
• Mailed payments will be accepted if postmarked by Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Online payments cannot be accepted after December 31, 2025 due to system limitations that prevent reopening the payment portal after the calendar year has closed.

The deadline extension applies only to 2025 property tax bills. Unpaid property taxes from prior years, including 2024 and earlier, remain past due and are not affected by this action.

Jackson County encourages residents with questions about their tax bill or payment options to contact the Collection Department or visit the County’s official website.

Media Availability: County Executive Phil LeVota will be available for interviews today at 2:00 p.m. at the Truman Courthouse in Independence to discuss the extended deadline and answer questions from the press.

For Immediate Release

Friday, January 9, 2026 

Contact: Angie Jeffries
ajeffries@jacksongov.org
816-881-3085

Jackson County Allows Online Payments; 2025 Property Tax Deadline Extended to January 31

Jackson County, MO, - Jackson County residents can once again make property tax payments online through the myJacksonCounty portal. The County previously announced an extension of the 2025 property tax deadline, and taxpayers now have until January 31, 2026, to make penalty-free payments for the 2025 tax year.

County Executive Phil LeVota emphasized that restoring online access was a top priority. “Once again, I want to make sure we are providing clear information and easy access for our taxpayers,” said County Executive Phil LeVota. “I’ve worked closely with our Collection Department to make this process even easier, and after working with them and our vendor, I’m happy to announce that residents can now pay their 2025 property taxes online through the extended January 31 deadline.”

With the online payment system fully active, taxpayers can now:

• Pay securely online through myJacksonCounty

• Avoid long in-person lines

• Access and print official payment receipts through the Jackson County Public Access website

This extension applies only to 2025 property tax balances. Outstanding prior-year balances may still be paid online, but applicable late penalties will continue to apply. Payments can be made online, by phone, in person at County offices, or by mail (postmarked by January 31).

For more information, visit jacksongov.org or myJacksonCounty

For Immediate Release

January 22, 2026 

Contact: Angie Jeffries
ajeffries@jacksongov.org
816-881-3085

Jackson County Recognizes Nonprofit Partners Selected for Partnership Grants

Jackson County, MO, -Jackson County will host a nonprofit partnership grant event on Thursday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. in the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Board Room, recognizing nonprofit agencies selected through the County’s process to receive nonprofit partnership grant funding.

County Executive Phil LeVota has streamlined the traditional contract and funding timeline, reducing a process that typically takes weeks or months down to just days. As a result, some agencies have chosen to attend today’s event to finalize their partnership agreements and receive their funding immediately, eliminating delays in accessing critical resources that benefit the community.

Other agencies have scheduled personal visits to receive their funding, while some will receive their grant checks by mail.

“These organizations play a vital role in meeting the needs of our residents,” said Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota. “This program represents a true partnership between the County and our nonprofit community, and we’re proud to support the important work these agencies do every day.”

The event will include contract signings, funding distribution, and interviews with select nonprofit partners. Several agencies will be highlighted to showcase the wide range of services supported through the nonprofit partnership grant program.

Event Details:

Location: Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Board Room

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Date: Thursday, January 22

For Immediate Release

January 25, 2026 

Contact: Angie Jeffries
ajeffries@jacksongov.org
816-881-3085 

Jackson County, MO, - Due to dangerously cold temperatures in the area and the potential for roads to refreeze overnight, Jackson County government buildings, including the Jackson County courts, will have a delayed start tomorrow Monday, January 26, opening at 10:00 a.m. Essential public safety functions will continue to operate. 

Residents needing to conduct business with Jackson County are encouraged to utilize online services available at www.jacksongov.org

For updates, please visit www.jacksongov.org or follow Jackson County on official social media channels.

For Immediate Release February 4, 2026

Contact: Angie Jeffries 816-881-3085 ajeffries@jacksongov.org

Jackson County Shares First 100 Days Progress and Priorities Ahead

Jackson County, MO, - Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota has shared a letter with county employees reflecting on his administration’s first 100 days and highlighting the progress made to strengthen county government, restore public trust, and improve services for Jackson County residents. The message recognizes the dedication of county employees and outlines key priorities for the months ahead.

“Our first 100 days have been about rebuilding confidence in county government and making sure our systems work for the people we serve,” said County Executive Phil LeVota. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made alongside our employees, and we’re excited to continue this work by improving services, strengthening our tax system, and moving Jackson County forward.”

The attached letter, which was shared with county employees, provides additional detail on accomplishments and next steps.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                         Contact: Angie Jeffries, 816-881-3085
April 20, 2026                                                                                                                                                                                    ajeffries@jacksongov.org

Celebrate Spring with family fun at Missouri Town Living History Museum

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Parks invites the community to step back in time and celebrate spring at the annual Sheep Shindig at Missouri Town Living History Museum on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This family-friendly event offers a full day of hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and old-fashioned fun for all ages. Guests will have the opportunity to experience traditional 19th-century skills, including the annual sheep shearing and the wool-making process—from shearing to carding and beyond.

“Events like Sheep Shindig are what make Jackson County such a special place to live and raise a family,” said Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota. “It’s about getting outside, learning something new, and connecting with our history in a way that’s fun, real, and memorable. I encourage everyone to come out, bring the kids, and make a day of it.”

Event Details: What: Sheep Shindig When: Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Where: Missouri Town Living History Museum Cost:

• Adults: $8
• Children (5–13): $4
• Seniors (62+): $4
• Children 4 and under: Free

In addition to the sheep shearing, visitors can enjoy games, crafts, and interactive experiences that bring history to life in a fun and engaging way.

For more information, MakeYourDayHere.com/MissouriTown.

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For Immediate Release

May 1, 2026 

Contact: Angie Jeffries
ajeffries@jacksongov.org
816-881-3085

Kids Reel in the Fun at Jackson County Parks 43rd Annual Kids' Fishing Derby

Jackson County, MO. - Jackson County Parks invites young anglers to cast their lines and show off their skills at the 43rd Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 2 at Lake Jacomo in Fleming Park.

This free, family-friendly event is open to children ages 15 and under and offers a morning full of outdoor fun, including a fishing contest, casting clinic, and prizes for the biggest catches of the day.

“There’s nothing better than seeing kids out enjoying our parks, learning something new, and just being kids,” said Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota. “Events like this create those simple, lasting memories, early mornings by the water, a little friendly competition, and maybe even that first big catch. That’s what Jackson County is all about.”

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the fishing derby and casting contest running from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Awards will follow for the top three largest fish by weight in each age category.

Participants should bring their own bait, fishing pole, and a bucket for their catch. The first 250 children to register will receive a free fishing pole courtesy of Pure Fishing (assembly required).

Event Details:
What: 43rd Annual Kids’ Fishing Derby
Who: Kids ages 15 and under (must be accompanied by an adult)
When: Saturday, May 2

• Registration: 8:30 a.m.
• Fishing Derby & Casting Contest: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
• Awards to follow
  Where: Lake Jacomo, Fleming Park
  9200 Beach Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 (opposite Jacomo Campground)
  Cost: Free

The Kids’ Fishing Derby is hosted by Jackson County Parks in partnership with Pure Fishing and the Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association.

For more information visit makeyourdayhere.com.