11.15.24 County Executive vetoes ordinances allocating ARPA funds

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 15, 2024

 

Jackson County Executive vetoes ordinances related to allocation of federal ARPA dollars

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued a veto of Ordinances 5895 and 5896, citing legal and fiscal concerns that, if enacted, would jeopardize the County's financial stability and undermine the collaborative budget process essential to effective governance.

In his veto message, County Executive White highlighted that both ordinances were deemed legally unsound by the County Counselor’s Office, as they would violate state, local, and federal statutes that govern county budget and appropriations. The ordinances propose significant changes to how remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and other financial resources are allocated, concentrating too much control in the Legislature’s hands while bypassing the established, collaborative process between the Executive and Legislative branches.

“These federal funds are a one-time opportunity to invest in our community’s future and we must manage them carefully,” said White. “We were elected to work together, not unilaterally, to allocate these resources responsibly and transparently for the good of all Jackson County residents. Our non-profits and community partners are vital to our region, but we must also prioritize the core needs of the County, protect our financial stability and safeguard our reserves. Failing to do so would ultimately be a disservice to the people of Jackson County and would cost taxpayers more in the long run.”

Key Concerns in Veto Message

  1. Lack of Collaboration: The ordinances propose unilateral action by the Legislature without mutual agreement with the Executive, undermining the collaborative framework that has guided the successful distribution of over $230 million in federal funds to support critical programs and services.

  2. Transparency and Accountability: The ordinances have created confusion and set unrealistic expectations, particularly for non-profit organizations, by announcing funds prematurely and making promises beyond the Legislature’s authority.

  3. Financial Risk: The ordinances would deplete the County's rainy day fund, essential for managing unforeseen fiscal challenges, and place more than $15 million of this fund under Legislative control without clear explanations or a well-defined plan.

  4. Expansion of Legislative Budget Control: Ordinance 5895, in particular, would transfer over 90% of the remaining ARPA funds to the Legislature, creating the largest expansion of budget control in Jackson County’s history and diminishing fiscal oversight.

County Executive White called for a reconsideration of these ordinances and reiterated his commitment to finding a responsible, transparent and thoughtful path forward. He emphasized that the remaining ARPA funds should be used to address urgent infrastructure needs, reduce long-term taxpayer costs and strengthen Jackson County’s resilience for the future.

“We’ve made progress in recent discussions and I remain committed to working with the Legislature to find solutions that serve our entire community,” White said. “There’s broad agreement on how these federal dollars can strengthen our community. However, we must handle this process with integrity and accountability. No one wants to see this money returned to the federal government, and I am confident that through cooperation, we can honor our commitment to the people of Jackson County and build a stronger, more resilient future together.”

A copy of County Executive White’s veto message(PDF, 514KB) and the County Counselor’s opinion(PDF, 613KB) on this matter are attached.

 

 

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