04.18.25 Executive signs Sr. Property Tax Credit ext., vetoes rollback
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 18, 2025
Jackson County Executive signs Senior Property Tax Credit extension, vetoes costly rollback ordinance
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. today signed Ordinance 5968, extending the application deadline for the County’s Senior Property Tax Credit Program to June 30, providing the longest enrollment window in Missouri. More than 40,000 senior homeowners in Jackson County have already been accepted into the program, which “freezes” future property tax bills for eligible seniors.
“This extension ensures our senior homeowners, who have built and sustained our communities, have the time they need to receive meaningful relief,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr.
White also vetoed Ordinance 5958, which sought to enforce a disputed order from the Missouri State Tax Commission (STC) regarding the County’s 2023 reassessment. Calling the ordinance “irresponsible, unlawful and harmful,” White said it would compel the County Assessor to reduce property values far beyond the scope of the original STC order, impacting tens of thousands of parcels not covered by the ruling.
County officials estimate the rollback would result in deep, immediate and permanent cuts exceeding $200 million across local taxing jurisdictions, including nearly $40 million for Kansas City Public Schools. Essential services such as the Missouri Blind Pension Fund, the Historic Northeast Community Improvement District and the Kansas City Streetcar would also be severely impacted.
“This ordinance misstates the facts, violates our Charter, and jeopardizes funding for schools, public safety and vital services,” White said.
White emphasized the need for collaboration and long-term solutions. Jackson County has already announced it will limit residential assessment increases to no more than 15% in 2025 and continues to work with state and local partners on needed reforms.
“We need real structural change, not short-sighted policies that create chaos and uncertainty,” White said.
A copy of the County Executive’s veto message on Ordinance 5958 and signing statement of Ordinance 5968 are attached.