07.10.25 Jackson County Executive Vetoes Ordinance 5992

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2025

 

Jackson County Executive Vetoes Ordinance 5992

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. announced his veto of Ordinance 5992, a legislative measure that would have quietly changed the filing deadline for the County’s senior property tax credit program, removing thousands of residents from the program despite their prior approval. 

County Executive White’s veto restores the language enacted under Ordinance 5968, which clearly allows eligible seniors until June 30 of the year following their initial credit year to submit their applications. Ordinance 5992 sought to move that deadline to August 30 of the prior year, effectively disqualifying countless seniors without notice or justification. 

“This is not how responsible government works,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “We told seniors they qualified. They followed the rules. And now, with the stroke of a pen, this ordinance would pull the rug out from under them. I won’t let that happen.”

The Harm of Ordinance 5992 

  • Retroactive Disqualification: The change in deadline would remove residents already approved for the program, many of whom are on fixed incomes and have budgeted accordingly. 
  • Lack of Transparency: The ordinance eliminated a single phrase – “of the year following their initial credit year” – that is essential to the program’s intent and design. 
  • No Clear Justification: The change was not accompanied by any public explanation or debate about its consequences. 

“Whether it was intentional or not, the result is the same: thousands of seniors would be kicked off this program,” White said. “That is unacceptable.” 

County Executive White is calling on the Jackson County Legislature to meet immediately and fix what he calls a devastating error. 

“There is still time to do the right thing,” White said. “This is not a partisan issue. It’s about keeping our word, protecting our most vulnerable residents and ensuring county government works for everyone. I urge the Legislature to act immediately to correct this mistake.” 

The County Executive’s veto message, attached, has been delivered to the Legislature and his administration is prepared to assist in drafting a new ordinance that preserves eligibility and avoids unnecessary harm to residents. 

Background: 

  • Ordinance 5968 (current law): Allows applications through June 30 of the year following initial credit year. Attached
  • Ordinance 5992 (vetoed): Would impose an earlier deadline, August 30 of the prior year, removing eligibility for many approved seniors. Attached

 

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