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

January 4, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. is proud to announce that Sylvya J. Stevenson will serve as the next Chief Administrative Officer for Jackson County. In this leadership role, Stevenson will be responsible for ensuring multiple County activities, programs and policies related to the Executive’s Office are implemented, in addition to providing supervisory support to various county departments.

“Sylvya is a woman of immense integrity with effective communication, project management, problem solving and relationship-building skills,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Her determination, enthusiasm and new ideas will be a great addition to our team of forward-thinkers who are committed to improving how our government works. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m excited to welcome Sylvya to Jackson County and look forward to her playing a key role in helping us achieve success.”

Stevenson brings her extensive experience, training and knowledge in local and federal government operations to Jackson County. For the past three years, she has managed multi-million dollar budgets while overseeing the day-to-day budget, finance and accounting activities as a master budget analyst for Criterion Systems/USDA. Stevenson has had proven success supervising multiple teams and implementing projects from planning to operation that improved transparency, enhanced performance and eliminated inefficiencies. 

Prior roles and responsibilities include multiple years of service with the City of Kansas City, Missouri in the Office of Management and Budget and with the City of Mission Hills, Kansas coordinating with special projects as the assistant to the city administrator.

“I am humbled and honored to have been selected for the Chief Administrative Officer appointment with Jackson County,” said Sylvya Stevenson. “While filled with excitement about the new opportunity, I look forward to working collectively with staff to responsibly and effectively serve the residents of Jackson County.”

Stevenson’s devotion to her professional career is matched by her passion for philanthropy. She is the founder and president of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. – Kansas City, in addition to being a member of many other notable professional organizations including the American Society for Public Administration, Centurions Leadership Program, Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Blacks in Government and the International City/County Management Association.

Upon completion of her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, Stevenson matriculated to the University of Oklahoma where she earned a master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in city management and public policy. 

Since being appointed County Executive, Executive White has worked to increase the diversity in senior leadership throughout the County. Stevenson is the ninth woman appointed to an executive leadership position during Executive White's tenure. She is assuming the role as Chief Administrative Officer after the retirement of Ed Stoll in September 2020. A picture and copy of her resume are attached.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2024

Jackson County Executive Statement

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement regarding the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals:

“As Jackson County Executive, I want to make sure the community knows where I stand on the current status of our discussions with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals. It is important for the community to understand that while discussions are ongoing, no agreement has been finalized with either team.

“As we navigate these crucial negotiations involving potential commitments of billions of taxpayer dollars, I want to make it abundantly clear: I have not, and will not, rush into any agreement. The well-being of Jackson County and its residents is my foremost priority. We are mindful that we have weeks until the April ballot deadline. But we also have seven years remaining on our current leases with both teams, providing us a valuable window to thoroughly evaluate all proposals.

“My commitment is to transparency, diligence and fairness throughout this process. Every step taken will be in pursuit of a fair and equitable agreement that upholds the financial stability and future prosperity of our county. I will not support any ballot issue until we have reached an agreement that aligns with the best interests of Jackson County and our residents.

“It is crucial that any agreement includes equitable terms, a robust community benefits agreement and the collective voice of our community. As your County Executive, I assure you that I will continue to work diligently toward an agreement that honors our county's legacy with the Chiefs and Royals while securing a future that is beneficial and equitable for all.

“Our commitment today to careful, thoughtful decision-making will ensure a legacy of prosperity and well-being for generations to come in Jackson County. Let's continue to work together, with patience and foresight, toward a future we can all be proud of.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2025

Jackson County confirms loss of Public Works team member

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County is deeply saddened to confirm the tragic loss of Everett Carter, a dedicated member of our Public Works team. Mr. Carter, 61, had been a valued associate of Jackson County for 40 years, with the last eight spent serving in Public Works. He was fatally injured yesterday while performing snow removal operations in the unincorporated area of Blue Summit.

“This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire Jackson County family,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. “Everett Carter dedicated four decades of his life to serving our community with pride and professionalism. We will forever be grateful for his service and deeply miss his presence. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.”

Following the accident, all county snow removal crews were pulled from operations to allow time for staff to process this tragedy and ensure their well-being. Snow plowing operations resumed today at 7 a.m., and we appreciate the continued patience of residents in unincorporated areas as we navigate this challenging time.

Jackson County is fully cooperating with the Missouri State Highway Patrol as they conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Carter’s loved ones and respectfully request that the media and public honor the family’s privacy as they grieve.

This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the dedication and risks faced by public servants like Mr. Carter, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. We ask that you keep his family and all our public workers in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to serve with unwavering commitment.

For further information regarding the accident, please direct media inquiries to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2024

Jackson County Executive statement on today’s legislature meeting

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement regarding today’s County Legislature meeting:

“As our county legislature prepares to vote on the proposal to place the ballpark project on the April ballot, I want to express my respect and understanding for the roles and responsibilities of our esteemed legislators. The decision before them is not an easy one, and I am very aware of the immense political pressures involved in such significant civic decisions

"I understand the complexities and challenges of these discussions and want to reassure everyone that my commitment to collaboration remains strong. Regardless of the vote's outcome, I am dedicated to working closely with legislators, our sports teams and all stakeholders. This commitment holds true whether the issue reaches the ballot or not. My office is ready to continue constructive engagement in every step of this process, ensuring the best outcomes for all involved.

”Over the past months, my administration has worked diligently to improve this deal for the taxpayers of Jackson County. We have successfully negotiated several concessions from the teams, which I believe are steps in the right direction. However, I firmly believe that our county deserves and can achieve more before we commit to placing this on the ballot.

“A key component that must be addressed is the establishment of a strong and enforceable Community Benefits Agreement. This agreement is vital to ensure that the project delivers tangible and lasting benefits to our community. Additionally, we need a solid and enforceable agreement that includes the costs associated with the demolition of Kauffman Stadium. It is essential that we fully understand and prepare for these financial implications.

“Furthermore, it is crucial to secure a commitment that both teams maintain their front offices and training facilities in Jackson County for the duration of the lease. This commitment is not just a matter of local pride; it is also about economic stability and the sustained growth of our county.

“In closing, I want to reiterate my respect for the legislative process and the difficult decisions our legislators are facing. My office remains ready and willing to continue our efforts to ensure the best possible outcome for Jackson County and its residents.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 9, 2025

Jackson County announces second independent investigation following tragic incident

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The tragic loss of Everett Carter, a long-serving member of Jackson County’s Public Works team, has deeply impacted our community. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues as we navigate this difficult time together.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has completed its investigation and determined that the incident was a tragic accident. While we accept their findings, Jackson County has requested an independent investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor to further examine all aspects of the incident. This step reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and the safety of every county associate.

“Everett Carter was more than an employee—he was part of the Jackson County family,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “For 40 years, Everett dedicated himself to serving this community with quiet strength and steadfast commitment. We owe it to him, his family and all of our associates to learn from this tragedy and ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our team safe.”

Anytime an accident occurs—especially one as devastating as this—it is essential to take a comprehensive look at every aspect of our operations. We owe it to our team and community to ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Unfortunately, there have been some misstatements and misunderstandings surrounding this tragedy in recent days. While it’s natural for such an event to prompt questions and reflection, Jackson County remains focused on supporting Mr. Carter’s family, friends and colleagues in Public Works. Our priority is honoring his memory and ensuring a thoughtful and thorough review of our operations to prevent future tragedies.

“Everett was an extraordinary part of our Public Works team,” said Public Works Director Brian Gaddie. “His decades of experience and dedication were invaluable to our operations and his loss leaves a void that cannot be filled. As we grieve, we remain committed to doing everything we can to honor Everett and protect our team moving forward.”

Jackson County encourages anyone with information that may assist in this review to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Department of Labor or Jackson County directly. Your input is invaluable in ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.

The County would also like to share details regarding the services planned to honor Mr. Carter. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel located at 509 S. Noland Road in Independence, MO. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a committal service immediately after at Appleton City Cemetery, 13500 NW 1000 Road in Appleton City, MO. We invite his colleagues and the community to join in honoring his legacy and dedication to public service.

The results of the Department of Labor’s independent investigation will be shared publicly and any recommendations for improvements will be implemented promptly.

To his family, friends, and colleagues, we extend our deepest condolences. His decades of service to Jackson County and his unwavering dedication to public safety will never be forgotten. Jackson County remains steadfast in our commitment to transparency, learning from this tragedy and ensuring a safe and supportive work environment for all.

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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 11, 2022

Jackson County Executive congratulates KCPS on receiving full accreditation status

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) has received full accreditation:

“Today, I am thrilled to congratulate Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell, School Board members and the entire KCPS community on this well-deserved achievement. Over the past several years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Dr. Bedell as he endeavored to break down barriers and systems that hindered a high-quality education for our inner city kids. Under his leadership, with the support of the School Board, teachers, staff, parents and the community, significant progress has been made to increase student achievement, evidenced by today’s announcement of the district receiving full accreditation. As a proud graduate of KCPS, I am excited for the new opportunities this status will ignite as we work to build a better, more equitable Jackson County. Go Tigers!”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13, 2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. – in consultation with Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer, MPH and Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Schulte – has issued a new health order today that amends dining restrictions for bars and restaurants.

Under the new health order, Jackson County bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve food and alcohol until midnight with a hard exit for all patrons at 12:30 a.m. All other provisions related to indoor dining remain in effect.  The new order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 and does not apply to businesses in the cities of Kansas City, Missouri or Independence. 

The new health order relaxes guidance from a previous order issued in November 2020 that required bars and restaurants to close at 10:00 p.m. due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Jackson County.

“Let me be clear – our situation has not improved over the past two months. COVID-19 cases are up, our 14-day percent positive remains high as well as hospital capacity,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “However, to remain consistent with neighboring jurisdictions, lessen confusion among residents and create fairness for Eastern Jackson County businesses, we have decided to move forward in this manner. It is still dangerous to gather in large groups, so I urge residents to remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.”

“With cases of COVID-19 on the rise, we need community members to practice personal responsibility,” said Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer. “Due to the risks of dining in, please consider other options such as curbside pickup or delivery. Avoid situations where it may be challenging to maintain prevention measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing.”

Residents and businesses with questions about the new health order should contact the Jackson County Health Department by phone at (816) 404-9883 or via email at  COVID19@tmcmed.org. Additional resources can be found on the health department’s website at www.jacohd.org/coronavirus.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13, 2022

Jackson County Executive recommends public health order requiring universal masking for K-12 schools

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. – in consultation with Jackson County Health Department Acting Director Ray Dlugolecki, MPH and Emergency Management Coordinator Troy Schulte – is recommending a public health order requiring universal mask-wearing at K-12 Jackson County public schools. A majority support of the Jackson County Legislature will be required to enact the order, which would take effect on Tuesday, January 18 at the earliest, or upon adoption by the Legislature and signature of the County Executive.

The proposed public health order aligns with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Jackson County Health Department. County Executive White is making the recommendation in response to the significant surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations due, in part, to the highly-contagious Omicron and Delta variants and stagnant vaccination rates in Eastern Jackson County.

“We know how valuable in-person learning is for students, but maintaining that practice is becoming increasingly difficult as schools struggle to have enough teachers in the classroom and more children are getting sick at an alarming rate,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “Masking wearing has proven to be an effective way to mitigate the spread of the virus and will help keep students, teachers, staff and visitors safe in school buildings. Our vigilant masking efforts, combined with vaccinations for everyone ages 5 and older, will be key to reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread in schools.”

County officials continue to meet regularly with Jackson County school district superintendents to discuss the status of COVID-19 and a collective response and provided their input leading up to the County Executive’s recommendation for K-12 universal masking. High levels of COVID-related hospital admissions and associated staffing shortages are putting a significant strain on hospitals, limiting the number of available ICU and non-ICU beds that are forcing facilities to enter periods of diversion. At a briefing this week, Children’s Mercy reported a record number 34 kids hospitalized with COVID infections since the pandemic began and stressed the importance of wearing a mask.

“I think it does certainly help,” said Children’s Mercy Chief Emergency Management Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Watts. “We know as pediatricians that a vital piece to pediatric well-being is for the kids to stay in school.”

The latest data from the Jackson County Health Department shows:

• The 7-day case rate per 100,000 has reached an all-time pandemic high. The week of January 2, there were 1,101 total new cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days. This case rate is more than 10 times higher than the CDC’s classification of high transmission.

• The percent positive for school-aged children remains extremely high. While the overall percent positivity is 35.5% for the week of January 2, the percent positivity for ages 10-19 are above 40%.
• The 7-day average of daily new cases increased nearly 450% in the Kansas City region from 898 new cases per day on December 6, 2021, to 4,885 new cases per day on January 4, 2022.

• Vaccination coverage remains low in younger populations. With the exception of the newly authorized 5-11 age group, 25-34 year old’s have the lowest vaccination completion percentage at approximately 49%. This age group continuously has among the highest case rates as well, currently holding the highest COVID-19 case rate for December 2021.

If approved by a majority of the Legislature, the public health order would remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. on February 3, 2022.