Jackson County Exec Frank White Declares Budget Deal

After more than a year of back & forth and tougher feelings that we've seen from the courthouse in years. 

Here's the agreement that concluded the work week . . . And an important statement from the Exec:

Jackson County Executive announces budget compromise delivering unprecedented community investments

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. announced today that a major budget compromise has been reached with members of the Jackson County Legislature, including legislative leadership, paving the way for historic investments in public safety, affordable housing, health equity and critical county services.

“This agreement is the result of difficult conversations and months of hard work,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “It represents real progress for Jackson County and it’s just as important that we learn from this experience, so we never face these kinds of delays again.”

The amended budget was introduced and unanimously advanced by the Legislature today on an 8-0 vote and is scheduled for final consideration on June 9.

“We are grateful to the legislators for their unanimous support of the amendment today, but we know the budget has not yet been adopted,” White said. “I look forward to working with all of my colleagues to ensure the full agreement is completed and finalized without further delay.”

Key provisions of the compromise budget amendment include:

Restoring millions of dollars in critical funding that were previously slated for cuts under the vetoed January budget, protecting essential county services and avoiding layoffs in key departments like the Sheriff’s Office and County Counselor’s Office.

$3 million in additional funding for Jackson County’s nonprofit community partners, doubling outside agency funding from $3 million to $6 million. The unprecedented level of support overseen by the County Legislature will help to fill gaps created by the devastating and inexcusable cuts from the federal government.

Allocating more than $10 million in marijuana sales tax revenue, following voter approval, to fund key initiatives including affordable housing, broadband access, health equity programs and the expanded nonprofit support referenced above.

“We’re proud of this compromise, but we know there’s still more work to do,” White said. Together, we can finish this process and deliver a budget that truly serves the residents of Jackson County.”
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Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Fox4: Jackson County says budget compromise finally reached nearly 5 months later

Developing . . .