Jackson County executive Frank White vetoes ordinance related to federal ARPA dollars
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. has vetoed another ordinance from the Jackson County Legislature.
A day after vetoing an ordinance from legislators targeting firearm regulations for youth in the county, White cited legal and fiscal concerns as his reasoning for vetoing Ordinances 5895 and 5896, which would have appropriated money from the undesignated fund balances of the General Fund and the American Rescue Plan Fund.
In late October, White called it “disheartening” that the legislature ignored what he called “clear warnings of their own legal counsel.”
On Friday, White said both ordinances were deemed legally unsound by the County Counselor’s Office, claiming they’d both violate state, local and federal statutes that govern county budget and appropriations.
“These federal funds are a one-time opportunity to invest in our community’s future and we must manage them carefully,” White said Friday in a release. “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.”
In 2021, legislators said nearly $150 million was directed to Jackson County as part of the American Rescue Plan. But in Jackson County, leaders said nearly half of the allocated funds never made their way into the community. In 2022, legislators said a balance of nearly $90 million was still in the treasury with no clear vision of how to use it.
White said a lack of collaboration, need for transparency and ability, financial risk, and expansion of legislative budget control were among his key concerns and reasons for vetoing.
READ MORE: Jackson County executive calls recent legislative proposals for ARPA funding ‘disheartening’
At a Jackson County Legislature meeting on Oct. 30, legislators Manny Abarca and Sean Smith both were outspoken in their opposition to White’s stance on the ordinances.
“It is clear and evident the istration does not want to allocate this money unless we are extorted to give $21 million to 1300 Washington Street,” Abarca said during the meeting. “That reality I don’t think is going to happen. So here we are in these efforts.”
On Oct. 21, White Jr. issued a letter to Budget Committee Chair Jalen Anderson with a proposal for a $32.4 million allocation for the ARPA funds. That proposal included items sponsored by several legislators. They included for senior home repairs, utility assistance, food insecurity, non-profit facility improvements and county infrastructure improvements.
Friday, White said he believed the remaining ARPA funds in the county should be used to address urgent infrastructure needs, reduce long-term taxpayer costs and strengthen the county’s 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 ability.
“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.”
ALSO READ: Frank White vetoes youth gun restriction ordinance
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