Jackson County Legislature passed Ordinance # 5787, enacting a property tax credit to eligible
taxpayers within Jackson County, MO, in accordance with the Revised Statutes of Missouri 137.1050
(SB190) for tax year 2024 and beyond. SB190 allows for property taxes to be frozen for those eligible
for Social Security retirement benefits. The credit would equal the difference between the amount
of tax owed the current year minus the tax owed the previous year. Each Missouri county must ask voters
to authorize the credit. Jackson County is one of the first to implement the bill for its seniors.
Ordinance #5787 was introduced by County Legislators DaRon McGee, Megan L. Marshall,
Manuel Abarca IV, Donna Peyton and Venessa Huskey.
A different Ordinance #5774, introduced by County Legislator Sean Smith, was written to take effect
immediately. It did not pass. The current ordinance, #5787, allows details to be addressed
in the coming months–such as setting income limits to $550,000– to ensure a full and comprehensive execution plan.
“SB190 is flawed legislation passed with no regard for how counties would implement it. However,
I am proud this Legislature was able to craft Ordinance #5787, although imperfect, to ensure
property tax relief for our county’s most vulnerable homeowners,” said Vice Chair Megan Marshall.
Senate Bill190 was signed into state law on August 28th, 2023, allowing any county authorized to impose
a property tax to grant a property tax credit to eligible taxpayers.
The passage of the Ordinance was determined by an 8-1 vote, with the majority of the Legislature voting
in favor. “I am proud to be the lead sponsor of this legislation that will protect seniors in Jackson County.
The passage of this ordinance reflects the commitment we have for our constituents throughout the
county and our dedication to support and push forward legislation that protects and positively
impacts the livelihoods and the day to day life of those in Jackson County,” said Chairman DaRon McGee.
“I promised fair and predictable taxation and through this process, I have fought for just that. Today,
we have provided relief to seniors who need it most and I will continue to advocate for greater
localized control of taxation by the legislature to provide faster solutions when the administration is
unwilling to help,” said Budget Chair Manny Abarca.