County funding for community agencies finally activated

By Kathy Feist

This week, Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota signed dozens of contracts with community agencies totaling $6 million to support programs serving Jackson County residents. But at least two major agencies from the south Kansas City area were missing from the list. 

The funding, authorized by the Jackson County Legislature in June, will be distributed to local nonprofit and community partners in the coming week. At least $3 million is allocated from the county’s marijuana tax revenue and the other $3 million from its Health Fund. 

Among those agencies in south Kansas City receiving funding are Grandview Assistance Program ($40,000), Jewish Vocational Services ($20,000), Cornerstones of Care ($50,000) and many more. Missing from the list of recipients are two major social service agencies located in the Hickman Mills area: Community Assistance Council and Catholic Charities of Kansas City –  St. Joseph. Both provide food pantries and utility assistance in an area where nearly 40 percent of children live below the poverty line. 

According to County Legislator DaRon McGee, whose district includes Hickman Mills, the two agencies did not apply for assistance. 

The community contracts are one of the first to be signed by newly appointed Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota. LeVota replaced former County Executive Frank White who lost in a recall election held a month ago. 

Budget gridlock, lawsuits, and lack of communication between the county legislature and the former executive branch had delayed funding to government and community agencies. 

“There were dozens of unsigned contracts that the legislature contracted over two months ago,” LeVota told the Telegraph. “I thought it was important to sign and get them out the door.”

“We are doing everything we can to get money out the door,” he emphasized.

The contracts are separate from the County’s ARPA allocations, which are expected to be released later next month.