Officials cut the ribbon March 19, 2026, at the new $320 million Jackson County Detention Center. (Peggy Lowe/KCUR 89.3)
Officials cut the ribbon March 19, 2026, at the new $320 million Jackson County Detention Center. (Peggy Lowe/KCUR 89.3)

Jackson County: Legislature (Oct. 5, 2026)

By Sydney Ruffin, Kansas City Documenter

Date: Oct. 5, 2026

See more about this meeting at Documenters.org

Summary

  • The Legislature approved a six-month extension for a contractor to provide healthcare in the Jackson County Detention Center. The county will issue a request for other proposals because of cost increases from the contractor.
  • Legislators held off on a plan to sell two parcels near Children’s Mercy Hospital as surplus property. Legislators on Oct. 12 killed the idea.
  • Vice Chairman Sean Smith introduced Ordinance 6142 to establish campaign contribution limits for all elected Jackson County officials. The Legislature passed the measure at its Oct. 26 meeting.
  • The agenda also included measures related to a data center moratorium and modifications to the county’s program for contracting with minority- and women-owned businesses. Those issues remain pending before the Legislature.

Notes

Perfection of Proposed Ordinances and Reports of Committee

  • 6129: Approved spending $969,078 from the undesignated fund balance of the 2026 Health Fund and awarding a month-to-month contract extension for the furnishing of temporary mental health, medical and dental services to inmates of the Department of Corrections to Advanced Correctional Healthcare of Peoria, Illinois.
    • A clause in the ordinance said the company has increased monthly fees by 22% and a six-month extension is necessary until an RFP is complete and contract awarded.
    • A May 4 quote from the company showed the monthly cost increasing from $718,792 to $880,305.
  • 6077: Affirming that every person in custody in the Jackson County Detention Center retains fundamental human rights and shall be treated with dignity, fairness and respect. These rights exist alongside the county’s responsibility to maintain a safe, secure and orderly environment for staff, visitors and detainees. Held. The legislation has since expired from inaction in committee.
  • 6097: Establishing the position of legislative intern within the Jackson County Legislature and setting forth provisions governing the appointment, supervision and employment of legislative interns. Held and remains pending.
  • 6123:  Enacting a moratorium on enforcement of Chapter 6 of the Jackson County Code, 1984, relating to the minority- and women-owned business enterprise program and other contracting procedures. The moratorium would ensure compliance with federal regulations and guidelines while allowing the county time to review and amend the chapter pertaining to the minority- and women-owned business enterprise program and other contracting procedures. Held and remains pending.

Resolutions in committee

  • 22323: Directing the county executive, the Department of Public Works, and all appropriate county departments and agencies to develop and implement a comprehensive framework governing the siting, construction, expansion and operation of artificial intelligence and high-capacity data center facilities within Jackson County and establishing conditions necessary to protect public infrastructure, utility systems, environmental resources, public safety and neighboring communities.
    • The moratorium established herein shall automatically expire 180 days after its effective date unless extended by subsequent action of the Legislature. Prior to expiration, the county executive shall provide a comprehensive report and recommendations to the Legislature regarding proposed policies, standards and regulations governing future data center development.
    • [Editor’s note: Smith introduced a substitute at the Nov. 9 meeting after the Legislature withdrew Resolution 22323.]
  • 2204: Declaring property at 1305 Locust St. and 1315 Locust St. as surplus. Committee. Held. Approved at the Oct. 12 meeting. The county announced the sale on Oct. 26. The property includes the former Jackson County Detention Center and several surrounding county-owned buildings.
  • 22405: Declaring 500 and 502 E. 26th St. as surplus property. Held. Defeated at Oct. 12 meeting.

Consent Agenda

Introduction of proposed ordinances and assignment to committee

  • Among the numerous proposed ordinances was 6142 sponsored by Smith that establishes campaign contribution limits for candidates for elected office in Jackson County. The limits are the same as those for candidates for the Missouri Senate.

Observations & Follow-Up Questions

  • What will the county do when its six-month contract with Advanced Correctional Healthcare expires?
  • Why was the county considering selling the two parcels near Children’s Mercy?
  • What will be the effect of the campaign limits approved by the Legislature?

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Type of Story: News

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