Phil LeVota Sworn In As Interim Jackson County Executive, Vows Major Reforms

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Phil LeVota was sworn in as interim Jackson County Executive at the Historic Truman Courthouse in the Independence square, stepping into leadership after the county’s first-ever recall of a county executive.

He enters the role with a full agenda: property tax reforms, a new jail facility, budget challenges, and ongoing stadium / sports franchise negotiations. He also pledged to restore confidence, transparency, and integrity to county government.

Key Facts & Background

The Selection & Swearing-In

• On Monday, October 13, 2025, the Jackson County Legislature interviewed nine applicants and voted (5–4) to choose Phil LeVota over Dan Tarwater.
• Before that, after the recall election on September 30, former Mayor Kay Barnes briefly served as temporary county executive until the formal appointment.
• LeVota was then formally sworn in Thursday at the courthouse.
• In his remarks, he emphasized that this is a moment to “restore confidence back to the Jackson County executive position.”

LeVota’s Priorities & Promises

1. Fixing the Property Tax Assessment System

• LeVota described the property tax assessment debacle as his top priority.
• He pledged:
    - Fair, transparent, and accurate assessments.
    - The county assessor works for the executive, eliminating buck-passing.
    - He will “review, reform and rebuild trust.”
• Many residents saw dramatic assessment increases in 2023 and 2025 that triggered public outcry.
• He intends to comply with State Tax Commission orders, such as capping 2023 assessment increases at 15%, and also limit commercial property assessment hikes (below $5M value) to no more than 15%.
• Rather than refunds (impractical, because tax revenues are spent), he expects to issue tax credits applied against future bills.

2. Addressing the Budget & Fiscal Stability

• LeVota enters amid pressure: Kansas City is grappling with a $100 million budget shortfall and has already initiated hiring restrictions.
• He aims to work with the legislature to pass a responsible county budget, aligning resources with priorities.
• His approach promises transparency, accountability, open communication.

3. Jail Project Oversight & Opening

• A new county jail is nearing completion and will be opened in the coming months.
• LeVota says he will ensure the facility is prudent, just, and aligned with community safety needs.

4. Sports Franchises, Stadium Talks & County Identity

• Jackson County has long been invested in the futures of the Chiefs and Royals.
• LeVota immediately began conversations with both teams and with Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe.
• He affirmed a strong desire to keep both teams in Jackson County, but also insisted that any stadium deals require community buy-in, public benefit, and no blank-check giveaways.
• Last year’s sales tax proposals to fund stadiums were rejected by voters.
• LeVota, once seen as favorable to stadium subsidies, now positions himself carefully: he won’t prioritize stadiums over tax relief but sees himself as a negotiator for the county’s interest.

Challenges, Constraints & Obstacles

• LeVota’s interim term is less than 15 months—meaning he has limited time to deliver.
• He had to sign an affidavit promising he will not run in 2026, limiting his political incentive.
• School districts and other taxing jurisdictions may lose revenue if tax credits reduce collected revenues, potentially forcing them to raise mill levies or cut services.
• The assessment crisis has roots stretching back years; reversing it fully may squeeze budgets and invite legal fights.
• The 5–4 split in the legislature suggests political fragility; any legislation may face close votes.
• Public trust is low after past controversies, meaning every misstep could be magnified.

Vision, Tone & Leadership Style

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LeVota frames his approach as restorative and collaborative. He acknowledges past administrative failures and speaks of repairing public trust. He highlights:

• Bipartisan support: He has received congratulations from governors, congressional representatives, mayors, and members across party lines.
• Teamwork: In his swearing-in, Judge Kevin Harrell (formerly under LeVota in prosecutor’s office) praised his ability to lead and carry a mission even through disagreement.
• No drama focus: He said, “I’m ready for the county executive’s office to not be in the news.”
• Integrity & transparency: Frequent emphasis that “trust is the foundation,” with a pledge to act with integrity and openness.

Future Outlook & Stakes

• The tenure lasts until January 2027, giving LeVota just over a year to produce meaningful progress.
• He must channel momentum from the recall to stabilize county governance and deliver on urgent issues.
• Since he won’t run in 2026, his legacy will rest entirely on execution, not campaigning.
• His handling of property tax fixes, stadium negotiations, and budget discipline may define Jackson County’s trust in future executives.

Attorney Phil LeVota enters the historic interim role at a critical turning point for Jackson County. With the people having just recalled an executive, expectations are high. His agenda — property tax reform, budget balance, new jail oversight, and stadium negotiations — is ambitious for such a short term.

But his explicit pledge to restore integrity, transparency, and public confidence, along with his approach to bridge politics and governance, may make this moment more than a caretaker assignment.

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The next 15 months will reveal whether he can translate promises into progress and leave behind a renewed foundation for county leadership.