Phil LeVota

Jackson County government has developed a reputation for pervasive corruption. The most recent blow was the federal indictment of Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota, who is accused of trying to bribe a rival candidate.

A federal grand jury indictment accuses LeVota of trying to convince a candidate for the Jackson County executive race to withdraw, in exchange for positions in county government. LeVota called a news conference denying the allegations.

After garnering close to 50% of the vote in a crowded primary, attorney Stacy Lake may be the next official to carve out policies and weigh in on the Jackson County budget. Lake will take on the sole Republican candidate, Alan Rohlfing, in the November general election.

The move brings Jackson County in line with other charter counties, and affirms a vote at the county level last year in which voters overwhelmingly supported the county switching the position from appointed to elected.

The Independence School District has agreed to drop a lawsuit against Jackson County over its plan to give homeowners relief after skyrocketing property tax assessments. The school district still anticipates it will take a financial hit.

Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota said the vote to replace Manny Abarca IV as legislative chair was not related to allegations he made about bribery. On KCUR’s Up To Date, LeVota discussed how Jackson County residents will be reimbursed for inflated property tax payments.

The settlement would include more than 200,000 people who paid property taxes in 2023 and 2024, and would return all the money Jackson County charged in assessments that was over the state-mandated 15% cap.

School leaders in the Kansas City area are grappling with how to balance their budgets and continue serving students as they face declining enrollment, state funding shortfalls and property tax caps.

Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss why he changed his mind about filing to run for a full term in office. He also discusses the task force he assembled to assess the future of the Truman Sports Complex site, and his approach to addressing property tax concerns.

When the Jackson County Legislature appointed Phil LeVota as interim county executive, they made him sign a notarized affidavit swearing that he did not intend to run for election in 2026. Fast-forward six months, and LeVota has reneged on that promise and filed paperwork to appear on the ballot.

Diana Knapp, the county’s director of corrections for eight years, is leaving just as the new $317 million county detention center is set to open this spring. Sheriff Darryl Forte said the resignation "may create some uncertainty" and ultimately, a new chief will be hired.

Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota told KCUR's Up To Date that his top priorities have been property taxes and the battle to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. While the Chiefs announced that they're building a new stadium and headquarters in Kansas, LeVota isn’t convinced it’s a done deal.