Voters in Jackson County returned to the polls on November 4, 2026, to decide on a variety of local government measures alongside statewide and legislative races. The unofficial results revealed a mixed outcome for the various tax and bond questions presented to the public.
One of the most significant local questions was the renewal of the COMBAT sales tax. Voters were asked to approve the continuation of this quarter-cent tax for another decade. The measure received strong support, with approximately 72 percent of voters casting ballots in favor of the renewal.
Established in 1989, the community-backed anti-crime tax marks its fifth renewal in 2026. The revenue generated by this tax is primarily directed toward the justice system. Roughly 60 percent of the funds cover expenses for police, prosecution, courts, and corrections. The remaining revenue supports various programs administered by nonprofit organizations, including the AdHoc Group Against Crime and substance abuse treatment services.
In the city of Independence, residents considered a proposal to authorize nearly $20 million in bonds. The funds would be repaid through a small increase in property taxes and are intended for the repair and renovation of five historic sites. These locations include the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the Vaile Mansion, the Truman Memorial Building, Old Fire Station 1, and the 1827 Log Courthouse. Voters approved this bond measure with 69 percent support.
The city of Blue Springs sought permission to implement a 2.5 percent use tax. This type of tax functions similarly to a sales tax but applies specifically to purchases made online or from out-of-state vendors by residents within the city limits. As online shopping has become more prevalent, many Missouri cities, including Kansas City, have adopted similar levies. However, Blue Springs voters rejected the proposal, with 64 percent voting against the new tax.
Lee’s Summit also presented a question to its residents regarding municipal solid waste collection. The city asked whether it should take over the provision of waste hauling services for local residents. Voters rejected this initiative, with 64 percent voting no.
Despite the rejection of the specific question, the source text notes that with approval, Lee’s Summit would begin evaluating contractors to provide services between July 2027 and June 2028. The planned services would cover trash, recycling, and yard waste, with costs estimated at no more than $30 per month. Residents living in apartments or in neighborhoods governed by homeowners associations that opt out of the program might not receive these services directly.
These local results were reported by The Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, providing a detailed breakdown of the unofficial outcomes for the November elections.
