Buchanan County Kids Committee moves forward with Proposition K 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Members of the Buchanan County Kids Committee are moving forward with the Proposition K initiative, which would create a dedicated funding source for services benefiting children ages 19 and under.

Chelsea Howlett, executive director of Noyes Home for Children, said the group hopes community members will support the proposal and help create that funding source. 

“It's a quarter-of-a-cent sales tax on a county level that could generate four and a half million dollars annually to benefit for children’s mental health services,” she said.  

If approved, county commissioners would appoint a nine-member board.

The board would then hire an executive director and establish bylaws and guidelines for local agencies, such as the YWCA, Voices of Courage and Noyes Home for Children, to apply for the funds. 

But Danielle Brown, CEO of the YWCA, said the support would go beyond children experiencing a mental health crisis. 

“But also things like support for families who have a child and has a mental health not even crisis but things that they are working through so that maybe it doesn’t become a crisis,” Danielle Brown, CEO of YWCA said.  

Brown said mental health doesn’t just affect the individual going through it. The people around them, especially their families, need support too. 

As those services grow, she said, the impact could reach far beyond mental health. It could affect children’s day-to-day lives, schools and the workforce, while also strengthening the long-term economy and making the community more attractive to businesses looking to invest. 

When asked what would happen if county voters reject the proposition, Howlett said they would come back to the issue and continue working to educate voters.  

“This is really unique, only two states in the country have a children services fund and it is strictly to be used for the children’s mental health that is the firm foundation of this,” she added.  

Howlett explained that investing in children’s mental health can help them grow into healthy, functioning adults who are able to become productive and contributing members of society — ultimately creating a healthier St. Joseph. 

Brown also pointed out how the proposed sales tax would apply across the entire county, not just in St. Joseph. Which means the fund would be supported by residents making purchases, as well as people spending money while traveling through the community and county. 

The funding can be used in 10 different areas outlined in state statute.  

“So those who are concerned by management of these money, it is very clear what can and cannot be funded and it is also clear that we have an abundance of agencies that can benefit from them,” Howlett said.  

Both Brown and Howlett acknowledged that Prop K is just one step, but they believe it could make a significant difference in children’s lives.  

“This is an investment in our future, this is an investment in our kids today that is going to carry us for years and years,” Brown said.  

Brown hopes voters will show up on November 3 and cast their ballots YES on Prop K for Kids.