KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - With violent crime prevention a top priority in Jackson County, leaders believe that COMBAT is more important than ever.

COMBAT stands for the Community Backed Anti-Crime Tax and if you live in Jackson County, you pay for it.

Voters first approved the quarter-cent sales tax in 1989, making Jackson County the first jurisdiction in the country to approve a tax dedicated to “combating” substance abuse and drug-related crime. COMBAT’s mission expanded in 2009 to also include reducing violence in the community.

As of this week, the organization now has a new Executive Director – Murray Edward, appointed by Jackson County Prosecutor, Melesa Johnson.

Woodard will be responsible for allocating more than $30 million annually to support violence prevention efforts, trea

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