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Members of the Kansas City Royals grounds staff work off the field in preparation for baseball season at Kauffman Stadium on March 29, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. Charlie Riedel—The Associated Press
Jackson County Executive Frank White on Thursday vetoed an ordinance that would renew the 3/8 cent sales tax on the April ballot to fund sports stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. It was activated.
“This proposed sales tax would generate more than $2 billion from residents, but there is no clarity on the team’s commitment and contribution to the county,” White said in a news release, as reported by the Kansas City Star. There is no understanding or guarantee.” “This is not a good deal for taxpayers, and we cannot support an agreement that is not in their interest.”
Immediately after the veto announcement, four county council members announced their support for White. The nine-member County Council would need six votes to override White’s veto. The Jan. 23 deadline to put a decision on the stadium tax before voters this spring is fast approaching.
In response to White’s veto, the Royals and Chiefs issued a joint statement saying, “We respect the county executive’s veto authority. We will continue to work with legislators to ensure that this ordinance is passed in April. We will ensure that it appears on the ballot on the 2nd so that Jackson County voters have the opportunity to decide on an extension of the current 3/8 cent sales tax.”
The Royals are using the sales tax to fund construction of a new ballpark downtown, but they have not yet announced the location. The Chiefs have consistently stated their intention to renovate Arrowhead Stadium.
Truman Sports Complex’s current stadium lease expires in 2031. Both teams are targeting their measures in April, although some lawmakers pointed out Thursday that April is not the only time to vote on 2024 or years beyond that deadline. There is support from the current governor’s office, which is said to be behind the urgency.
On Jan. 8, county councilors voted 8-1 to approve ballot language for a new 3/8 cent sales tax to replace the current sales tax that expires in September 2031. Mr. White was not in favor of this at the time and wanted more additions. It’s time to get additional concessions from county teams under the contract.
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