Jackson Co. voters could see Chiefs-only stadium tax on November ballot
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County voters may have to make a decision about the future of the Kansas City Chiefs as soon as November.
Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca announced that he submitted legislation to the Jackson County Legislature for consideration. He’s asking for a special election to add one of the two options to the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot.
The first option asks voters to approve a 30-year, 3/16th-cent parks sales tax. The tax is to raise money to keep the Chiefs in Jackson County.
The second option asks voters to approve a 30-year, 3/16th-cent parks sales tax. This option is also in an effort to keep the Chiefs in Jackson County.
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Neither of the options addresses funding for the Kansas City Royals.
Abarca filed the legislation following Monday’s Jackson County Legislature meeting. The Legislator asked County Executive Frank White about negotiations with the Royals and Chiefs. The meeting then became heated.
“Have we had any with the Royals or the Chiefs,” Legislator Manny Abarca said, “Do we have any new strategy about how we keep them?”
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“Well, no new strategies about how to keep them in Jackson County,” White said. “We just have to wait until we can get the teams to the table so we can talk about an agreement that everyone can live with.”
White went on to say he is waiting for the right opportunity to talk with the teams.
The future of the Chiefs gained new urgency Saturday when owner Clark Hunt mentioned that the team could consider building a new stadium. He also said the Chiefs and Royals would each likely need to move forward on their own.
Kansas lawmakers also tried to approve a plan aimed at luring a pro sports team to the state before the legislation ended early Wednesday morning. They worked until 3 a.m. but didn’t a bill that would make bonds available to franchisees who relocate.
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The failed April 2 sales tax in Jackson County raised even more questions about the futures of the Chiefs and the Royals.
Voters overwhelmingly rejected a plan to replace the existing three-eighth cent sales tax. The new tax would have been paid to build a new downtown stadium for the Royals and renovations to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. highlighted the fact in his statement made on Wednesday afternoon.
In light of recent developments regarding a new attempt to introduce a parks sales tax by County Legislator Manny Abarca, I feel compelled to address the residents of Jackson County directly. Less than a month ago, a similar proposal was resoundingly rejected at the ballot, a loss that should have served as a costly but clear lesson.
“Over $1 million of taxpayer money was squandered on an unnecessary election — an amount I had hoped would be the most expensive lesson ever learned by those who championed it. Yet, it appears that Legislator Abarca remains undeterred and unconcerned about wasting more taxpayer dollars.
“It is evident that the games have not ended. As long as Legislator Abarca continues to mislead the public, ignore legal restrictions and favor the interests of the affluent and influential over those who elected him, he poses a risk to our community. The law is explicit: no proposal for a parks sales tax can be resubmitted to voters within 12 months of its previous rejection. This statute is designed to respect the voter’s decision and ensure responsible governance, but it seems to be ignored.
“As County Executive, I am committed to doing everything within my power to prevent further reckless actions by Mr. Abarca. However, I cannot do this alone. I call upon my colleagues on the legislature, the media and the public to assist in this effort. I urge media outlets to exercise diligence and not propagate narratives uned by facts.
“Jackson County deserves better. We must stand together to ensure that our fiscal policies and electoral processes reflect the integrity and prudence that our citizens expect and deserve.
A spokesperson for the Kansas City Chiefs said the team has no further comment at this time. The futures of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals stadiums remain unclear for the time being.
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