Key Points
—Jackson County Executive Frank White vetoed a 3/8th-cent sales tax renewal for stadium projects.
—Four county legislators support White's veto, which means it may be upheld.
—White cites unresolved issues and lack of clarity regarding teams' commitments and contributions.
In a last-minute decision on Thursday, Jackson County Executive Frank White vetoed an ordinance that placed a 3/8th-cent sales tax renewal on the April ballot. The ordinance was intended to fund massive stadium projects for the Chiefs and Royals despite many unresolved issues.
Over the objections of White, on Jan. 8, the county legislature voted 8-1 to move the stadium funding question before voters in an April 2 election. The legislature also seemed to have a veto-proof level of support for putting the issue to voters, as only six votes are needed to override White’s veto.
Shortly after White’s veto announcement, four county legislators announced their support of White’s decision. That number is significant because if White has the support of these four legislators—Sean Smith, Jalen Anderson, Megan Marshall, and Jeanie Lauer—then the veto will be upheld, meaning that the stadium funding tax will not go before voters in April.
January 23 marks the deadline to place the sales tax renewal on the April ballot. April is seen as important to the teams as the Royals are seeking an expedited timeline to have a new downtown ballpark by 2028. The Chiefs want the ballot measure sooner because Missouri Governor Mike Parson has pledged support from the state on a stadium renovation but will be soon out of office.
Why Did Frank White Veto?
White, who has faced criticism for perceived delays in the process, defended his veto, stating that reaching a “favorable agreement for Jackson County” required further discussions and negotiations.
“The Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals are undoubtedly important assets to our community, contributing to our economic and cultural landscape. Their presence in Jackson County is something we cherish and aim to sustain for the foreseeable future,” said White. “However, the path to achieving this goal must be prudent, transparent, and in the best interest of our taxpayers.”
White emphasized the financial impact on residents and expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the teams’ commitments and contributions to the county. He said he felt the county should get more in return for agreeing to send the teams over $2 billion from residents.
“It is imperative that we first secure a definitive, binding agreement with both teams that outlines their commitments and contributions to our county.”
What Issues Remain?
Three county legislators—Jeanie Lauer, Megan Marshall, and Jalen Anderson—issued a joint statement voicing their support for White’s veto.
Their statement also outlined ten unresolved issues between Jackson County and the teams that they feel need to be resolved in writing before putting the issue on a ballot.
- Jackson County Resident Preference Plan: Allowing county residents a preferred opportunity to purchase tickets with a plan designed to match or surpass comparable initiatives in the MLB and NFL over the entire length of the agreement.
- Local Presence of Teams: Commitment to keeping front offices, training facilities, and essential operations within Jackson County.
- Insurance and indemnification: Transitioning insurance responsibilities to the teams by 2025 for taxpayer savings.
- Parks Tax Reimbursement: Restoring $3.5 million annually from our parks levy by 2025.
- Rental Fee: A fair rental/licensing fee, inflation-adjusted, from each team.
- Stadium Demolition: Teams to bear the costs, with no additional county funds required.
- Community Benefits Agreements: Enforceable agreements for long-term community benefits.
- Royals’ New Stadium Location: The specific location of the Kansas City Royals’ new stadium must be confirmed.
- Chiefs’ Improvement Plans: The Chiefs must provide detailed plans for Arrowhead improvements and their vision for the complex post-Royals relocation.
- Private Capital Investment: Both teams must commit to the amount of private capital they are willing to invest in these projects.
Legislator Sean E. Smith, in his statement aligning with White, emphasized the need for signed agreements before proceeding to the vote. Despite some terms being verbally agreed upon, the absence of a signed memorandum of understanding or letter of intent raised concerns for Smith.
The Chiefs and Royals had previously outlined concessions in negotiations, such as covering stadium insurance costs and redirecting the park tax back to the county, estimated to save $200 million over a proposed 40-year lease.
What’s Next?
The County Legislature is set to convene on Monday, providing an opportunity to override or uphold White’s veto. The outcome of Monday’s legislative meeting will play a crucial role in determining the fate of the stadium funding measure for the April ballot.
The Chiefs and Royals issued a joint statement saying that while they respect White’s decision, they are committed to working on getting the issue before Jackson County residents in an April vote. The parties are sure to negotiate through the Jan. 23 deadline.
If the tax renewal is not placed on the April ballot, the county could place the question on an August or November ballot. The Chiefs and Royals have said they will remain in Jackson County if voters renew the 3/8 cent tax in April but have not commented on whether that commitment extends to August or November ballots.
