Jackson County Executive Frank White pitches Gov. Kehoe adjusted approach to sales tax extension

Yahoo

15 hours ago

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. wrote a letter to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe last week, proposing that the county renew its 3/8-cent sales tax.
The sales tax was originally approved by voters in 2006 to fund improvements to Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. If renewed, the sales tax would focus on the following three priorities:
Modernizing and improving Arrowhead Stadium
Restoring and upgrading public safety infrastructure
Investing in public health
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'With the passage of Senate Bill 3, Missouri now has a powerful tool to play a significant role in attracting and retaining professional sports teams—most notably the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals,' White wrote in the letter.
Not only would the sales tax go toward modernizing and improving Arrowhead Stadium, White said it would also help the county invest in public health, as well as restore and upgrade the county's public safety infrastructure. Funds from the sales tax would also go toward modernizing the county's juvenile detention facility, according to White.
'The impact of these improvements will be felt well beyond county lines,' White wrote.
In the letter, White also addressed the controversy surrounding the Royals' potential relocation:
'I also want to be clear about the Royals: I fully support keeping them in Jackson County. Since the April 2024 vote, the City of Kansas City has taken the lead on identifying a new site and working with the team, and I've respected their desire to do so. At the same time, I've made it clear to the Royals that Jackson County is ready to support the city's efforts and is willing to step back in should the team present a proposal for us to consider or express interest in reengaging. To date, the Royals have not done so.'
Kauffman Stadium, which currently benefits from the 3/8-cent sales tax, would not be included as a beneficiary of the renewed sales tax, according to White's letter.
White released the following statement Monday afternoon:
'First, it's important to remember that these teams are for-profit, multi-billion dollar businesses. They're always going to look for the best deal for themselves and I can't blame them for that. But my job isn't to work for the teams; my job is to get the best deal for the people of Jackson County.
'Out of respect for the City of Kansas City's publicly stated desire to take the lead in conversations with the Royals, much of our engagement has focused on the Chiefs. At the same time, we remain open to discussions with all parties to ensure Jackson County's interests are fully represented.
'Last and most importantly, Jackson County taxpayers have long carried the overwhelming share of public funding for these teams, historically providing more than 90% of the investment, which currently amounts to over $50 million every year. As we look ahead, our priority is to ensure any new agreement is fair, transparent and reflects the significant commitment our residents continue to make.'
The Jackson County executive said he believes this proposal could generate between $500 million and $700 million. He said it offers a clear path to retain the Chiefs, protect taxpayers and deliver long-term public benefit.
White also proposed that the sales tax be presented to voters as one ballot question instead of three. He said this would clarify that the renewed tax may be used for more than one related purpose.
White also asked the governor to confirm with the director of the Department of Economic Development and the commissioner of the Office of Administration that the sales tax meets the requirements stipulated in Senate Bill 3.
The 3/8-cent sales tax is currently set to expire in 2031, which is when the Chiefs' and Royals' leases end.
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