A Joint Statement by the Royals and Chiefs of Kansas City
On Monday, Jackson County, Missouri, legislators voted to override Jackson County Executive Frank White’s veto and place the renewal in a sales tax on the April ballot to assist in the financing of a new Kansas City Royals ballpark.
The tax of one-eighth of a cent, which is currently allocated for stadium maintenance at the Truman Sports Complex by the lease agreement, would additionally contribute to the funding of forthcoming Arrowhead Stadium renovations for the Kansas City Chiefs.
It appeared as recently as last week that insufficient votes would be obtained to override the veto.
Legislators Jalen Anderson as well as Sean Smith, however, changed their minds regarding the proposal’s advancement to the April 2 ballot in response to continued discussions with the teams and public pressure; the final vote was 7-2 in favor of the proposal.
Jackson County legislator DaRon McGee expressed gratitude that a significant number of his colleagues voted in favor of the overturn.
McGee characterized White’s veto of the proposal as “tone deaf” because it violated the liberty of voters to determine their course of action.
White is an esteemed member of the Royals’ Hall of Fame, having been a five-time All-Star. “Thanks to tremendous backing from our citizens, such as business, labor, nonprofit, and various other community groups, we prevailed, and can now proceed towards the important work ahead,” McGee added.
“Much effort remains to ensure that the electorate is adequately informed before the April election.” I concur with my peers that we are fully equipped to undertake that task.
Initially, legislators endorsed the tax’s ballot language by an 8-1 vote. However, in vetoing it, White opined that “it’s not an excellent deal for taxpayers” due to its insufficient guarantee of the franchises’ dedication to the county.
Following White’s veto, the Royals as well as Chiefs issued a joint statement in which they expressed their respect for his authority while reiterating their commitment to collaborate with legislators to secure a ballot initiative for this ordinance.
In addition, the teams intensified their traditional and social media campaigns to garner public support; they also had the backing of numerous business organizations and labor unions.
“Today marked a significant advancement,” the teams announced in a statement on Monday. “We appreciate the legislators of Jackson County’s concern and attention regarding this issue.
We eagerly anticipate continuing to collaborate with them and allowing the electorate to decide on April 2 whether to extend the county and our teams’ longstanding partnership.”
As potential sites for their new ballpark, Jackson County and Clay County, which is situated directly across the Missouri River, had presented competing proposals to the Royals.
They had planned to decide in September but postponed it indefinitely; they have only announced their intention to construct in Jackson County in recent weeks.
As the Royals’ process progresses and the Kansas City Chiefs or Arrowhead Stadium are situated across the parking garage, their performances have become more subdued.
However, they have not yet reached a consensus regarding the location. Although construction was originally intended for the East Village, an alternative site in closer proximity to the Power & Light District, where established restaurants and retail establishments already exist, is also being contemplated.
The public pursuit of a new home by the Kansas City Royals has been marked by numerous proposed stadium locations, disputes among regional politicians, and several postponements to a procedure that was originally scheduled to conclude by late September 2023.
A few specifics of the teams’ plans were included in a joint statement issued by the two organizations on Friday, which outlined their “commitment to remain in Jackson County if Jackson County voters accept an extension of the 3/8-cent sales tax increase on a ballot initiative in April.”