Frank White discourages bidding war between Missouri, Kansas to attract Chiefs and Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County voters rejected a 3/8-cent sales tax proposal in April that would have gone toward funding a downtown ballpark for the Royals and renovation of Arrowhead Stadium.

Shortly afterward, Kansas lawmakers expressed interest in bringing one or both of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals over the state line. Two months later, lawmakers already began the process of approving legislation to fund a stadium project.

ALSO READ: Mayor Lucas questions if Kansas STAR bonds can actually fund potential Chiefs stadium

Jackson County Executive Frank White, who opposed the sales tax in April, released a statement Tuesday afternoon cautioning the two professional franchises not to violate an agreement settled on in 2019 that promised to not pit Missouri and Kansas into a bidding war for the organizations.

“This competition does not serve our residents or our communities,” White wrote. “Instead of working together to grow all our neighborhoods, we risk hurting the very people we are supposed to serve.”

The Kansas House of Representatives approved a STAR Bond bill earlier in the day to fund up to 75 percent of a stadium project. The bill is expected to pass in the Senate and ultimately be signed by Governor Laura Kelly.

ALSO READ: State rep asks Gov. Parson to call special session, ‘finance fully’ Arrowhead renovations

Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a financing tool that allows Kansas municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment and tourism projects.

“I urge all stakeholders to honor the spirit of the 2019 truce and refrain from engaging in a counterproductive stadium bidding war,” White said. “Let us set a national example by prioritizing the well-being of our residents and fostering true economic cooperation across state lines.”

To read the full letter, see below:

For more stories regarding Stadium Development, click here.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.