Missouri, Jackson County leaders meet to discuss future of Kansas City sports stadiums

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County leaders traveled to Jefferson City to meet with lawmakers and the governor about keeping Kansas City sports teams in Missouri.

As the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals explore new locations for a stadium, Missouri leaders want to ensure it stays on their side of the state line. A meeting between Missouri House and Senate leaders, the governor, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Jackson County legislators and a Kansas City Councilmember took place Wednesday morning. The group wants to come to a plan that will be agreeable to both taxpayers and the professional sports teams.

The Kansas City Chiefs bring more than just championships to Missouri. The Chiefs estimate Missouri receives $28.8 million in tax revenue each year from their games.

To keep the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri, leaders are discussing an extension of the 3/8th sales tax already in place. Jackson County voters turned down a similar proposal last year, but discussions Wednesday focused on improving that plan and ensuring it benefits taxpayers as much as the teams.

READ MORE: Where the Chiefs, Royals stand nearly a year after voters said ‘no’ on sales tax

Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca said the meeting was productive. His recommendation to lawmakers is to help fix Jackson County’s issues with property taxes. High 2023 taxes have led to multiple lawsuits. Abarca said helping Jackson County voters with this issue may incline them to favor tax proposals put in front of them.

“Until we address the 2023 property tax assessment issues, nothing is going to happen,” Abarca said.

Speaker of the House Rep. Jon Patterson plans to do just that. Following the meeting, he said he wants to work on legislation next week that will meet Jackson County’s requests.

“We had a very productive discussion and we all understand that the citizens of Jackson County need property tax relief before they vote to keep the Chiefs at Arrowhead,” Patterson said. “The House of Representatives will work on legislation next week that addresses property tax relief, beginning with HJR23, which will allow Jackson County to finally have an elected assessor.”

Last year, Kansas amended its STAR bonds to attract the Chiefs or Royals over the state line after Jackson County voters denied a tax increase for new stadiums.

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