Stadium sales tax to appear on April ballot, legislators override Frank White’s veto

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County voters will be able to vote in April on keeping the Royals and Chiefs in their current county.

After changing their initial stance on ing a stadium sales tax veto, Jackson County legislators Sean Smith and Jalen Anderson ed five others on Monday afternoon to override county executive Frank White’s veto.

White vetoed the measure on Jan. 18 that Jackson County legislators had ed that would put to a vote extending a 3/8-cent sales tax to fund the stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.

Legislators Jeanie Lauer, Megan Marshall and Anderson filed a t statement ing the veto, and Smith said he would follow suit. Four days later, he and Anderson reversed course.

The Jackson County legislature overrode the veto by a 7-2 count.

The Royals and Chiefs announced on Jan. 5 that the teams would build a downtown ballpark and renovate Arrowhead Stadium, respectively, if Jackson County voters ed such a ballot measure.

“This proposed sales tax would generate over $2 billion from our residents, yet there is no clear understanding or assurance regarding the teams’ commitments and contributions to the county,” White said in a statement on Thursday. “It’s not a good deal for taxpayers and I cannot an agreement that is not in their best interest.”

White, a Royals Hall of Famer, said he is focused on attaining a favorable agreement for Jackson County that would require further in-depth discussions and thoughtful negotiation.

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