Jackson County Executive requests Royals, Chiefs to pay for special election costs

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. is now requesting the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals pay for the costs of the April 2 special election.

Those costs are estimated to be $1 million.

The election surrounds a proposed 3/8-cent sales tax proposal that would generate more than $2 billon in revenue for the two teams. White Jr. says the unplanned cost of conducting the special election poses a “substantial financial challenge for Jackson County,” with the $1 million not factored into the county’s 2024 budget.

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“This unforeseen expense requires us to take money from our emergency reserves, a decision that poses a significant dilemma given our commitment to safeguarding the county’s financial stability,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “The teams’ agreement to cover these election costs will alleviate the financial burden on Jackson County taxpayers and safeguard the County’s emergency funds for true unforeseen crises.”

White requested the in a letter addressed to Chiefs CEO and Owner Clark Hunt and Royals Owner John Sherman.

“By agreeing to cover the election costs, the teams would demonstrate their commitment to the community’s well-being,” White said. “Together, I believe the county and its sports franchise can turn this challenge into an opportunity for demonstrating exceptional leadership and community solidarity.”

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