Legality of Abarca’s new stadium sales tax bills called into question
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A battle is brewing over a proposal to vote on a stadium sales tax for a second time in 2024. Jackson County legislator Manny Abarca and County Executive Frank White are fighting over when it can happen.
On Wednesday, Abarca submitted two bills aiming to keep the Chiefs in Jackson County and wants to vote on one in November. However, White and the Jackson County Counselor say that’s not possible due to legal reasons.
“The statute specifically states that once it’s put before the voters, it can’t be put before the voters for another year,” said Bryan Covinsky, the Jackson County Counselor. “12 months is what it says, no matter what the outcome on the vote is the first time.”
Abarca contends his proposed bills are different than what was voted on in April, and thus should be considered. However, Covinsky doesn’t think the different language doesn’t matter since Abarca is bringing the bills up as a parks tax.
“You cannot use it for a year after it’s been applied,” Covinsky said. “That’s one time, so it doesn’t really matter the details.”
However, Abarca is pushing back.
“I think the legal counsel sides with the County Executive in every measure possible. That’s who hires the legal counsel, so of course they are going to be in alignment,” Abarca said. “Let’s fully vet this. Let’s get a third-party legal analysis to prove whether or not this is liable to be on the ballot.”
While Abarca might not be able to get a stadium sales tax vote done through a parks tax, other routes may exist – like the capital improvements tax. Still, he thinks his original bills have accomplished some of what he set out to achieve.
“I think the point of the effort is already happening, right? We’re talking about how to keep the teams in Jackson County. We’re talking about proactively trying to keep them here,” Abarca said. “There are a lot of people who say they do want this. They did want the opportunity to vote on a single-tax issue for the Chiefs. This is that opportunity.”
KCTV5 reached out to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office to find out whether the bills would be allowed. However, they said they are not allowed to give a legal opinion on the issue.
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