Jackson County executive wants Chiefs, Royals to pay April election costs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. wants the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs to cover what he says are unexpected April election costs.
In a letter to team owners, White called on both teams to cover the estimated $1 million in costs for the April 2 election.
Jackson County residents are already voting, via absentee ballots, on a 3/8th-cent sales tax for Chiefs and Royals stadium projects.
Revenue from the sales tax, if approved, would go toward Arrowhead Stadium renovations and a new Royals stadium in the Crossroads District.
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White said that $1 million is an unplanned cost, not factored into the county’s 2024 budget, and poses a “substantial financial challenge for Jackson County.”
“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,” White said.
“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 argues the Royals and Chiefs will benefit significantly if the proposed sales tax passes, generating over $2 billion in revenue over 40 years.
The Kansas City Star reports the county’s current plan is to reimburse itself for election costs from the new sales tax revenue, if it passes. But if the measure fails, the county would bear the brunt of that cost.
The Jackson County Legislature has a resolution on its Monday meeting agenda to vote on paying over $745,000 to the Kansas City Election Board and nearly $236,000 to the Jackson County Election Board.
That’s just the county’s share of holding the election. Cities and school districts in the county also have to pay a proportional amount if they have races or measures on the ballot.
A sample ballot from the Jackson County Election Board also shows over two dozen other contested races and ballot questions across the county, in various city and school board races, plus many more uncontested races.
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The stadium sales tax is the only county-wide issue on the April 2 ballot, and White said the county didn’t budget for those costs.
“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 franchises can turn this challenge into an opportunity for demonstrating exceptional leadership and community solidarity.”
FOX4 has reached out to the Chiefs and Royals for comment on White’s request.
