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Residents without question voted down a stadium tax that would have helped with a new downtown ballpark as well as big renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. Royals owner John Sherman and Chiefs president Mark Donovan had a feeling this would be shot down. At least 58% voted against it. This tax would have replaced the current funding that was maintaining the Truman Sports Complex for years.
Another tax
The Royals were going to put up something toward it. In addition to over $1 billion from their ownership of the project, they were going to use their share of the tax revenue toward the $2 billion ballpark.
The Chiefs committed $300 million and would have used their share of revenue toward the $800 million Arrowhead Stadium overhaul. Sherman put out a quick statement,
“We’re deeply disappointed as we are steadfast in our belief that Jackson County is better with the Chiefs and the Royals. As someone whose roots run deep in this town, who has been a dedicated fan and season-ticket holder for both of these teams, and now leading a remarkable ownership group.”
He took no questions and left.
Without a tax
It’s uncertain what will happen. Donovan was equally distant. He said they’d do “what is in the best interest of our fans and our organization as we move forward.”
There’s a lot of possibilities. The Chiefs could rework the plan, change the funding sources or even listen to offers from competing cities and states.
The American tax
When Americans have been taxed enough already, stretching wallets beyond what people can afford. Donovan wants to work something out. “We’ve been talking a lot about the democratic process. We respect the process. We feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County. We’re ready to extend the longstanding partnership the teams have enjoyed with this county.”
The lease lasts til Jan. 31, 2031. The Royals won’t play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season. The Chiefs want to stay at Arrowhead. The tax had public push back almost from the beginning when the teams were trying to put a plan together.
