A politician from Jackson County is presently seeking to get a sales tax question on the ballot for November. The principal aim of this endeavor is to get the requisite capital for a stadium development project that the Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing.
The first district representative for the county, Manny Abarca IV, is scheduled to introduce two new ordinances pertaining to the matter. On May 13, the whole Jackson County Legislature will be presented with these ordinances for additional deliberation and review.
Voters in Jackson area will be asked to pass a 3/16-cent sales tax for a 30-year period in order to fund the Chiefs’ stay in the area.
Through the second ordinance, voters will be asked to adopt a 3/8-cent sales tax that will be in place for 40 years. The goal of this tax is the same as that of the preceding one.
After Jackson County voters decisively rejected Question 1 approximately a month ago, Abarca has moved forward. The Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas Royals intended to use the proposed 3/8-cent sales tax to finance their stadium projects.
The teams collaborated to encourage locals to vote yes before the April 2 ballot.
Chiefs CEO and Chairman Clark Hunt stated clearly in a recent statement that the team will pursue its own stadium plans independently of the Royals.
The proposed ordinances by Abarca do not include any financial support for the Royals.
Following Question 1’s rejection, both teams stated that they intended to look for solutions outside of Jackson County.
This week, Kansas legislators have been working hard to enact a bill that would encourage the Chiefs and Royals to move to the state.
The plan to pursue the teams and stadium projects through STAR Bond projects did not pass the Kansas Legislature before the end of the 2024 session, despite lengthy deliberations that continued late into Tuesday night.
To further address the matter, the legislature considered holding a special session.
Abarca emphasized that one of the main reasons the new ordinances were introduced at this specific time was the efforts made by Kansas legislators.
Abarca stressed the significance of not waiting for things to happen or being complacent. Rather, he emphasized the importance of having active conversations now, at the appropriate moment.
The Chiefs and the Royals declined to comment on the situation.
Frank White Jr., the Jackson County Executive and outspoken opponent of Question 1, voiced doubts in a statement on the legitimacy of Abarca’s proposals.
In light of recent developments regarding a new attempt to introduce a parks sales tax by County Legislator Manny Abarca, I feel compelled to address the residents of Jackson County directly. Less than a month ago, a similar proposal was resoundingly rejected at the ballot, a loss that should have served as a costly but clear lesson.
Over $1 million of taxpayer money was squandered on an unnecessary election an amount I had hoped would be the most expensive lesson ever learned by those who championed it. Yet, it appears that Legislator Abarca remains undeterred and unconcerned about wasting more taxpayer dollars.
t is evident that the games have not ended. As long as Legislator Abarca continues to mislead the public, ignore legal restrictions and favor the interests of the affluent and influential over those who elected him, he poses a risk to our community. The law is explicit: no proposal for a parks sales tax can be resubmitted to voters within 12 months of its previous rejection. This statute is designed to respect the voter s decision and ensure responsible governance, but it seems to be ignored.
As County Executive, I am committed to doing everything within my power to prevent further reckless actions by Mr. Abarca. However, I cannot do this alone. I call upon my colleagues on the legislature, the media and the public to assist in this effort. I urge media outlets to exercise diligence and not propagate narratives unsupported by facts.
Jackson County deserves better. We must stand together to ensure that our fiscal policies and electoral processes reflect the integrity and prudence that our citizens expect and deserve.
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