Will a Chiefs-only sales tax question be on November ballot in Jackson County?

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Potentially coming to a ballot this November, is another vote on a sales tax for pro sports teams in Jackson County.

This time around, the money is meant for one team.

Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca submitted paperwork for two potential ballot questions for the Kansas City Chiefs.

“It was my intent to make sure they’re in tandem so that we can pick one or an option of one to make sure we’re on the ballot in November,” Abarca told FOX4 Wednesday.

One proposal is for a 40-year, 3/8th cent sales tax. The same amount voters rejected on April 2 when the vote tied the Royals and Chiefs together.

That’s double the amount they get from the current sales tax that supports the stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex.

The second proposal is for a 3/16th sales tax that would last 30 years.

“The timing here, if we lapse the full eight weeks like we did last time (for the April 2 vote) we still need a time for override. That’s what we’re accounting for. So, we’re really talking about a decision being made nine to ten weeks from now,” Abarca said.

On the difference between the two proposals, Abarca said ““One is what we currently have now: half of the 3/8th cent sales tax of 3/16ths or it’s the full amount of the sales tax that we’re giving to two teams. So, it’d be exclusive to the Chiefs and would be competitive against the Star Bonds. It’d provide more revenues for the Chiefs if they choose, they want to build a new stadium.”

On social media , Abarca said he asked County Executive Frank White for the next steps after the failed sales tax vote in April. He said he’s submitting these proposals now because “I refuse to wait for the teams to go somewhere else.”

Before either proposal can get on the November ballot, the legislature has to approve them. White would have the opportunity to veto them.

White released the following statement Wednesday evening:

“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.”

“It 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.”

In March, White told FOX4 he would be willing to explore a Chiefs-only ballot question, specifically for a 3/16th cent tax.

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