Latest news with #Frank White Jr
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jackson County Executive Frank White pitches Gov. Kehoe adjusted approach to sales tax extension
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. wrote a letter to Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe last week, proposing that the county renew its 3/8-cent sales tax. The sales tax was originally approved by voters in 2006 to fund improvements to Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. If renewed, the sales tax would focus on the following three priorities: Modernizing and improving Arrowhead Stadium Restoring and upgrading public safety infrastructure Investing in public health Kansas City man arrested, charged after high-speed boat chase at Lake of the Ozarks 'With the passage of Senate Bill 3, Missouri now has a powerful tool to play a significant role in attracting and retaining professional sports teams—most notably the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals,' White wrote in the letter. Not only would the sales tax go toward modernizing and improving Arrowhead Stadium, White said it would also help the county invest in public health, as well as restore and upgrade the county's public safety infrastructure. Funds from the sales tax would also go toward modernizing the county's juvenile detention facility, according to White. 'The impact of these improvements will be felt well beyond county lines,' White wrote. In the letter, White also addressed the controversy surrounding the Royals' potential relocation: 'I also want to be clear about the Royals: I fully support keeping them in Jackson County. Since the April 2024 vote, the City of Kansas City has taken the lead on identifying a new site and working with the team, and I've respected their desire to do so. At the same time, I've made it clear to the Royals that Jackson County is ready to support the city's efforts and is willing to step back in should the team present a proposal for us to consider or express interest in reengaging. To date, the Royals have not done so.' Kauffman Stadium, which currently benefits from the 3/8-cent sales tax, would not be included as a beneficiary of the renewed sales tax, according to White's letter. White released the following statement Monday afternoon: 'First, it's important to remember that these teams are for-profit, multi-billion dollar businesses. They're always going to look for the best deal for themselves and I can't blame them for that. But my job isn't to work for the teams; my job is to get the best deal for the people of Jackson County. 'Out of respect for the City of Kansas City's publicly stated desire to take the lead in conversations with the Royals, much of our engagement has focused on the Chiefs. At the same time, we remain open to discussions with all parties to ensure Jackson County's interests are fully represented. 'Last and most importantly, Jackson County taxpayers have long carried the overwhelming share of public funding for these teams, historically providing more than 90% of the investment, which currently amounts to over $50 million every year. As we look ahead, our priority is to ensure any new agreement is fair, transparent and reflects the significant commitment our residents continue to make.' The Jackson County executive said he believes this proposal could generate between $500 million and $700 million. He said it offers a clear path to retain the Chiefs, protect taxpayers and deliver long-term public benefit. White also proposed that the sales tax be presented to voters as one ballot question instead of three. He said this would clarify that the renewed tax may be used for more than one related purpose. White also asked the governor to confirm with the director of the Department of Economic Development and the commissioner of the Office of Administration that the sales tax meets the requirements stipulated in Senate Bill 3. The 3/8-cent sales tax is currently set to expire in 2031, which is when the Chiefs' and Royals' leases end. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jackson County Executive Frank White vetoes special vote for charter assessor
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. has vetoed an ordinance that called for a special election for a county charter assessor. In a letter to Jackson County legislators, White called the special election 'unnecessary and premature' as there are already scheduled elections for which the ballot could be placed on well before its effects would be implemented. Reps. Cleaver, Davids announce federal funding for World Cup security The election would have taken place in November of 2025, with its decision not being implemented until 2028. Instead, White says that the election could be placed on a regular ballot, which would save millions for Jackson County taxpayers. 'This would be the fourth unbudgeted election proposed by this Legislature in less than two years,' he said. 'Not one has passed. Not one has been fiscally responsible. And this one is no different. I support giving voters a say, but we can and should do it in 2026, when it won't cost Jackson County taxpayers a single extra dollar.' That's not the only problem, according to White, either. He says that, aside from the cost of the special election, the proposed ballot also misrepresents the responsibilities of the Charter Assessor. 'Abolished': State Department is laying off over 1,300 employees under Trump administration plan 'The ordinance says the elected assessor would be responsible for taxation in the county. That's just wrong,' White said in his release. 'Under Missouri law, taxation is the job of the collector. The assessor is responsible for valuing property accurately and fairly. If we can't get that distinction right in our founding document, we shouldn't be rushing this to the voters.' However, White did include that he would be in favor of a revised ballot, just not one outside of an August 2026 or November 2026 election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
