K.C. Voters Will Be Asked To Approve $354M Bistate Tax

Jackson County (MO) Asks Voters To Approve $354M Tax

The Jackson County (MO) Legislature agreed yesterday to "ask voters for a bistate tax to raise $354[M] to help renovate" Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, according to Benita Williams of the K.C. STAR, who notes the Chiefs and Royals in turn "agreed to extend their leases with the county through 2029." Those leases currently run through 2015. The agreements "become effective if `a new 1/4-cent sales tax to be collected by the Bistate Commission is passed ... with one-half of such tax dedicated to the sports complex for a period of not less than 25 years.'" While costs to renovate Arrowhead and Kauffman are estimated at $210M and $192M, respectively, the agreements "cap the public portion of the improvements at $177[M] per stadium. The Chiefs and Royals would pay the remainder." The agreements must now be approved by the NFL, MLB and the Jackson County Sports Authority (K.C. STAR, 10/15).