By TOMMY REZAC, St. Joseph Post
The Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals announced Friday their commitment to remain in Jackson County if Jackson County voters approve an extension of the 3/8-cent sales tax on a ballot initiative this April.
As part of the proposed agreement, the teams have agreed to provide more than $200 million in new economic benefits to Jackson County over 40 years in a new lease agreement, alleviating the county's obligation to pay stadium insurance premiums as well as the park levy to the teams.
Under this agreement, the Chiefs will conduct an extensive renovation to Arrowhead Stadium and the Royals will build a new downtown stadium and privately fund a $1 billion ballpark district.
The clubs also pledged to give the county flexibility of up to $140 million from each team’s share of existing park property taxes.
The teams have not sought any increase in the existing sales tax. The teams will attempt to finalize a spot on the April ballot in a Jackson County legislative meeting on Monday. The deadline to get on the ballot is January 23.
Both Kaufmann and Arrowhead opened in the early 1970s.