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A proposed tax-backed STAR bonds proposal tied to a potential new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs in Wyandotte County drew scrutiny Tuesday night. More than 50 residents packed a meeting to voice concerns about how the project could be financed.It was standing room only as people lined up to address Unified Government commissioners, with many saying they feel left out of conversations about a deal that could funnel future local tax revenues into the stadium project.The Unified Government of Wyandotte County would commit certain future taxes generated within a 236-acre district between 118th Street and 126th Street near State Avenue, to help repay STAR bonds issued by the Kansas Development Finance Authority.The pledge could extend for up to 30 years and would tap into the city’s uncommitted general sales tax, 93.1733% of the county’s uncommitted general sales tax, and hotel guest taxes, capped at 8%, all collected within the district.Voter-approved taxes, including those for emergency medical services and public safety, would be excluded.Still, several speakers said that any sales tax increases would hit working families and seniors the hardest, particularly without a direct say from voters.“Let’s put Wyandotte County first and collect every penny of that increased sales tax collection,” said James Bain, a Kansas City, Kansas, resident. “That we would even think about giving one dollar to a billionaire. It’s insanity.”Former Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Carol Marinovich also raised concerns about potential impacts to the Board of Public Utilities, the Piper School District and public safety, along with questions about how decisions are being made on behalf of residents.Evangelist Fannie Hill, another Kansas City, Kansas, resident, criticized the proposal as one-sided.“We’re giving away the farm for nothing,” Hill said. “This is not a deal. It’s an insult.”Commissioners did not take a vote Tuesday night. The meeting was intended to gather public feedback before any formal action on the proposal, which is expected Thursday.
A proposed tax-backed STAR bonds proposal tied to a potential new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs in Wyandotte County drew scrutiny Tuesday night.
More than 50 residents packed a meeting to voice concerns about how the project could be financed.
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It was standing room only as people lined up to address Unified Government commissioners, with many saying they feel left out of conversations about a deal that could funnel future local tax revenues into the stadium project.
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County would commit certain future taxes generated within a 236-acre district between 118th Street and 126th Street near State Avenue, to help repay STAR bonds issued by the Kansas Development Finance Authority.
The pledge could extend for up to 30 years and would tap into the city’s uncommitted general sales tax, 93.1733% of the county’s uncommitted general sales tax, and hotel guest taxes, capped at 8%, all collected within the district.
Voter-approved taxes, including those for emergency medical services and public safety, would be excluded.
Still, several speakers said that any sales tax increases would hit working families and seniors the hardest, particularly without a direct say from voters.
“Let’s put Wyandotte County first and collect every penny of that increased sales tax collection,” said James Bain, a Kansas City, Kansas, resident. “That we would even think about giving one dollar to a billionaire. It’s insanity.”
Former Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Carol Marinovich also raised concerns about potential impacts to the Board of Public Utilities, the Piper School District and public safety, along with questions about how decisions are being made on behalf of residents.
Evangelist Fannie Hill, another Kansas City, Kansas, resident, criticized the proposal as one-sided.
“We’re giving away the farm for nothing,” Hill said. “This is not a deal. It’s an insult.”
Commissioners did not take a vote Tuesday night.
The meeting was intended to gather public feedback before any formal action on the proposal, which is expected Thursday.