As plans for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs take shape, leaders in Kansas City, Kansas, say financial questions remain unanswered and could determine whether the project ultimately moves forward.Newly elected Christal Watson, the mayor and CEO of Wyandotte County’s Unified Government, said the team’s announcement generated early excitement but now requires careful scrutiny.“Clark Hunt family, welcome to Kansas,” Watson said during public remarks that drew applause.She later described the initial reaction as a “Wizard of Oz” moment and said she is now focused on the details behind the proposal.“The numbers just got to be there,” Watson said. “And if the numbers aren’t there for us to maintain the services that are needed for the community, then we’ve got to reevaluate and renegotiate.”Watson said county commissioners do not yet know how much revenue could be diverted through future sales taxes, how many additional police officers may be required, or even where a new stadium would ultimately be built.“Knowing where they want to put this, and just making sure that it’s not going to impact us two to five years down the road where we would have to raise taxes,” she said.The mayor said she wants a full financial analysis and further conversations with the Kansas secretary of commerce before any decision is made.Asked how she would vote if a proposal came up today, Watson said the answer remains unclear.“Oh, I don’t know,” she said. “It really depends on what else we can negotiate.”City leaders are also weighing whether a ticket surcharge could help offset the cost of public safety, along with infrastructure needs such as roads, power, water, and sewer service tied to a new stadium.Despite the unanswered questions, Watson said she remains optimistic about the process.“I want what’s best for Wyandotte County,” she said. “I care about the residents. I live here.”

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —

As plans for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs take shape, leaders in Kansas City, Kansas, say financial questions remain unanswered and could determine whether the project ultimately moves forward.

Newly elected Christal Watson, the mayor and CEO of Wyandotte County’s Unified Government, said the team’s announcement generated early excitement but now requires careful scrutiny.

“Clark Hunt family, welcome to Kansas,” Watson said during public remarks that drew applause.

She later described the initial reaction as a “Wizard of Oz” moment and said she is now focused on the details behind the proposal.

“The numbers just got to be there,” Watson said. “And if the numbers aren’t there for us to maintain the services that are needed for the community, then we’ve got to reevaluate and renegotiate.”

Watson said county commissioners do not yet know how much revenue could be diverted through future sales taxes, how many additional police officers may be required, or even where a new stadium would ultimately be built.

“Knowing where they want to put this, and just making sure that it’s not going to impact us two to five years down the road where we would have to raise taxes,” she said.

The mayor said she wants a full financial analysis and further conversations with the Kansas secretary of commerce before any decision is made.

Asked how she would vote if a proposal came up today, Watson said the answer remains unclear.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said. “It really depends on what else we can negotiate.”

City leaders are also weighing whether a ticket surcharge could help offset the cost of public safety, along with infrastructure needs such as roads, power, water, and sewer service tied to a new stadium.

Despite the unanswered questions, Watson said she remains optimistic about the process.

“I want what’s best for Wyandotte County,” she said. “I care about the residents. I live here.”