The Olathe City Council on Tuesday night approved a STAR bond proposal tied to bringing the Kansas City Chiefs’ headquarters and practice facility to Olathe.The vote was 7-0.The ordinance allows the city to pledge certain new tax revenues generated inside a designated project area to help repay STAR bonds that would finance development associated with the Chiefs’ relocation.Some residents questioned whether an entertainment- and sports-focused project should be a priority for the city and Johnson County.“Are there going to be other long-term needs that we need here in Olathe and in Johnson County, and I’m not sure entertainment should be the top of the list,” said Larry Tucker, who described himself as a Chiefs fan.Others said the proposal could bring long-term economic benefits if the financing structure performs as projected.“I think because of the way they have structured all the STAR bonds, I think we are in good shape,” said John North, an Olathe resident. “This is going to bring tax dollars to us. And I think that for the citizens of Olathe, it’s just going to be a tremendous benefit to have a new community partner.”Some speakers wanted city leaders to slow the process and seek more public input.“I just think it is a terrible mistake to jam this type of project down people’s throats without a real significant public input,” said Charlotte O’Hara.Several members of the council said they received positive feedback via email and letters.Under the approved ordinance, Olathe would pledge certain new tax revenues generated within the STAR bond district for up to 30 years. That includes the city’s 1% general sales tax, its 17.63% share of Johnson County’s 0.5% sales tax, and 7% of the hotel tax collected from lodging inside the district.City officials say taxes already dedicated to street maintenance, parks, voter-approved uses, or other special taxing districts would not be affected, and no revenue from outside the project area would be used.The agreement takes effect only if the Chiefs’ headquarters and practice facility are built within the designated area, and the bonds are issued by Dec. 31, 2030. The Chiefs have said the Olathe site would include mixed-use development that could feature sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel, and residential components. Bacon has also said the development could include a stadium for Olathe Public Schools.
OLATHE, Kan. —
The Olathe City Council on Tuesday night approved a STAR bond proposal tied to bringing the Kansas City Chiefs’ headquarters and practice facility to Olathe.
The vote was 7-0.
The ordinance allows the city to pledge certain new tax revenues generated inside a designated project area to help repay STAR bonds that would finance development associated with the Chiefs’ relocation.
Some residents questioned whether an entertainment- and sports-focused project should be a priority for the city and Johnson County.
“Are there going to be other long-term needs that we need here in Olathe and in Johnson County, and I’m not sure entertainment should be the top of the list,” said Larry Tucker, who described himself as a Chiefs fan.
Others said the proposal could bring long-term economic benefits if the financing structure performs as projected.
“I think because of the way they have structured all the STAR bonds, I think we are in good shape,” said John North, an Olathe resident. “This is going to bring tax dollars to us. And I think that for the citizens of Olathe, it’s just going to be a tremendous benefit to have a new community partner.”
Some speakers wanted city leaders to slow the process and seek more public input.
“I just think it is a terrible mistake to jam this type of project down people’s throats without a real significant public input,” said Charlotte O’Hara.
Several members of the council said they received positive feedback via email and letters.
Under the approved ordinance, Olathe would pledge certain new tax revenues generated within the STAR bond district for up to 30 years.
That includes the city’s 1% general sales tax, its 17.63% share of Johnson County’s 0.5% sales tax, and 7% of the hotel tax collected from lodging inside the district.
City officials say taxes already dedicated to street maintenance, parks, voter-approved uses, or other special taxing districts would not be affected, and no revenue from outside the project area would be used.
The agreement takes effect only if the Chiefs’ headquarters and practice facility are built within the designated area, and the bonds are issued by Dec. 31, 2030.
The Chiefs have said the Olathe site would include mixed-use development that could feature sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel, and residential components. Bacon has also said the development could include a stadium for Olathe Public Schools.