Latest news with #JacksonCounty
CBS News
11 hours ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Colorado sheriff ousted as Jackson County prepares for North Park Fair
Jackson County Sheriff Jarrod Poley has been recalled by his community several years after being sworn in as sheriff of the rural Colorado mountain community. Jackson County, which is roughly 1,600 square miles in size, is home to around 1,400 residents. CBS On Tuesday night after months of a public push for a recall vote, Poley was ordered by the voters to return his badge by June 26. The recall comes after some in the community accused Poley of failing to prioritize the safety of students at North Park High School, also accusing him of improperly arresting the school's principal on school grounds during school hours. "The community voted to determine if they would keep the sheriff in his position as the sheriff or recall him," said Coby Corkle, a Jackson County commissioner. In his rebuttal, Poley disputed the accusations in the petition and said he tried to always keep students safe while investigating all tips. CBS Colorado attempted to reach Poley by email; however, his account issued an automated response claiming he had retired. "Small town politics can be difficult. I think Sheriff Poley should have been given the opportunity to finish his term, which was about a year and a half," Corkle said. "Obviously, the community didn't feel the same. This was a community-led initiative." Some residents who wished not to be identified told CBS Colorado they felt a change in leadership in the office was overdue. Some resident who supported the sheriff being replaced said even showing their support had been viewed as somewhat controversial in the town of Walden. However, signs throughout the community were seen supporting Poley being replaced by candidate Dustin "Dusty" Weber, a former deputy who was running unopposed to replace Poley. Some raised concerns that the sheriff had allegedly gone missing from his duties since the Tuesday night vote. When CBS Colorado went to the sheriff's office to try and speak with staff, the door was locked during regular business hours, and nobody answered when a doorbell was activated. The day prior, a sign had been hung at the sheriff's office saying the office was no longer open to the public. "Jarrod Poley is still the acting sheriff," Corkle explained. "I believe he is transitioning himself out." Corkle said 911 calls were still being answered by dispatchers. Deputies were still responding to calls, and he also added that he felt the community was safe. Corkle speculated that the closure of the office during the transition was simply confined to pausing administrative actions and walk-ins like for those seeking to obtain their conceal carry license. Corkle said he has been in contact with both Pokey and Weber in recent days and is confident that residents and visitors will be safe and cared for. He also said multiple agencies in the region have also offered their support, especially as the community prepares to welcome thousands for the 75th annual North Park Fair. "Jarrod did some good things for this community, I hope (residents) remember that. I understand there are some things he did that the community is not happy with, and he is suffering the consequences of that," Corkle said. "Our job is to find a solution and move forward. I think Dustin Weber will be a good sheriff. We want to make sure he has the resources to be successful, and we want to make sure the community is taken care of. Public safety is not something you want to short change."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jackson County caps short-term rental property tax increases at 15%
Some Jackson County homeowners are breathing a sigh of relief after county lawmakers passed a new ordinance Wednesday aimed at easing the tax burden on short-term rental operators. The ordinance, passed unanimously, blocks the county assessor from reclassifying any residential property used as a short-term rental in 2023 as commercial for 2025 tax purposes.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Missouri governor signs stadium aid package intended to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the state
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a legislative package on Saturday, approved by Missouri lawmakers earlier in the week, that includes hundreds of millions of dollars of financial aid intended to persuade the Chiefs and Royals to remain in the state. Kehoe, a Republican, had called lawmakers into special session and they approved of the package Wednesday. The Chiefs and Royals currently play at the Truman Sports Complex on the east side of Kansas City, where Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium share parking facilities. But their leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031, and the two franchises have been trying to decide the best route forward for the past several years. Last year, Jackson County voters defeated a sales tax extension that would have helped finance an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium — the home of the Chiefs — and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City. The slow movement by those on the Missouri side of the state line in supporting the franchises prompted lawmakers in Kansas to authorize bonds for up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums in their state. The Royals have bought a mortgage for property in Kansas, though the team also has continued to pursue other possible sites in Missouri. The offer from Kansas is scheduled to expire June 30, and both teams have indicated they will hope to have a plan formulated by then. Missouri's legislation authorizes bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments. If they choose to stay in Missouri, the Chiefs have floated plans for a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. The Royals have insisted all along that they intend to build a replacement for Kauffman Stadium. The stadium subsidies already were a top concern in Missouri when a deadly tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, causing an estimated $1.6 billion of damage a day after lawmakers had wrapped up work in their annual regular session. Disaster relief tied to stadium funding had widespread support. On Wednesday, Democratic state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins described to lawmakers how she had witnessed the tornado rip the roof off her house and damage her St. Louis neighborhood. 'Homes are crumbled and leveled,' said Collins, adding: 'It hurts me to my core to see the families that have worked so hard, the businesses that have worked so hard, to see them ripped apart.' The Chiefs, in a statement to The Associated Press, described the legislative vote this week as a 'significant step forward' that enables the team to continue exploring options to remain in Missouri. The Royals described the legislation as 'a very important piece of our decision-making process' but made no site-specific commitment. 'Our focus remains the same: to prioritize the best interests of our team, fans, partners and regional community as we pursue the next generational home for the Kansas City Royals,' the team said in a statement to the AP. Though they have no specific plans in the works, the St. Louis Cardinals also would be eligible for stadium aid if they undertake a project of at least $500 million. They built their existing Busch Stadium nearly 20 years ago. 'We have the chance to maybe save what is the symbol of this state,' said state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis County. The legislation did face some bipartisan pushback from those who described it as a subsidy for wealthy franchise owners. Others raised concerns that a property tax break for homeowners, which was added in the Senate to gain votes, violates the state constitution by providing different levels of tax relief in various counties while excluding others entirely. 'This bill is unconstitutional, it's fiscally reckless, it's morally wrong,' Republican state Rep. Bryant Wolfin said. ___
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Missouri governor signs stadium aid package intended to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the state
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a legislative package on Saturday, approved by Missouri lawmakers earlier in the week, that includes hundreds of millions of dollars of financial aid intended to persuade the Chiefs and Royals to remain in the state. Kehoe, a Republican, had called lawmakers into special session and they approved of the package Wednesday. The Chiefs and Royals currently play at the Truman Sports Complex on the east side of Kansas City, where Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium share parking facilities. But their leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031, and the two franchises have been trying to decide the best route forward for the past several years. Last year, Jackson County voters defeated a sales tax extension that would have helped finance an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium — the home of the Chiefs — and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City. The slow movement by those on the Missouri side of the state line in supporting the franchises prompted lawmakers in Kansas to authorize bonds for up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums in their state. The Royals have bought a mortgage for property in Kansas, though the team also has continued to pursue other possible sites in Missouri. The offer from Kansas is scheduled to expire June 30, and both teams have indicated they will hope to have a plan formulated by then. Missouri's legislation authorizes bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments. If they choose to stay in Missouri, the Chiefs have floated plans for a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. The Royals have insisted all along that they intend to build a replacement for Kauffman Stadium. The stadium subsidies already were a top concern in Missouri when a deadly tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, causing an estimated $1.6 billion of damage a day after lawmakers had wrapped up work in their annual regular session. Disaster relief tied to stadium funding had widespread support. On Wednesday, Democratic state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins described to lawmakers how she had witnessed the tornado rip the roof off her house and damage her St. Louis neighborhood. 'Homes are crumbled and leveled,' said Collins, adding: 'It hurts me to my core to see the families that have worked so hard, the businesses that have worked so hard, to see them ripped apart.' The Chiefs, in a statement to The Associated Press, described the legislative vote this week as a 'significant step forward' that enables the team to continue exploring options to remain in Missouri. The Royals described the legislation as 'a very important piece of our decision-making process' but made no site-specific commitment. 'Our focus remains the same: to prioritize the best interests of our team, fans, partners and regional community as we pursue the next generational home for the Kansas City Royals,' the team said in a statement to the AP. Though they have no specific plans in the works, the St. Louis Cardinals also would be eligible for stadium aid if they undertake a project of at least $500 million. They built their existing Busch Stadium nearly 20 years ago. 'We have the chance to maybe save what is the symbol of this state,' said state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis County. The legislation did face some bipartisan pushback from those who described it as a subsidy for wealthy franchise owners. Others raised concerns that a property tax break for homeowners, which was added in the Senate to gain votes, violates the state constitution by providing different levels of tax relief in various counties while excluding others entirely. 'This bill is unconstitutional, it's fiscally reckless, it's morally wrong,' Republican state Rep. Bryant Wolfin said. ___ Associated Press writer David Lieb contributed to this report. ___ AP sports:
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Missouri governor signs stadium aid package intended to keep the Chiefs and Royals in the state
Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates with teammates after their baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates with teammates after their baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates with teammates after their baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gov. Mike Kehoe signed a legislative package on Saturday, approved by Missouri lawmakers earlier in the week, that includes hundreds of millions of dollars of financial aid intended to persuade the Chiefs and Royals to remain in the state. Kehoe, a Republican, had called lawmakers into special session and they approved of the package Wednesday. Advertisement The Chiefs and Royals currently play at the Truman Sports Complex on the east side of Kansas City, where Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium share parking facilities. But their leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031, and the two franchises have been trying to decide the best route forward for the past several years. Last year, Jackson County voters defeated a sales tax extension that would have helped finance an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium — the home of the Chiefs — and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals in downtown Kansas City. The slow movement by those on the Missouri side of the state line in supporting the franchises prompted lawmakers in Kansas to authorize bonds for up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums in their state. The Royals have bought a mortgage for property in Kansas, though the team also has continued to pursue other possible sites in Missouri. The offer from Kansas is scheduled to expire June 30, and both teams have indicated they will hope to have a plan formulated by then. Missouri's legislation authorizes bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments. Advertisement If they choose to stay in Missouri, the Chiefs have floated plans for a $1.15 billion renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. The Royals have insisted all along that they intend to build a replacement for Kauffman Stadium. The stadium subsidies already were a top concern in Missouri when a deadly tornado struck St. Louis on May 16, causing an estimated $1.6 billion of damage a day after lawmakers had wrapped up work in their annual regular session. Disaster relief tied to stadium funding had widespread support. On Wednesday, Democratic state Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins described to lawmakers how she had witnessed the tornado rip the roof off her house and damage her St. Louis neighborhood. 'Homes are crumbled and leveled,' said Collins, adding: 'It hurts me to my core to see the families that have worked so hard, the businesses that have worked so hard, to see them ripped apart.' Advertisement The Chiefs, in a statement to The Associated Press, described the legislative vote this week as a 'significant step forward' that enables the team to continue exploring options to remain in Missouri. The Royals described the legislation as 'a very important piece of our decision-making process' but made no site-specific commitment. 'Our focus remains the same: to prioritize the best interests of our team, fans, partners and regional community as we pursue the next generational home for the Kansas City Royals,' the team said in a statement to the AP. Though they have no specific plans in the works, the St. Louis Cardinals also would be eligible for stadium aid if they undertake a project of at least $500 million. They built their existing Busch Stadium nearly 20 years ago. 'We have the chance to maybe save what is the symbol of this state,' said state Rep. Jim Murphy, a Republican from St. Louis County. Advertisement The legislation did face some bipartisan pushback from those who described it as a subsidy for wealthy franchise owners. Others raised concerns that a property tax break for homeowners, which was added in the Senate to gain votes, violates the state constitution by providing different levels of tax relief in various counties while excluding others entirely. 'This bill is unconstitutional, it's fiscally reckless, it's morally wrong,' Republican state Rep. Bryant Wolfin said. ___ Associated Press writer David Lieb contributed to this report. ___ AP sports:
