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JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. (KCTV) - Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. said Monday conversations between him and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson were productive regarding plans to keep the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs in Jackson County.

In a statement shared Monday evening, White Jr. said the two elected officials discussed their “mutual interest” in keeping the teams in the county they’ve called home for more than six decades.

“It was a productive conversation centered on the pride these teams bring to our community and the importance of developing a fair and sustainable plan for the future,” White Jr. said.

Parson was in Kansas City Monday to meet with White Jr. and other leaders -- including Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas -- about keeping the teams from moving across the state line.

READ MORE: Lucas says taxpayers will lose if Kansas and Missouri engage in incentive competition for Chiefs, Royals

“Our community is large and diverse, and it needs a government that works in its best interest,” White Jr. said. “I made it clear to Governor Parson, as I have to the public before, during, and after the recent stadium sales tax campaign, that before I can support any new proposal, it must offer clear and significant benefits to the taxpayers of Jackson County. Additionally, the financial burden of supporting teams must be equitably shared among all parties.”

In April, White Jr. expressed opposition to the teams’ stadium sales tax extension proposal that would’ve kept the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium and helped the Royals with their goal to move into a downtown ballpark. White Jr. doubled down Monday saying that isn’t a good plan for Jackson County taxpayers.

“Maintaining the current financial arrangement is not in the best interest of Jackson County and its residents as it hampers our ability to provide essential health and public safety services,” White Jr. said. “Governor Parson understands these challenges and commends our commitment to fiscal responsibility.”

Following the failed vote in April, legislators in Kansas passed a STAR bonds bill with the help of Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly that opens a pathway to the teams moving to the Sunflower State.

While in Kansas City on Monday, Parson also met with Clay County leaders. White Jr. thanked Parson for his service to the state and said “we are hopeful that, regardless of who succeeds him in a few months, the state will continue to support our efforts.”

“Together, we can find a solution that ensures the Chiefs and Royals remain a proud part of Jackson County without compromising the financial well-being of our community.”

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