Del City officials are stepping into the Oklahoma County ballot fight, urging residents to vote “no” on a proposed sales tax that would fund the final phases of a new county jail and its behavioral‑health center. The measure, slated for the Nov. 3 election, would add a two‑fifths‑of‑a‑cent sales tax to the county’s levy.

Local leaders voice concerns

Former Del City mayor Floyd Eason, who has opposed the project from its inception, told reporters, “Vote no, we don’t need more taxes. We need more accountability.” Eason also led a petition to halt the jail’s construction, arguing that the existing facility could be remodeled for far less than the projected $900 million cost.

Current Mayor Greg Childers echoed the sentiment, saying, “Our residents in Oklahoma County deserve accountability, and this is not it. We do not need another misappropriated tax increase.” Councilwoman Claudia Browne added that a new jail will not solve the ongoing deaths inside the current facility, calling the promise of a solution “not a solution.”

Councilman Scott Tatom criticized the timing, suggesting the county should have planned the project years ago rather than presenting a last‑minute tax ask to taxpayers.

County officials defend the tax

County Commissioner Brian Maughan defended the measure, stating, “I don’t know how to build it out of air. I need funds to be able to finish the project. Nobody hates this more than I do.” He warned that without the tax, the Department of Justice could intervene to complete construction, leaving taxpayers on the hook regardless.

The proposed tax would not only cover construction costs but also fund ongoing operation of the jail and its attached behavioral‑health center, a component intended to address mental‑health needs of inmates.

What voters need to know

Oklahoma County voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to approve the sales tax. If passed, the tax would be levied on all retail sales within the county, generating revenue earmarked for the jail project. If rejected, the county must seek alternative financing, potentially involving state or federal assistance.

Local leaders are urging residents to consider the fiscal impact of another tax increase, especially as many households already face rising living costs. They argue that accountability and transparency should guide any additional public spending.

County officials, however, contend that the jail and its health center are critical to public safety and inmate rehabilitation, and that the tax is the most reliable way to secure the needed funds.

How to vote

Voters can cast their ballots at any designated polling place in Oklahoma County on Nov. 3. Early voting and mail‑in options are also available for those who cannot vote in person on Election Day.

Both sides of the debate will continue to hold town‑hall meetings and distribute informational materials in the weeks leading up to the vote, giving residents ample opportunity to weigh the arguments before heading to the polls.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.