Oklahoma County commissioners are actively seeking voter support for a proposed sales‑tax that will appear on the November ballot. The measure, a two‑fifths‑of‑a‑penny increase, is intended to fund the multi‑phase construction of a new county jail on East Grand Avenue.
Commissioners make the case
Commissioner Brian Maughan, representing District 2, appealed directly to residents, saying, “I’m just pleading with the voters to please vote for this.” He emphasized that the county cannot use any taxpayer money to promote the proposal, underscoring the need for community‑driven endorsement.
The jail project is already under way, with the first phase in progress. With just over a month left before the election, commissioners are racing to secure as many endorsements as possible.
Chamber’s pending decision
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, which backed the county’s $260 million bond package in 2022, has not yet taken a formal position on the sales‑tax proposal. The chamber indicated it is still in discussions with stakeholders and will announce its stance soon.
Opposition within the commission
Not all commissioners share the same enthusiasm. Commissioner Jason Lowe voted against placing the tax on the ballot and called the plan “reckless.” He warned, “There is no plan with the sales‑tax proposal. We are currently under two audits from the state of Oklahoma. We have no idea how much money we have in our bank account.”
What the tax would mean for voters
If approved, the sales‑tax would generate a dedicated revenue stream to cover construction costs for the new jail, reducing the need for additional bond measures or general‑fund allocations. Supporters argue that a stable funding source will keep the project on schedule and avoid future budget shortfalls.
Critics, however, raise concerns about adding another tax burden on residents, especially amid ongoing state audits of the county’s finances. They question whether the projected revenue will be sufficient to meet the full cost of the facility.
Next steps
The measure will be listed on the November ballot, and voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to approve the sales‑tax increase. County officials plan to continue outreach efforts through community meetings, local media, and direct communication with constituents.
As the election approaches, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s eventual endorsement could sway undecided voters, making its upcoming decision a focal point of the campaign.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
