Vote YES on sale tax propositions

Let me be clear folks, voting yes will not raise our taxes, but will continue the current sales tax rate of 8.25%. Edmond sales tax rate will still rank the lowest in the metro area with most other communities at or above 8.5%

Please do not think that all 8.25% goes to the City of Edmond. Of 8.25%, 4.5% goes directly to the state and 3.75% goes to the City of Edmond. Edmond residents have the chance to vote Nov. 18 on the renewal of two crucial 10year taxes: the one-cent general fund sales tax and the ½-cent Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) sales tax.

Here is what I said about the renewal back in September and it still stands:

City Council voted during its September 8th regular meeting to place two questions on the ballot for the Tuesday, November 18 election, giving residents a chance to vote on the renewal of two 10-year taxes: the one-cent general fund sales tax and the ½-cent Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) sales tax.

Let me clear up any possible confusion. First, this is not a tax increase. It is a renewal of two taxes that already exist folks. Second, this is not a "special” election. It is an election already scheduled by the governor. Having it at this time gives a great advantage to the city on not footing the bill for the entire election. I would call that an effective use of taxpayer’s funds right out of the chute.

Proposition one is a renewal for a one-cent general fund sales tax that has been approved every 10 years by voters since 1977. The one-cent sales tax is critical funding for the City of Edmond’s General Fund budget used for operating city government services. It serves thirty-two budget divisions, with two-thirds going to police and fire.

Proposition 2 is a renewal for a ½cent CIP sales tax that was approved by voters in 2016 for capital improvement projects. The ½-cent CIP sales tax would be dedicated to fund road improvements to improve driving conditions and move traffic more efficiently through the city. The number one complaint residents have in Edmond is the traffic issues. I maintain that traffic is good. Trust me, you do not want to live in a town

that has no traffic, and you can blow cannons off in their downtown area and never hit a person.

Voting to renew these sales tax propositions will not raise the current rate – it will continue the current sales tax rate of 8.25 percent sales tax which does not all go to the city bank accounts.

Let me be more specific. Running at 8.5 percent is Moore, Bethany, Mustang and Nichols Hills. Over that percentage is Oklahoma City, Choctaw, Norman and Yukon. Right at 9.0 percent is Del City, Guthrie and the Village. Over 9 percent is Midwest City, and the winner is Piedmont at around 9.75 percent. Heck, the streets must be lined with gold in Piedmont.

Folks picked Edmond to live in over these other communities not because of the lower sales tax. In fact, many are surprised to find out we have a lower tax rate. However, we have a much better quality of life than all these other communities, no offense intended to our sister communities in central Oklahoma. The only conclusion you can draw is that our city government operates smarter and more efficiently than the rest.

Sales taxes enable our city to pay for personnel, equipment, infrastructure, and other operational costs associated with services. In Oklahoma, this is vital revenue as operational costs cannot be funded by property tax. Our sales tax dollars fund most of the basic services of city government. Police and fire response, maintenance of roads and parks, as well as emergency services related to weather events are the key services funded by these revenues.

This vote is a must for yes in our Edmond. If you are wondering if you can vote, look at your trash can. If your main trash can is green, you can vote. If it is blue, you are technically in Oklahoma City even though you may have an Edmond address. I understand this is a base way of referring to your ability to vote in this election, but it is simple enough that it works.

I saw a post on one of those social media neighborhood pages. There was an informative discussion taking place about the renewal and a person broke in with "No, vote no!” I labeled the guy an idiot. It was rude of me, and I feel bad about it. I have a lot of my Marine dad in me. None of us will want to live in Edmond if these taxes are not renewed and your home values will plunge.

There is a small but vocal group of folks in our town that believe the city council, mayor and staff are “lining their pockets” with sales tax money. Please tune them out because they are wrong. They want all the great amenities that we have but do not want to pay for them. Who do they think is supposed to foot the bill for police, fire, street and parks? My dad used to describe folks like that having a champaign appetite but a beer pocketbook.

Please do not think it is a done deal and stay home. We must get out and vote to win the day and keep Edmond on the right path that we enjoy so much.

The renewal is also endorsed by our area realtors and our chamber of commerce. Here is what the chamber had to say about it:

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to vote YES in the upcoming November 18, 2025, election to renew two critical sales taxes that directly support Edmond’s quality of life, public safety, and infrastructure.

On the ballot will be:

• Proposition 1 – Renewal of the one-cent general fund sales tax used to operate city government. This long-standing tax supports essential services including police, fire, parks, trails, and community programs. It has been approved by Edmond voters every 10 years since 1977 and remains vital to keeping Edmond safe and thriving.

• Proposition 2 – Renewal of the half-cent capital improvement sales tax, dedicated to funding critical road projects to improve driving conditions and traffic flow across the city.

The Edmond Chamber emphasizes that these propositions represent no tax increase. Approval simply continues Edmond’s existing sales tax rate of 8.25%, which remains among the lowest in the metro area. The Chamber’s Board of Directors has unanimously endorsed a vote yes campaign, recognizing the critical role these renewals play in supporting public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life.

“Safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and a strong quality of life are essential for Edmond’s business climate,” said Sherry Jordan, President & CEO of the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce. “By voting yes, we are investing in Edmond’s future and ensuring our community remains a place where businesses and families can thrive.”

Kenneth Wohl, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Edmond Chamber, echoed his support: “These renewals are about stability and growth. Businesses depend on safe streets, efficient infrastructure, and a vibrant community to succeed. A yes vote ensures Edmond stays competitive, welcoming, and positioned for continued success.”

The Chamber is urging all residents to:

• Make a plan to vote during election day, Tuesday, November 18.

• Vote YES on both sales tax renewal propositions.

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure , may be reached for comment at ray@edmondpaper.com)