Safer Streets, Better OKC

On Sept. 12, citizens of Oklahoma City will go to the polls to decide on a bond program and two sales tax proposals.  There is going to be a lot on the ballot, so we will just give you the highlights (you can read the full ballot here):

• REPAIR AND RESURFACE STREETS: Invest $847 million in rebuilding and improving Oklahoma City's streets--the top concern of residents. Repairs include replacing bridges, resurfacing streets, building sidewalks, improving drainage, adding bike lanes and more.
• IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY: Hire more police officers and firefighters to keep Oklahoma City residents safe.
• IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE: Improve our Oklahoma City by investing in parks and civic / recreational facilities, police and fire stations, libraries, our public transit system, community and economic development programs, and more.

Oklahoma City has created a great tool that allows you to see what bond projects would happen in your area if approved.

What will this do to taxes in OKC? Property tax rates will NOT go up to fund the general obligation bond projects, and if both sales tax proposals are approved by voters, Oklahoma City’s total sales tax will be at the rate of 8.625 percent, still lower than the state average of 8.86 percent.

So what do you need to do between now and Sept. 12? First and foremost register to vote. You have until August 18 to register for this election. Also, make sure you read up on the proposal so you can be informed on the vote you cast. You can learn more here.