By Jade Morrow, Fox23 News
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The City of Tahlequah is asking voters to approve an extension of its existing 0.75% sales tax to help fund future bond projects.
City officials said continuing the tax is critical to paying for a wide range of proposed improvements focused on entertainment, community resources and safety for residents and first responders.
Some of the projects include structural improvements to existing city buildings and facilities, while others would be building something entirely new such as a new fire station and an amphitheater.
The City previously issued two surveys to residents, asking them for ideas on the improvements, expansions and new developments they would like to see.
A third survey is currently open to the public and lists 10 proposed projects, including a new fire station, upgrades to the public library and animal shelter, additional lighting throughout the city and parks, and improvements to Northeastern Health System facilities, among others. In the survey, residents can rank the projects from most important to least important.
City leaders said this feedback will help shape the final project list and determine how funds would be allocated if voters approve the sales tax extension in the fall.
Tahlequah Mayor Suzanne Myers and City Administrator Taylor Tannehill said they’re confident the proposed projects address the needs of a growing community.
Mayor Myers explained, “To me, the list is inclusive in that it meets everybody—all age groups, all genders, all levels of mobility. I think we did a good job with that and put thought into it.”
She added that the City’s approach is rooted in transparency and community involvement.
“We don’t make decisions behind closed doors and then put a group together and say, ‘okay, who’s going to support that?’ That’s just now how we operate. It’s not ethical. It’s not being a good steward. It’s not being a good leader and we’re not going to be a party to that.”
City officials said cost estimates for each project are still being developed. They said they’re working with companies across the state to meet a late February deadline to provide cost projections and renderings for public review.
The project survey is open to everyone, even those who do not live in Tahlequah, and will remain open through the end of the month.
Once it closes, the City plans to release a fourth survey in March that will be open only to Tahlequah residents.
To access the project survey, click here.
