By Bailey Coyle, FOX23.com News Staff
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Tahlequah voters will decide Tuesday, August 25, whether to approve two sales tax propositions that city leaders say would help fund future capital improvements and support the city’s general operations.
The first proposition would continue a 0.50% sales tax specifically for 12 capital improvement projects. The second would establish a 0.25% sales tax for the city’s general fund.
City Administrator Taylor Tannehill says the measures are part of an extension of the city’s existing sales tax. If both pass, property taxes will not increase.
“We have two propositions that will be on the ballot,” Tannehill said. “The first proposition is a half cent sales tax specifically for 12 capital improvement projects. And then the second proposition is a quarter cent sales tax that will be for the general fund.”
The city currently has a 0.75% sales tax approved through its 2013 bond program. That tax is set to expire in 2028.
12 projects on the ballot
Tannehill says the city began developing the proposal in the winter of 2025. A committee was created to explore how the capital improvement funding could be used, with community surveys helping determine which projects were ultimately selected.
The 12 proposed projects include improvements to the senior citizens center, aquatic facilities, cemetery, fire station, library and animal shelter, as well as trail expansion and a new amphitheater.
The city has previously described the projects as quality-of-life improvements that would affect different parts of the community.
One major proposal is improvements to the city’s Central Fire Station, which is about 50 years old.
Tannehill says the station was originally designed for a volunteer department. Today, Tahlequah has both full-time and volunteer firefighters, along with women serving on the force.
The proposed improvements could include updated living quarters and accommodations for the department’s current needs.
Another proposal would expand the Tahlequah Animal Center.
Tannehill says the existing facility is relatively small and can limit the number of animals the city can take in. The proposed expansion would provide more space and could bring services and organizations together under one roof, including adoption services, spay and neuter clinics and vaccination clinics.
The proposal also includes expanding the city’s trail system, including planned connections on the south side of the creek system through downtown.
The Tahlequah Public Library could also see an expansion, with additional meeting space and office space for staff.
And the city has long envisioned an amphitheater downtown. Tannehill says the proposed location would be along the creek, with a bluff providing a backdrop.
Other projects would include community center and municipal government complex, northeastern health system improvements riverlinks golf course improvements, lighting and safety improvements aquatic facility improvements senior citizens center enhancements, and improvements at city cemetery.
When could projects begin?
If voters approve the capital improvement tax, it would take effect in April 2028.
Tannehill says the city would use the time between the election and the tax taking effect to develop engineering and architectural plans. The city hopes to have bids ready by spring 2028, with construction potentially beginning soon afterward.
The city’s proposal says projects could begin April 1, 2028, and the City Council serving in 2028 would determine the order and timing based on community needs, project readiness and available funding.
What would the general fund tax pay for?
The second proposition would put an additional 0.25% into the city’s general fund.
Tannehill described the general fund as the city’s operating budget, covering expenses such as equipment, employees, general maintenance and some capital improvements.
He says the additional revenue would help the city maintain existing facilities as well as future facilities if the capital improvement projects are approved.
“This would put a quarter of a cent additional into our general fund,” Tannehill said. “It’s critically important … to continue maintenance of our existing facilities and to do maintenance of these future facilities if they’re approved.”
What about roads?
One question that has come up from residents is why there are no street projects included among the 12 capital improvement projects.
Tannehill says the city already has a separate street and sidewalk tax approved by voters.
She says the city did not want to duplicate a tax for the same purpose and that Tahlequah continues to use the existing funding for street improvements.
City encouraging voters to ask questions
Tannehill is encouraging voters to review both propositions before heading to the polls.
He says residents can also contact City Hall or members of the committee with questions. Committee meetings were recorded and are available through the city’s website.
The city says the capital improvement proposal includes 12 projects and that the final order and timing of those projects would be determined after the election based on available funding and community needs.
Tahlequah voters will decide the two propositions on August 25, 2026.
