Norman Projects Downsized After Bonds Fail In Tuesday's Vote

The City of Norman is figuring out how to move forward after an across the board rejection of four bond proposals on Tuesday.

A field near NW 24th and Rockcreeck Road remains empty five years after voters overwhelmingly approved a more than $200 million sales tax plan. However, the City said the sales tax just hasn't brought in enough money.

On Tuesday, voters rejected giving more $85.6 million more to the already approved sports facilities and senior center in proposition one.

Three other propositions also failed. They would have helped set aside $5 million for new homeless facilities, a upgrade $24.3 million upgrade to the city’s municipal complex, and $5 million to provide small business COVID-19 relief funds.

News 9 asked the City of Norman for an interview.

“We simply do not know enough yet about how these projects will proceed. We will have to go back to the drawing board with the ad hoc committees," a city spokeswoman said.

According to the city website, the multi-sport/aquatic center will be about half the size it was pitched in 2015 with a smaller pool, and half as many basketball courts.

Plans for a senior center will be short a pool, gym and fitness room, and kitchen.

The softball and football complex will go from five softball and seven football fields to one of each.

A city spokeswoman said the lack of funding is due to a sales tax shortfall, increased construction costs and higher public expectations from what was pitched in 2015.