City Council Sets MAPS 3 Election Date

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Council has set a Dec. 8 election for the MAPS 3 proposal. But the ballot won't explain the MAPS 3 proposal in detail which has some wondering if they'll get what they pay for.

The council voted Tuesday morning to call for the election for the continuation of the 1 cent sales tax.

The tax would begin after the sales tax that is paying for Ford Center improvements expires

MAPS 3 Park Proposal

and continue for 7 years and 9 months.

Proposed projects include a new convention center, 40-acre downtown central park, new biking trails, Oklahoma River improvements and public transportation enhancements.

"I think people think the city is moving in the right direction...and that MAPSin the past has created economic development and improved the quality of life and this list of MAPS initiatives will do same thing and keep city moving in right direction," said Mayor Mick Cornett.

But when it comes time to vote, all the ballot will ask is that you mark 'yes' or 'no' to a one cent sales tax for city capital improvements, leaving the question: If MAPS 3 passes, will all the projects come to fruition?

"The intent of the council is to build these projects with the tax the voters will vote on in December," Said Mayor Cornett.

The tax is expected to raise $777 million for capital improvements, but what if it goes over budget? The mayor looks to the past for answers.

"MAPS for kids was a very similar project. It had a seven year revenue stream our city estimates were that it would generate $512 million. Seven years later it generated $514 million, so our budget staff is really good at being accurate with the revenue," Mayor Cornett said.

It's common, after a MAPS election, for the council to pass a resolution stating that it is their intent to complete all the projects.