Edmond Voters Decide The Fate Of Land Near Hafer Park

Voters in Edmond will decide on a temporary sales tax increase that would allow the city to buy 22 acres of land near Hafer Park. 

The land is currently privately owned.

If approved, the sales tax in Edmond would increase 0.25%, or $2.50 for every $1,000 spent in the city. That would make the sales tax in Edmond 8.5%. 

The temporary increase would be in place from January of 2022 through January of 2023.  

If the measure does not pass, the land will be left to the private owners to do with it what they see fit. Edmond officials believe the space would become residential or commercial. 

If the land does become the home of some businesses or houses, Edmond Marketing and Public Relations Manager Bill Begley said it could mean more traffic in the area. That has been the main point of contention between the two sides. 

"What we did was come together and offer up this compromise if the citizens of Edmond decide that that park system is worth it to them they will vote yes and that will increase that sales tax a quarter of percent for a year," said Begley. 

If passed, the money would be used to expand the park, though exact development plans are not yet in place. 

Based on tax collections from the 2020-21 fiscal year, the sales tax increase would generate about $5 million for the purchase. 

To find your polling location visit: https://okvoterportal.okelections.us/ 

To learn more about the proposal visit: https://www.edmondok.com/1669/October-12-Sales-Tax-Election