MAPS 3 could generate public safety money, Oklahoma City says

The city's police and fire unions oppose MAPS 3 because it does not include money specifically for public safety.

"I can assure you that if MAPS does not pass, our public safety issues multiply," Mayor Mick Cornett said at a news conference called in response to union opposition to MAPS 3.

Cornett said if MAPS 3 passes, the city will give MAPS 3 use tax revenue to public safety.

Use taxes are charged instead of sales taxes to businesses who buy items from outside Oklahoma City for use within the city. A use tax typically accompanies a voter-approved sales tax.

City records show public safety has received $60 million of use tax revenue from MAPS For Kids, which passed in 2001. The money has been used for public safety capital projects.

Union officials said they would have no comment on the use tax plan or MAPS 3 until a news conference Friday.

The unions are locked in a work contract dispute with the city concerning staffing and pay. Union officials have formed a campaign committee called "Not This MAPS," claiming the city needs to first deal with understaffing in the police and fire departments.

Cornett declined to discuss specifics of the latest contract offer the city made to the unions this past week, but said MAPS 3 use tax revenue could pay for additional police officers and firefighters in addition to capital projects.