Voters in Moore, Tulsa County consider tax plans

County commissioners put the measure on the ballot in August after two developers, including state Rep. Cory Williams, urged them to modernize the Stillwater area's liquor laws.

Commissioners voted 2 to 1 to put the measure on the ballot.

Tulsa County tax

Voters in Tulsa County appear to be deciding against extending a long-term tax initiative that would fund projects in Tulsa, Bixby, Broken Arrow, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Skiatook and Sperry.

As of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, voters were not being kind to the two propositions.

With 225 of 263 precincts reporting, an economic development proposition was failing with 107,207 “no” votes compared with 85,295 “yes” votes.

A “quality-of-life” proposition was failing, as well, with 104,252 “no” votes compared with 88,007 “yes” votes.

The tax extension would generate $748.8 million in revenue for Tulsa County projects.

The original Vision 2025 sales tax was approved by voters in 2003 and is set to expire in 2016.

The Vision2 plan would extend the sales tax until 2029, according to Tulsa County officials.

In the city of Tulsa, it's projected about half of the $157.9 million in Vision2 funding would be used to upgrade and create Arkansas River dams, along with $20 million for improvements to the city's zoo.

Tulsa County has plans to build a new juvenile justice center for $38 million. Another $25 million would be used to improve roads, bridges and other county infrastructure.

Tulsa suburbs would receive significant funding if voters approve the sales tax extension.

According to Tulsa County officials, Broken Arrow has plans to spend $27.7 million of its Vision2 funding on road projects.

City officials have said they are planning to widen numerous thoroughfares in the growing city to five lanes.

Broken Arrow is projected to receive $44.1 million if the two propositions are approved by voters on Tuesday, the most of any Tulsa suburb.