During the process of implementation of the One For Coweta Sales tax approved by Coweta voters 72% to 28% in September 2021, City of Coweta staff discovered a technical error. Oklahoma state statutes, specifically Title 11, Section 16-101, require that a Resolution Calling for the Election for any municipal election be published in a "newspaper of general circulation in the municipality" at least 10 days before the election date. While we did print and mail a voter information flyer to every Coweta utility customer, hold public meetings, and promote links to voter information online, we did not publish the Resolution Calling for the Election in the Wagoner County American-Tribune.
What does that mean? It means that in the interest of government transparency and compliance with statute, the City of Coweta will bring this proposition back to Coweta voters early next year.
The City Council was made aware of the error in late November and directed city staff to pursue the re-submittal of the election for the proposed sales tax increase and to stop the implementation of the sales tax until that time. Local businesses will be informed via the Oklahoma Tax Commission about the changes directly.
We sincerely apologize for the error, and we are taking all necessary steps including asking the City Attorney and our Bond Counsel to help ensure we meet all requirements and publications moving forward.
Public Information Meetings
The City of Coweta is hosting two public meetings to share details and receive public comments on the sales tax initiative up for a vote on February 8th.
On February 8th, 2022, voters in the city of Coweta will have a second opportunity to implement a one-penny sales tax that will create a dedicated source of revenue for improving our public safety, roads, drainage, parks, and other critical infrastructure. If passed, the One for Coweta funds would be used exclusively to accomplish important projects like improving our public safety facilities, enhancing local parks, and improving our roadways.
If you are new to Coweta or recently moved, the voter registration deadline is January 14, 2022.
Find out where to vote »
Coweta’s general fund budget is almost entirely composed of local sales tax, and that fund has to support many operating expenses of the City, including public works and public safety. There is no significant source of revenue that can be dedicated solely to road repairs and capital projects. As the City of Coweta grows, the need for capital improvements will grow as well, and the City has two options to fund these growing needs:
