2006-2012 Third Penny Sales Tax Extension
Ordinance and List of Projects
The Tulsa City Council voted unanimously during its regular meeting
March 2 to place two sales tax questions on the May 9th ballot. The
propositions will fund $71.3 million in unfunded projects carried
over from the 2001 sales tax extension program, and up to an
additional $389.6 million for new projects for a grand total of
$463.4 million. (The grand total includes $2.6 million interest and
issuance costs.)
The third penny of the City's sales tax has been dedicated to
fund capital improvements since the 1980s, while the other two
cents is used to fund maintenance and operations of city
government. The third penny has made possible improvements such as
arterial and residential street widening and rehabilitation, Tulsa
Parks and the Gilcrease Museum, River Parks, public safety, flood
control, economic, downtown and neighborhood development and repair
and renovation of public facilities.
The one cent sales tax extension provides $63.9 million for
public safety capital projects, including $32 million for police
vehicles, replacement of the Police helicopter and a permanent home
for the forensic laboratory and property room. The program will
also include $19 million for the Fire Department and $9.4 million
for telecommunications systems and equipment used for public safety
programs. Emergency Medical Services would receive $3 million for
capital equipment.
The largest portion of the package is public works and
transportation totaling $202.2 million, including $125 million for
streets, sidewalks and trails
The extension also includes $16 million for development along
the Arkansas River, including renovation of the River West Festival
Park, East bank improvements between 11th and 21st streets and
trails resurfacing and widening.
For downtown, councilors included $12 million for downtown
streets, $4.8 million for the replacement of the Boulder Avenue
Bridge, $2 million for directional signage, $4 million for
renovations to the Civic Center parking garage and $5 million to
participate with the Tulsa Parking Authority in the construction of
another downtown parking garage.
The projects for the sales tax include $3 million for
infrastructure to be built to stimulate private economic
development and investment citywide and economic and neighborhood
development would receive $24 million.
The projects for the 2006 sales tax extension were compiled
based on projects included in the approved Capital Improvements
Plan. The projects were prioritized and discussed with the Mayor,
who also held four public town hall meetings with taxpayers to
receive their feedback on needs and priorities. A list was
generated following the meetings and proposed to the City Council.
Councilors met with constituents in their districts and proposed
changes and additions for a revised program.
