May 25, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
During the latest Elk City Commissioner’s proceedings, the Commission approved to re-purpose sales tax intake to go towards city employee’s pay.
As explained by city financial adviser Meredith Meacham-Wilson to the Commission, the current sales tax rate in the city stands at 4.5%, with 1.5% dedicated to debt service, half a percent goes towards the hospital with the other whole percent going towards funding CAPPs projects.
She explained that the remaining 3% is split between general operations – which funds city employees, and capital improvements. Meacham-Wilson said that as the city prepares the budget, City Manager Tom Ivester has been looking closely at re-appropriating sales tax funds.
Ward 4 Commissioner Rick Shelton emphasized to his fellow commissioners the importance of paying, and retaining, city employees.
The item passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote. The measure also called to declare the resolution an emergency – ensuring the item goes into affect by July 1.
