Lawton officials begin discussions on new extension of Capital Improvements Program

A new extension of Lawton’s Capital Improvements Program includes dedicated revenue streams for streets and parks upgrades.

Mayor Stan Booker introduced the topic earlier this year, then filled in some details Monday on a sales tax extension proposal that is expected to go to city voters Aug. 27. Like the program approved by voters in early 2020, the proposal would extend the existing 2.125 percent sales tax already dedicated to capital improvements. The extension approved by voters in 2020 will expire Dec. 31, 2034, under a program that rolled existing CIP programs and their projects into new work specifically outlined for the estimated $100 million in new money expected by the extended tax.

This program would do the same thing, meaning projects already outlined would continue while revenues generated by extending the existing sales tax to 2040 would be used to address new concerns and allow new projects. Booker and others say the proposal isn’t a new tax; it merely extends the sales tax already being paid.

Booker said his argument is simple: there are things the community needs to do and problems it must address, but it can’t.

“There’s no money to address these things,” he said, explaining that without an extension, many of those needs will go unmet.

Some of those projects are things residents have complained about and amenities they already want: street work and upgrades in city parks. That’s why Booker’s proposals include a plan to designate one-quarter cent to streets and another quarter-cent to parks, “and make it indefinite.”

“We need to keep investing in parks,” he said, explaining while city officials already are discussing specific upgrades such as an aquatics center and amphitheater in Elmer Thomas Park and expanded amenities to parks such as Lee West and East Side, there also is a strong argument Lawton must continue to invest in things that make the community attractive to families.

And, parents want good parks for their children.

The argument is just as strong for street work, Booker said, explaining Lawton is borrowing an idea from a peer city that has a dedicated, permanent sales tax dedicated to streets. That’s never been done in Lawton, he said, adding the result of years of neglect and less-than-needed funding in yearly budgets is evident.

“One quarter for streets and one-quarter for parks, those are never going away,” he said about a dedicated revenue stream that will be used exclusively for those items.

Projections already indicate a one-quarter percent sales tax could generate $4.2 million a year. For streets, that dedicated revenue source can be maximized by giving Lawton proof it already has its local match in hand when soliciting federal grants. It’s something the CIP already has allowed Lawton to do with the first phase of West Lee Boulevard upgrades, planned renovations on Goodyear Boulevard and construction of a new industrial bypass for the west industrial park — all projects where grants cover the bulk of construction costs.

For parks, the dedicated revenue stream will allow the Parks and Recreation Department make long-term plans, Booker said, explaining that can’t be done now because the parks staff doesn’t know from year-to-year what funding it will have.

New needs don’t center on streets and parks.

Some have been discussed in recent months: The council already knows it will cost $6 million to modernize and repair the damage leaks have caused at Museum of the Great Plains. Upgrades also are needed at Carnegie Library Town Hall, a structure on the National Register of Historic Places. Upgrades at the city animal shelter have been discussed for years.

Some are expansion of things already in place: Booker said the city must do more for its youth, particularly those at risk, and some of his goals are more arts-related programming because of its benefit to youth. The existing CIP designates up to $8 million for the planned indoor youth sports complex, a total far short of projected construction costs. Residents like the funding focus on sidewalks, but more are needed.

Some are new: A victim’s resource center, new fencing around Highland Cemetery, more storm sirens, traffic signal upgrades.

The council’s task in coming weeks will be determining projects, to include costs and estimates on just how much revenue can be generated by the CIP extension.

“We’ll discuss those Monday,” Booker said, of a process that will include council discussions and community sessions where residents can ask questions and make suggestions.