Comanche County commissioners add Sunday alcohol sales proposal to November ballot

Comanche County Commissioners want county residents to decide whether they should be able to buy alcohol from liquor stores on Sundays.

Commissioners unanimously agreed, without public discussion, on Monday to submit a ballot resolution to the Comanche County Election Board, which will allow residents to vote Nov. 5 on whether retail spirits licensees (the legal definition of liquor stores) may sale alcoholic beverages in Comanche County on Sundays. The question — which will be on the General Election ballot — will have countywide application, meaning every qualified voter in Comanche County can vote, said District 1 Commissioner Trent Logan.

Logan, the board’s newest member, said the issue is one of finances: he believes the county should allow the sale of alcohol on Sundays, meaning it will be allowed to collect the tax revenue that such sales generate. That, in turn, will help Comanche County generate more revenue to apply to its expenses, he said, adding ways to increase revenue has been his “singular focus” since becoming the eastern district commissioner.

It isn’t a matter of personal preference or the preference of retail licensees, Logan said, adding that it also isn’t a matter of politics, but rather, a way to help budgeting for a county that needs to increase its revenue resources. 

“The county can make money, taxes, from the sales,” Logan said, adding he has talked to many people across the county and hasn’t found anyone in opposition of the plan, although he knows there will be people who won’t favor the idea. “My idea is that we will make money on it.”

Logan also is taking the position of a businessman, saying government shouldn’t be telling retailers when and what they can sale, which is what is happening now. Existing state law allows the retail liquor stores to sell alcohol only Monday through Saturday.

Logan said the proposal could be beneficial for Comanche County, where budgeting often is hampered by a lack of revenue.

The county is proud of its military installations and the number of retired veterans who call Comanche County their home. But, that comes with a price, he said, pointing out that for 100 percent disabled veterans like himself, one benefit of living in Oklahoma is a 100 percent waiver of their property taxes. It’s an important consideration for military veterans, but it also cuts into the ad valorem revenue that the county otherwise would receive.

His goal as commissioner is to decide “how do I affect change that makes up for a loss of revenue,” and he and others feel that selling alcohol on Sundays and taxing it may be one solution. He said he still is researching exactly how much revenue the proposal could generate for the county.

The proposal is a countywide ballot with a countywide application, whether you live in Lawton, Geronimo or Comanche County proper.