Readers Sound Off On Safety Center Vote
Opponents of proposition one which concerns the proposed $31.5 million public safey center are using an ad campaign to get their point across.
In a recent e-mail, these opponents responded to the stories Diana Baldwin and I wrote about the center.
“I am wanting to present a snapshot our side of the story with which you can share with Diana for your stories on Tuesday and Wednesday. Those who oppose the passage of this proposition believe a good deal of ink has been given to the other side in getting their message out and would appreciate a balance of reporting.”
“On Saturday Oct. 26, you and Diana wrote about ” How to Pay the Bill ” and used figures provided by Stephen Schaus. I would like you to know Mr. Schuas on at least two occasions that were public record and published in the Edmond Sun gave different figures than the ones you quoted.”
” On March 24, and July 26 Mr. Schaus said ” Setting the bond for five years will increase the property tax of a $100,000 home by $114 a year for five years, or $76 a year if the bond lasts for 10 years ” Using his own figures this comes out to $6.33 p/ month not the $3.66 p/ month they are now claiming. Therefore, the cost for a $100,000 home in Edmond would be paying at $6.33 per month would be $759.60 over 10 years or 120 months, NOT the $439.36 you published.”
“Since the average home price is Edmond is $234,000 according to the Edmond Board of Realtors the accurate Ad Valorem Tax the average homeowner in Edmond would pay over 120 months would be $1,790.00. A figure far exceeding what you have published.”
“We would request this be noted in future articles so the citizens of Edmond can have correct information before going to the polls on November 4.”
“We would also like to mention the Ad Valorem tax only applies to those who own property in Edmond and not those who rent or live in apartments. Our study shown that 25 % of the 75,000 plus who call Edmond home will NEVER PAY A CENT FOR 10 YEARS TO BUILD THIS JAIL. That is approximately 18,750 people exempt from property tax payments.”
“A feasibility study that was done shows that if the city were to approve a 1/2 cent sales tax similar to that used in the MAPS project in OKC that the city could pay off the $31.5 million in 6-7 years !!!! Not 10 years of ad valorem but 6-7 in sales tax. Plus every Edmond resident would participate not just those who own property.”
“We strongly support the Edmond Police Department and believe the need exists to build a new facility post haste. The way the project is funded is our primary objection.”
“Please read the Proposition Ballot closely. Line 4 clearly says the facility will be built ” with or without the use of other funds … ” This is in addition to the $31.5 million that is being voted on. Please ask Mr. Steve Murdock, Edmond City Attorney what this means. He told me ” if the $31.5 million is not enough the city can take money from other city accounts which we as tax payers have provided and apply them to this facility without the blessing of the taxpayers. This is done arbitrarily by the city. In last Monday’s meeting at City Hall Mr. Schaus and Mr. Ricks both addresses this. Mr Schaus said he did not anticipate these funds being needed but there are available if say the price of the facility exceeds the bond money guarantee of $31.5 million.”
“Our conclusion is this could be a blank check we are issuing the city beyond what is being voted upon. We need full disclosure and transparency from our City Council and City Attorney and City Treasurer. Thus far we have not received”
ON THE OTHER SIDE
“As a member of the Edmond Exchange Club, I have had the opportunity to see the presentation of the proposed Edmond Safety Center.”
“After reviewing the proposal and reading many comments in the paper, I would like to offer my opinion. First, I am familiar with the current facilities of the police department and the Central Communications department and agree there is definitely a need for new facilities where these departments can do their job more efficiently and affectively.”
“Second, I believe the location chosen is good when you consider the city already owns the land and the police will still have easy access to the rest of the city. Third, I believe the city council has chosen the best method of providing the funding because it will cost the citizens less than any of the other proposed funding recommendations.”
“Fourth, as Edmond continues to grow this facility will enable these departments to grow also.I would encourage a yes vote on this proposal November 4.”
Kennith D. Franklin
“Thanks for the informative article you and Diana Baldwin wrote concerning the new safety center.”
“I agree that we need the center, and I support the use of an increase in property tax to fund it. One thing that was not mentioned in your article is that a sales tax is regressive, hitting the people with lower incomes disproportionately harder than those with high incomes.”
“And anyone who thinks that having out-of-towners pay for part of it with a sales tax are forgetting that raising that sales tax would wipe out any nonresident’s reason for shopping in Edmond. Currently we have one of the lowest, perhaps the lowest, sales tax rate in the area. If we increase it, I don’t think that would be true.”
“I would like a bit more information. Perhaps you can provide it. The table on page 2d has the words “Home’s appraised value” on it. How do I find that? I looked at my last statement from the tax commission, and it “taxable market value”, “current market value,” “assessed market value” and “net valuation.” Which of these should I use when looking at that table?”
“Thanks for the work you do keeping us informed of what’s happening in our town!”
Pat Hervey
“As a proud graduate of UCO and a long time resident of Edmond, I have had the privilege of building my career and growing my family in this great city.”
“As a local business owner and commercial real estate developer, the decisions our local leaders make today (and we as a community will make on November 4th) will have a tremendous impact on our businesses and our families for years to come. We live in a day and age where media place tremendous attention on national leaders, and those leaders come under unbelievable scrutiny. Yet, in the midst of national leadership uncertainty, I am honored to know the character and quality of Edmond’s elected and volunteer leaders. I am confident that Police Chief Bob Ricks and his staff, the City Council, the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, and Central Communications and Emergency Management Director have evaluated the matter of a new public safety center seriously and want what is best for all of us, our families and for the future of our city.”
“I am confident in the vision our leaders have for the proposed Public Safety Center. It is concerning to know that the current Central Communications and Emergency Management is located across the street from the Police Department and in the basement of the Municipal Court House building. One of the advantages of a joint Public Safety Center project that encompasses the Police department, 9-1-1 Communications, and Emergency Management is the cost savings the city will see by combining these divisions as opposed to building separate facilities. The city will save on infrastructure, technology and shared office space costs.”
“I have friends who oppose the November 4th vote, and I respect their decision. However, as I see it, we are being asked to make a minimal investment in the safety and security of families and the community, and the return on that investment will be very rewarding. In order to continue to enjoy the benefits of a safe community and the stable home values that go along with this sense of security, and to attract great families and businesses, we must provide our local officials with the tools to enable them to battle crime and be prepared for the emergencies every community faces.”
“I am not an elected official, I am not a police officer or fire fighter; however, I do know something about building buildings, and believe me, construction costs are not going down, rather they will continue to increase. The longer we wait, the more this decision will cost the city. As a resident and commercial developer I am proud to support this project, and I ask that you consider joining me as I vote YES on November 4th!”
David Aduddle
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With regard to previous comments:
If you make a purchase in another town, you pay taxes that support their police and emergency services. What makes Edmond any different? Doesn’t Edmond extend these services to anyone who is in our town regardless of their place of residence? Why then shouldn’t they help pay the bill? Does a higher sales tax stop you from purchasing items in OKC?
Also, the propsed property tax is based on the assessed value of your home. But even if you rent, you may pay this tax because it includes all properties which means your landlord will pay higher taxes and may or may not chose to increase your rent to cover the additional expense.
Yes, other cities have used property tax to fund such projects. Historically, Edmond reserved the property tax for our school system and we are considered to have one of the best. On December 9, we will vote on a property tax to fund our schools. How will you vote?