Keith Johnson, as Chickasha City Manager, spoke to Rotary about the upcoming sales tax vote and the critical decision facing residents. Additionally, a new member was inducted.
The Rotary Club of Chickasha met Thursday, July 13.
President Jim Cowan delivered announcements:
- Following discussion, the Beautiful Day Foundation has been selected as the recipient of this year's fines and lunch fees.
- A grant application has been submitted to District 5770. If awarded, the money would fund new playground equipment for Resurrection House.
- Volunteers are needed to monitor the gates at the Festival of Light. Rotary has committed to staffing December 21 and 22. Those interested in volunteering should contact Jim.
Austin Kile was inducted as a member of Rotary. Austin is a director at Sevier Funeral Home in Chickasha.
Lewis Knisley, left, presents the Rotary pin to Austin Kile as Preisdent Jim Cowan applauds.
The meeting's speaker was Keith Johnson, a member of Rotary but also the city manager of Chickasha. On August 8, Chickasha residents will vote on a new sales tax for capital improvements. The bulk of the tax revenue in the short term will go towards funding a new water treatment plant. The sales tax would be 1.25%, but replaces the expiring 0.75% capital improvement tax, for an effective increase of 0.5% and total rate of 9.5%.
Johnson stressed that the city's water and sewer infrastructure has deteriorated past the point of maintenance. "We are no longer able to kick the can down the road." If the tax is not approved, residents will see a sharp increase in water rates to cover the cost of the new treatment plant. Additionally, if the current 0.75% tax is allowed to expire and not replaced, the city will have no capital improvement funding.
Lunch was provided by Alexander Eats.