Norman citizens passed the Norman Forward sales tax proposal on Tuesday with 72.05 percent voting in favor and 27.95 percent against.
Norman's 49 precincts voted majority yes with a total 12,614 voters coming to the polls, according to unofficial results by the Oklahoma State Election Board.
The proposal means that there will be a one-half percent sales tax increase in Norman. The money earned from that tax will be used to purchase revenue bonds, which will have 3.75 percent interest rate and earn $11-$15 million in revenue annually.
The revenue will be used to fund several community improvement projects, including improvements of local parks, the Norman Public Library and the construction of a new pool and senior center.
Alva Brockus, a supporter of the Norman Forward proposal, said during a Norman Forward watch party at The Railhouse in Norman that she personally is most excited for the pool aspect of the tax plan.
“I have two kids in professional swimming, and they don’t always have somewhere to swim,” Brockus said. “Norman has lagged behind other cities in Oklahoma when it comes to sports facilities, and I want Norman Forward to help fix that.”
The supporters and creators of the proposal were in agreement that Norman Forward would do more than change the tax code and fund public facilities. They also believe it will transform Norman as a city.
John Woods is the President and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce and a lead supporter of Norman Forward. Woods said he believes Norman Forward will change and excel Norman into a livable, lovable community.
“Having a community where a person wants to live and wants to raise a family, has the amenities they care about with the parks and trails and healthy life styles, that’s what todays millennials care about,” Woods said. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure that Norman is a competitive, beautiful and enjoyable community to live in, and we believe that Norman Forward does that.”
Woods continued by giving credit to the groups who came together to make this happen, as well as the Norman City Council, who unanimously voted yes on Norman Forward. He also said that the council did not just vote to be done with it, but they discussed, changed and improved upon it before coming to decision.
Mike Faller, a Norman Forward committee member, said that Norman Forward has been a process more than four years in the making.
“I see really great things coming around for this city,” Faller said. “This is a quality of life initiative that encompasses everyone in our community, from young children to our senior citizens and everyone in between.”
