Duncan props pass
Jun. 19—Two propositions passed City of Duncan voters on Tuesday, although one passed overwhelmingly and the other passed only narrowly.
The first proposition, a contract extension with PSO, passed with 2,582 votes or 79.13% favor. The second proposition, a one-half cent sales tax extension for infrastructure purposes and economic development, barely made the cut, only passing with 50.69% favor or 1,662 tallies. A total of 1,617 city voters cast their ballot against the sales tax extension, which has been highly contested after the removal of Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation, for which the tax was originally created, from the ballot.
The PSO contract extension allows the company rights to use the streets, alleys and public ways to build and repair lines. As a result, 2% of the franchise fee, or about $149,000, is collected for the City of Duncan's general fund.
The second proposition, the half-cent sales tax extension, has been in place for 30 years since it was initially approved in 1994 for the purpose of economic development.
For the first 20 years, Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation was the sole proprietor of the tax, and tax dollars were held in the Duncan Economic Development Trust Authority for dispersal by the Authority, which is run by Duncan City Council. The Authority only releases funds for expenditures its trustees approve, and all approvals happen in an open meeting.
In 2014, Duncan City Council asked DAEDF to split the tax with City of Duncan, so that one-quarter of it would go toward the city's infrastructure — like streets, water conservation projects, electric utility distribution, and the remainder would go for the original purpose of economic development.
The tax extension, however, removes DAEDF as the sole proprietor of the tax, and instead allows the economic development dollars to be open to any business or individual who asks for them, if approved by the Authority.
Election results remain unverified as of press time.
