faq
What is Bixby’s Renewal for Roads?
Bixby’s Renewal for Roads is a proposed renewal and reorganization of the existing one-penny Capital Improvement Project (CIP) sales tax, first approved by voters in 1989 and previously renewed in 1994.
What are our options for funding future capital projects?
Bixby’s general fund budget is almost entirely composed of local sales tax, and that fund has to support many of the city's operating expenses, including public works and public safety. This one-penny sales tax is the most significant source of revenue that is dedicated to the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) fund.
If the one-penny sales tax is allowed to expire in November 2024, the City of Bixby will face an annual loss of $4.7 million, which is currently dedicated to capital investments and improvements and ongoing debt service for the wastewater treatment plant – which will exist with or without an extension of the sales tax. Given that the debt exists and cities do require capital improvements from time to time, the City of Bixby would be impacted in the following ways to fund those needs:
Impact 1
Reallocate Public Safety Budgets
If the Renewal for Roads sales tax extension is not passed, Bixby’s public safety (police and fire) departments will have to reallocate funds away from other public safety budget items/initiatives and toward necessary capital improvements (cars, ambulances, computers, etc.).
Impact 2
Utility Rate Increases
If the Renewal for Roads sales tax extension is not passed, utility customers may have to pay a 60% rate increase to fund the debt service.
How will my tax rate change if Bixby’s Renewal for Roads is passed?
$0 – this extension will not change the current tax rate.
What happens if we don’t pass the extension?
If voters do not approve the sales tax extension, nothing will happen. The City will continue to operate with the resources available until the existing tax expires and continue to do its best for our community. As critical infrastructure continues to deteriorate, those challenges will eventually demand an urgent solution – which could include significant utility rate increases to fund the debt service on the wastewater treatment plant.
How long will this extension last if it is passed by voters?
The extension would take effect in 2024 and last until 2054.
Why can’t we rearrange the existing budget to fund capital projects?
Our operating budget is composed primarily of local sales and use (excise) taxes, and those sources don’t increase enough annually to fund major projects and initiatives. That’s why city governments like Bixby often offer their voters supplemental funding options like dedicated sales tax initiatives and bond issues to address critical needs.
Does a one-penny sales tax really have an impact?
The existing one-penny sales tax raises approximately $4.7 million per year.
Vote On November 5th
Local elections impact many essential aspects of our community, including capital projects, so we want to encourage everyone to get out and vote on November 5th. To check your voter registration status and polling place, visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal.