Wagoner County officials brief Broken Arrow council on Feb. 11 sales-tax vote to repay jail judgment

Wagoner County officials told the Broken Arrow City Council on Wednesday that they will ask county voters in a Feb. 11 special election to approve a one-quarter cent increase in the county sales tax to repay a roughly $13.5 million judgment stemming from a fatality at the county jail.

County Commissioner Hanning, speaking at the council's request, said the board chose a sales-tax measure because it spreads the burden across a wider footprint, including out‑of‑county visitors, rather than concentrating costs on property owners. “We want people who come to our county to help pay this off because it's not going to go away,” Hanning said.

The county clerk, Laurie Hendricks, provided supporting details to council members and residents in the chamber. Hendricks said the ballot measure would be a 0.25‑cent increment on top of the county's existing sales tax; organizers estimate a full season of events at the new amphitheater could generate about $1 million a year in incremental sales taxes. Hendricks also said applications, a frequently asked questions sheet and the ballot language are available on the county website and that the county commission meets at 9 a.m. on Mondays at the county courthouse.

Sheriff Elliott addressed the circumstances behind the judgment and the steps taken inside the jail afterward. “The responsibilities falls squarely on my desk,” Elliott said, adding that the sheriff's office changed medical staffing and protocols after the fatality. He told the council the county had negotiated a settlement before a federal settlement conference and said he supports the sales-tax approach because it spreads repayment beyond property owners.

Officials repeatedly told the council that state law requires the county to seek voter approval for a sales-tax option first; if the measure fails, the county would then be required to levy an ad valorem (property) tax to satisfy the judgment. “If it doesn't pass, it will revert to a property tax,” Commissioner Hanning said.

County leaders said the county carries insurance through ACCO but that the insurer has limited coverage and the county is exploring alternatives. Hendricks said certain sheriff funds and restricted revenues cannot lawfully be repurposed to pay the judgment. Commissioners said they will consider applying any excess sales- or use-tax receipts to shorten the repayment term.

The council did not vote on the county measure; council members said they wanted the information on record for Broken Arrow residents because part of the city sits inside Wagoner County. County officials invited residents who want more detail to attend the county commission meeting or call the county clerk's office.

For voters: Wagoner County's special election on the quarter‑cent sales tax is scheduled for Feb. 11; by law the measure requires a simple majority to pass.