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Altus council approves 4% short‑term stay tax, sets election and earmarks revenue for parks; directs initial work at Missile Park
Summary
The Altus City Council adopted an ordinance to add a 4% tax on short‑term stay facilities, approved related resolutions to hold an election and create a dedicated Recreation Capital Project Fund, and directed city staff to begin initial demolition and site‑preparation work at Missile Park while planning phases continue.
The City of Altus City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2025‑16, which levies an additional 4% tax on short‑term stay facilities within the city, and approved companion resolutions to place the question before voters and create a dedicated fund for the revenue.
City staff said the tax revenue would be used solely for the addition or renovation of parks and recreation capital projects and large equipment purchases, and “shall not be used for daily operations,” language that appears in the ordinance and the related resolutions. The council also approved a resolution authorizing the Oklahoma Tax Commission to serve as the city’s collecting agent for municipal lodging taxes.
Why it matters: Council members tied the measure to a planned renovation of Missile Park and other recreation projects. City staff said the new revenue could be combined with existing MAPS funds and used as the basis for bonding to accelerate construction, and that initial demolition and preparatory work could begin with funds already on hand while larger contracts await identified funding.
Council action and next steps - The council adopted Ordinance No. 2025‑16 to add the 4% tax on short‑term stay facilities as defined in the City of Altus code (article 4, section 40‑110). The ordinance text specifies that no tax exemption shall apply and that proceeds are restricted to capital parks and recreation projects. - The council adopted Resolution No. 2025‑10 to call and hold an election on the additional 4% tax; the council discussed that the election will be held on Sept. 9 (date referenced in discussion). - The council adopted Resolution No. 2025‑11 creating the Recreation Capital Project Fund to receive and hold the tax revenue and authorized Resolution No. 2025‑12 expressing the city’s intent to allow the Oklahoma Tax Commission to act as the municipal lodging tax collecting agent.
Funding context and timeline City staff told the council that about $3 million has been set aside in the budget for recreation, and that roughly $1 million is currently available to start limited work. Staff estimated the new 4% tax would generate roughly $400,000–$500,000 per year. Staff described two paths: (1) phase the project, beginning with demolition, grading and smaller improvements now; or (2) use the new tax revenue as an established revenue stream to support bonding to finance a larger, faster buildout.
On Missile Park specifically, council directed staff to begin demolition and preparatory work where feasible, while acknowledging major construction contracts will require funds to be identified and in hand. Staff said in‑house crews and equipment from the street department and a grounds crew at the nearby base could perform some grading and site work, reducing costs.
Council comments and context City staff (city manager) described the tax and revenue flow, including MAPS funds that will continue to build up and may be used alongside the new tax revenue. The city manager said, “We were looking at between 4 and $500,000 a year is what we anticipate that that should bring in.”
Several council members emphasized that the fee is intended for capital projects and not to raise property taxes. One council member urged staff and colleagues to present the measure to voters as a targeted recreation fee dedicated to capital improvements.
What the council did not decide The council did not award any large construction contracts for full park rebuilds at the meeting. Staff said major contracts requiring full funding would wait until funds were identified or bonding was arranged. Several council members asked staff to pursue grants, but staff said most grants require the project to be construction‑ready.
Ending note Council members said they hope to phase construction to avoid disrupting existing uses and to target a portion of the park that can be completed first. Staff and council discussed spring 2026 as a milestone for visible progress if funding and contracting timelines permit.
