Moore council approves ordinance to increase hotel‑motel tax to 8% and calls special election

The Moore City Council on May 19 approved Ordinance No. 10‑65‑25 to raise the city's hotel‑motel room tax from 5% to 8% and adopted a companion resolution calling a special election on the measure.

Council members voted unanimously to pass the ordinance and the resolution to place the question before Moore voters. The council also approved Resolution No. 10825 authorizing the holding of an election on the ordinance.

City staff told the council the current 5% tax is designated for park development, park improvement and replacement/maintenance of park equipment. The proposed increase would add 3 percentage points; the additional revenue could be used for the same park-related functions as the existing 5% or, if the council later chooses, for public transportation. Staff noted that Moore residents do not pay the tax.

Mayor Mark Ham signed the ordinance and presented the accompanying resolution after the council vote. Council members who voted in favor included Kathy Griffith, Sid Porter, Melissa Hunt, Louie Williams, Rob Clark and Ham.

The council's action sets a local ballot question; the resolution directs the city clerk and election officials to publish the required notices and prepare for the election process.

The ordinance text, as read at the meeting, amends City Code chapter 5, section 7‑503 and includes severability and effective‑date language. The council did not specify an implementation date beyond standard post‑adoption procedures; further administrative steps will depend on the outcome of the election.