Oklahoma County approves FY2526 estimate, sinking fund and places drug-court funds on consent docket

Sheriff Thomas Johnson called the special meeting to order and the board approved a one‑item consent docket that places drug court funds for processing.

County staff explained that the item before the board "is regarding our Oklahoma County estimate for fiscal year 2526, which is prepared and ready to be submitted to the auditors as soon as it's approved." Staff said the estimate will first go to the excise board and then to the state auditor for certification, and that the office scheduled a meeting with auditors for 11:00 a.m. Friday to provide documentation.

The board also considered a companion sinking fund item tied to the county estimate package and approved it by voice vote. A motion to approve the county estimate was made, seconded and carried with members responding "aye." The consent docket was likewise approved by voice vote.

Board members and staff discussed logistics and timing for levy distribution and tax-bill printing. One participant asked when levies would be delivered to county offices; county staff said they would provide levy information "as soon as we have all of the signed documentation" from auditors. Staff noted contracted printers have five business days to produce bills once documentation reaches them.

Officials discussed the certification and protest process. A meeting participant stated that the protest period "cannot start. It's 14 days," and staff clarified protests do not begin until levies are certified by the auditor's office. County staff said the documents would go to the excise board "first before submitting to the auditors."

Several members raised concern about year‑end cash flow if tax receipts are delayed. One participant said the county has in prior years had to borrow to supplement the general fund until tax revenue arrived, and urged moving the schedule along so bills can be mailed and revenue collected in a timely manner. County staff said they called the special meeting "in order to get this expedited" and to make sure the numbers are correct before submission.

No formal appeals or protests were filed during the session. After action on the budget and sinking fund items, board members offered condolences following the recent death of a longtime local figure; the meeting then adjourned.

Votes at a glance: the consent docket (including drug court fund placement), the FY2526 county estimate and the companion sinking-fund item were each approved by voice vote and will proceed to the excise board and state auditor for certification. Specific roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript.