Moore city manager proposes 1¢ permanent sales tax to fund capital projects and public safety

City Manager Brooks told the Moore City Council on Oct. 6 that a permanent 1¢ sales tax could generate roughly $12,000,000 a year for the city and about $108,000,000 over 10 years, if voters approve it.

Brooks outlined a proposal that would dedicate 90% of the revenue to capital projects and 10% to public safety operations and equipment. "A 1¢ sales tax will generate $12,000,000 annually," Brooks said, and added that roughly 30% of that revenue would be paid by nonresidents who shop in Moore.

Brooks said the sales tax would not replace current general-fund or half-cent sales tax revenue and described options for using sales-tax notes to start projects sooner. He proposed interest-only first-year borrowing to build a cash reserve for early work: "That would allow us to build up cash in this because the capital project would generate a little over $10,000,000 each year," he said.

Council members pressed on safeguards, public input and long-term governance. Councilmember(s) asked whether the council alone would decide specific projects funded by the tax; Brooks said projects would be proposed to the council after town-hall outreach and resident feedback. Concerns included whether future councils could alter the process and how to explain millage interactions with other taxing entities.

Several council members said voters often prefer a sales tax rather than property-tax (G.O.) debt. One councilmember asked for clearer public messaging and recommended a study session so the council could present a consistent plan before any ballot measure. Brooks said he expects to bring a structured proposal back in December and recommended considering a February ballot placement if the council chooses to proceed.

Next steps: Brooks said staff will return with project parameters, estimates of gross versus net borrowing, and recommendations for voter outreach and council policy to provide transparency around how funds would be spent.