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Owasso council approves one-year lease for Owasso Chamber building after recusal
Summary
The council authorized a one-year lease for 315 South Cedar at $900 per month starting Jan. 1, 2026, after staff presented appraisal and inflation-adjusted figures and one councilor recused themself because of a relationship with the chamber.
The Owasso City Council voted to approve a one-year lease with the Owasso Chamber of Commerce for the building at 315 South Cedar, setting the initial lease payment at $900 per month and preserving a framework for gradual increases in coming years. The lease term would begin Jan. 1, 2026.
City staff presented background information showing a current informal rate of $658.33 per month in place since 2003, a 2025 appraisal that produced an estimated market lease value of $2,239.75 per month, and an inflation-adjusted update of the 2003 rate to $1,208.62. Chris Garrett, presenting for staff, said the $900/month figure came from a staff analysis intended to bridge the gap between historical rates and market values while keeping occupancy affordable in the short term. "At this point, there is no recommendation from staff," Garrett said before answering council questions about the calculations.
Dr. Leslie Clark, speaking for the chamber's executive board, urged more time for collaboration, saying the chamber values its long partnership with the city and requesting opportunities to discuss terms before final votes. "Our respectful request is for the city of Owasso to allow sufficient time for meaningful discussion with the chamber," Clark said.
A councilor announced a recusal from the chamber item because of a relationship with the chamber chairman; the council proceeded with discussion and votes without that member. Councilors debated whether to approve a lease now to ensure the organization had an agreement in place or delay further negotiation to allow more input from the chamber. Several members said having a written lease in place was a priority.
After discussion, a motion to approve the one-year lease at $900 per month was made, seconded and approved by the council. The council recorded its votes and authorized staff to finalize the documents. Staff said the long-term goal remains aligning the lease toward market rate while using the interim figure as a step toward that objective.
The chamber item closed with council direction that future adjustments could be handled by written amendment if both parties agree and with continued opportunities for the chamber and staff to bring additional information to work sessions.
