Bristow council tables proposed 10% lodging tax, discusses adding camper/RV parks to tax

The Bristow City Council on Jan. 6, 2025 discussed proposed changes that would add camper/5th wheel/RV parks to the city's lodging tax and then voted to table a separate ordinance proposal to levy a 10% excise tax on hotel and room occupancy and a resolution to call a special election to submit the tax to voters.

City Attorney Beth Anne Childs explained that the proposed change would require camper/RV parks to collect lodging tax because they currently do not pay it. Childs clarified the tax applies only to stays of 1 to 30 days, and warned council that to place a tax measure on the next regular election ballot the ordinance and resolution would need to be approved and filed with the Election Board by the 31st; otherwise the city would need to pay for a special election. Childs said, "yes, that is right." Several councilmembers expressed concern about the proposed rate and local competitiveness: Councilmember Jeff Roberts said he did not want Bristow to be "the highest priced between Tulsa and Oklahoma City" and warned some travelers might bypass the city; Councilmember Joe Church said he sometimes drives extra distance to save money. Councilmember Brian Peters said he favored keeping an 8% rate while adding camper parks to the tax base.

Items 14 and 15 (a proposed 10% lodging tax ordinance and a resolution calling a special election on April 1, 2025) were read into the record describing the proposed effective date of Aug. 1, 2025 and the role of the Creek County Election Board in conducting the vote. After discussion the council voted unanimously to table both items to the Jan. 21, 2025 meeting for further consideration and to allow time for filing and public notice.