Edmond on the GO

Edmond is trying to get public funding to build an $8 million Veterans memorial as one of the projects included in the Edmond General Obligation (GO) Bond election on Nov. 5.

Previously they raised $22,000 dollars through private philanthropy over the course of six years towards this. Edmond’s Frank H. Collings American Legion post donated $13,000 out of the $22,000.

There will be 22 projects including this one that will be at the GO bond election. Overall, it is a $231 million effort. The three categories to vote for are streets, parks, and safety.

If any of the three bond segments pass, it will result in a 14.3 percent property tax increase for Edmond residents. The tax increase will last 10 years.

The memorial enhancements will include an added fishing dock in the park pond, more ADA-accessible trails, improved restroom facilities, expanded parking and a flag plaza at Bickham-Rudkin Park. There will also be a history walk honoring Edmond’s veterans.

They are proposing to use $151 million for the streets portion. They want to resurface streets, improve intersections, widen roads, give capacity improvements, and crossing safety improvements. For Nigh University Drive, they are wanting a right-of-way retrofit, bike lane, and pedestrian infrastructure improvements.

There are six projects in the parks category, coming out at about $70 million. The changes include new softball and baseball fields, new playground equipment, Miracle League field improvements and connectivity improvements such as pathways and sidewalks at Mitch Park. The city wants a full renovation of the Service-Blake Soccer Complex, and a new park at Post Road and 2nd Street. There are also plans to replace neighborhood park playground equipment for 13 parks: Kelly, Centennial, Penick, Meadow Lakes, Whispering Heights, Westborough, Brookhaven, Gossett, Johnson, Clegern, Fink, Chitwood and Hafer Parks.

For the safety portion, there is just one project. The city wants to replace and relocate aging Fire Station Number 3. This will cost $9 million.

The City of Edmond uses sales tax to fund capital improvements. They currently have a temporary one-cent sales tax used for General Fund expenses and a one-half cent sales tax for capital improvements. These are both going to expire in 2027.

Opponents of the bond say the increase in taxes will not be worth the improvements, while proponents say that improved infrastructure is needed in the Edmond area.

The three components of the Edmond GO Bond will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.