1/3 Cent County Sales Tax Increase Passes

Kay County voters had a chance to vote on a sales tax increase to help fund rural fire departments.

Supporters said it would help fund improvements for fire and EMS services throughout Kay County.

The proposition has been criticized by Ponca City commissioners and the Mayors for Ponca City, Tonkawa and Newkirk. Those city’s had declined to pass a resolution supporting it.

On Tuesday, Kay County voters approved the new 1/3-cent sales tax to pay for equipment and training for county fire departments.

Voter precincts reported at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday reported 43.81% (4,918) voted against the increase and 56.19 % voted in favor according to the Oklahoma State Election Board.

The tax will go into effect in early 2023.