Edmond Residents Divided on $231 Million Bond Proposal

Edmond, Oklahoma is grappling with a contentious bond proposal that has sparked a lively debate among its residents. The $231 million General Obligation Bond Program, set to be voted on in November, aims to fund critical infrastructure improvements, including roads, parks, and fire safety enhancements. However, the proposal has divided the community, with some residents voicing concerns about the potential impact on their wallets.

Edmond's Residents Weigh In on the Divisive Bond Proposal

The Straw Poll Sparking Conversation

One Edmond restaurant, the Around the Corner Restaurant, has become a hub for local political discourse, and the owner has taken an unusual step in the current bond debate. The restaurant has set up a straw poll, allowing customers to express their views on the proposal by placing colored stickers on a wall display. This unconventional approach has generated significant interest, with many Edmond residents unaware of the bond issue until they encountered the straw poll.The straw poll has revealed a clear divide among Edmond residents. The "Not in Favor" side of the display is quickly filling up, indicating a significant portion of the community is opposed to the bond. Edmond resident Keith Smith, who has placed his sticker on the "Not in Favor" side, expressed his concerns, stating, "This is a wrong-headed move that just makes Edmond a much more expensive place for people to do business, and that's not a good idea."

The Financial Implications of the Bond Proposal

According to the city's website, EdmondOK.gov, if the bond is approved, Edmond property owners can expect to see their taxes increase by approximately $1.34 per day, or $40 per month, based on the median home value in the city. This potential tax hike has raised concerns among some residents, particularly in the current economic climate of high inflation and rising interest rates.Customer Jeff Johnson, who also placed his sticker on the "Not in Favor" side, acknowledged the merits of the bond's purpose but expressed reservations about the timing. "We're in a period of hyperinflation and rising interest rates at least until the Federal Reserve Board changes that," Johnson said. "So, it's just too much money for people who are struggling to pay for groceries, pay for cars, pay for housing."

The Potential Impact on Edmond's Business Climate

The bond proposal has also sparked concerns about its potential impact on Edmond's business climate. Some residents, like Keith Smith, believe the increased taxes could make the city less attractive for businesses, potentially hindering economic growth and development."This is a wrong-headed move that just makes Edmond a much more expensive place for people to do business, and that's not a good idea," Smith said. The straw poll results suggest that a significant portion of the community shares these concerns, raising questions about the bond's long-term implications for Edmond's economic landscape.

The Elected Officials' Response to Resident Sentiment

As the straw poll continues to garner attention, some Edmond residents are hopeful that the elected officials will take note of the community's sentiment. "Hopefully the elected officials care what their residents think," Smith said. "But, if this is any indication of what the residents think, I know I live in the right place."The straw poll's clear indication of widespread opposition to the bond proposal has not gone unnoticed. "It's interesting, and it's pretty clear that citizens of Edmond are not in favor of this," Johnson observed.The outcome of the November vote will ultimately determine the fate of Edmond's $231 million bond proposal, but the ongoing debate within the community suggests that the decision will not be an easy one. As Edmond residents continue to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of the bond, the city's leaders will be tasked with balancing the needs of the community with the concerns of its taxpayers.