EDMOND — Four city-related entities this week put forth a “Shop Edmond” campaign, reminding residents of the importance of spending their dollars, and therefore, their sales tax dollars, inside the city limits. While this is certainly not a new campaign for the city to undertake, this year the reminder is more relevant and pressing than ever before in Edmond’s recent history.
The Edmond City Council this week announced $745,000 worth of adjustments for the fiscal 2009-10 city budget. It’s the first time in about 20 years that Edmond has not seen a steady increase in its sales tax revenue collections, with the city 7.4 percent below its projected budget so far this fiscal year.
The City of Edmond, the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce, the Edmond Economic Development Authority and the Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau have all chipped in to get the message out. They put together a list of 10 reasons why residents should shop locally, and that list is pretty on-target, especially in noting Edmond’s low 7.75 percent sales tax rate. It’s the next-to-lowest sales tax rate in Oklahoma County, with 4.5 percent of that amount going to state coffers.
Many may see this campaign as government trying to keep up excessive spending. We don’t believe that to be the case. City Manager Larry Stevens for the past five years has stated in his annual city budget message that while Edmond has experienced phenomenal growth, the city must be prepared for that situation to change. After five years of predictions, Stevens, along with the council, must now guide how the city responds to that reality.
If you ask an Edmond resident why they moved here or why they continue to stay, most will respond with reasons such as Edmond’s great schools, its green spaces and wonderful parks and several other amenities. Those green spaces, amenities such as Arcadia Lake, walking trails and the dog park as well as important city services such as police and fire are paid for out of city sales tax revenue.
Essentially, if you ask yourself the reasons why you live in Edmond and continue to stay here, you have to also realize that your sales tax dollars are what make those nice things possible for you, your family and your neighbors to enjoy.
If you enjoy what the city has to offer now in the way of services, if you want Edmond to continue to be a leading community in the state, and if you want the city to accomplish new goals for a better community experience, then think about shopping locally this holiday season.
“Shop Edmond” is one way that each one of us can make a difference in our city’s quality of life.
Opinion
11-27 Editorial: our view
‘Shop Edmond’ makes a difference
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