Meeting Summary
The city council conference on December 9, 2025, included discussions on a restoration agreement for the Norman number one-18 well, potential amendments to the guest room tax ordinance to increase the rate and include RVs, and a continued discussion regarding a contract with the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition. No final decisions were made on the tax or the CCEDC contract, but council expressed support for both with conditions for future action.
Upcoming Community Events
Christmas Parade, Winterfest, and Christmas Tree Lighting
Held at the Santa Fe Depot, highlighted as a successful event.
Financial Matters
Guest Room Tax Increase
Discussion to raise the guest room tax from 8% to 9.25% or 10%. A 2% increase could generate approximately $986,000, a 1% increase $493,000, a 0.5% increase $250,000, and a 0.25% increase $123,000 in additional capital.
Current Guest Room Tax Distribution
Currently, 25% goes to the Norman Art Council, 15.625% to Parks, and 59.37% to Visit Norman (with about 15.8% of that for sports tourism).
Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC) Contract
Discussion regarding a potential contract with CCEDC, with Norman's current investment implied at $130,000. Other cities' economic development funding was reviewed, e.g., Edmond contributes almost $800,000 annually to its EEDA, and Yukon funds its private economic development corporation with $1 million annually.
Coming Up
Watch For
- First reading of guest room tax ordinance amendments in January for an April election, with a proposed effective date of July 1, 2026.
- A study session on January 6th to further discuss guest room tax language.
- A special session next Tuesday to agendaize an action item for the CCEDC contract.
- Exploration of establishing an internal economic development position for Norman-specific issues.
Agenda Summary
Background and discussion regarding a restoration agreement between the City of Norman and Barber Energy Corporation
Discussion about an agreement for the plugging of the Norman number one-18 well and remediation of the surface for future use by the Norman Utilities Authority, ensuring it meets city standards.
Discussion regarding possible amendments to the guest room tax ordinance
Discussion on increasing the guest room tax from 8% to potentially 9.25% or 10%, and expanding it to include recreational vehicles (RVs). Council members expressed support for a 10% increase and including RVs, with a portion of the new revenue potentially allocated to the general fund for 'right to counsel' or code enforcement.
Continued discussion regarding entering into a contract with the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC)
Follow-up discussion on a contract with CCEDC, including comparisons to economic development efforts in other metro cities. Council members discussed the value of the partnership and the possibility of separate accounting for Norman's funds, as well as exploring an internal economic development position.