Meeting Summary
This city council candidate forum featured three candidates: Tim Hardin, Nathan Brubaker, and Yuki Clark. They discussed various city issues including the annual budget process, property tax revenue, homelessness, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and crime. The candidates also shared their views on community events, volunteer work, and the potential legalization of recreational marijuana.
Upcoming Community Events
City Council Candidate Forum
Moderated by Joanne Muir of the League of Women Voters.
State Question 820 Forum
7 PM at OCT Tulsa, live-streamed, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma.
Financial Matters
Annual Budget Process
Candidates discussed approaches to ensure resident priorities are addressed, balancing citizen wants with departmental needs, and the challenges of a limited tax base.
Property Tax Revenue for City Operations
Discussion on the possibility of cities receiving property tax revenue, current constitutional limitations, and the impact of tax-exempt properties.
Infrastructure Improvement Funding
Candidates addressed the need for infrastructure improvements, the current funding model's limitations, and ideas for alternative revenue sources like grants and public-private partnerships.
3/8% Sales Tax Increase (County)
Clarification that this is a renewal of an existing county sales tax, not an increase, and its importance for fire protection, sheriff's department, and the Expo Center.
School Bond Issue
Candidates discussed their support for the school bond issue, its purpose (replacing Cimarron Plaza with a new school), and concerns about inflation and scope.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Early voting: Next Thursday and Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM at the election board in the Gloria Hesser room.
- Regular voting: February 14th at your precinct.
Announcements
- The League of Women Voters of Oklahoma has a State Question 820 Forum scheduled for February 7th at 7 PM at OCT Tulsa, which will be live-streamed.
- Early voting for the upcoming election will be held next Thursday and Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM at the election board in the Gloria Hesser room.
- Regular voting for the election is on February 14th at your precinct.
Agenda Summary
Opening Statements
Candidates Tim Hardin, Nathan Brubaker, and Yuki Clark introduced themselves and their backgrounds.
Annual Budget Process
Discussion on how candidates would approach the annual budget to address resident priorities.
Property Tax Revenue for City Operations
Candidates' positions on proposing legislation to allow cities to receive property tax revenue.
Homelessness in Stillwater
Plans to help the homeless during cold weather and transportation to Mission of Hope.
Infrastructure Improvement and Tax Base
Ideas on reconciling the need for infrastructure improvement with the lack of an adequate tax base.
Affordable Housing
Stillwater's actions to create more affordable housing.
Most Significant Changes Needed in Stillwater
Candidates identified three most significant changes needed and how to move towards them.
Funding for Infrastructure, Education, and Parks with OSU Growth
Innovative ways to provide money for increased needs as Stillwater's population grows, considering OSU's tax-exempt status.
Volunteer Work and Community Impact
Candidates shared their involvement in volunteer work and its benefits to the community.
Addressing Crime Spike
How the council can assist in addressing the recent spike in crime.
New Money Sources
Ideas for new money sources not currently available to the city.
3/8% Sales Tax Increase (County Ballot Item)
Discussion on the February 14th ballot item regarding the 3/8% sales tax increase and its promotion to lower-income residents.
Water Supply Issues
Discussion on ensuring the city's water supply, given the condition of roads.
Marijuana Dispensaries and Recreational Legalization
Anticipated business turnover with dispensary licenses and the potential impact of recreational marijuana legalization.
Community Events Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Candidates' thoughts on community events and programs that promote diversity and inclusion, such as Pride and the Booker T. Washington school project.
Citizen Input Opportunities
Plans for ensuring Stillwater citizens have adequate opportunity to provide input on issues or concerns.
Report on City Parks
Candidates' thoughts on the report on city parks done last year by an Oklahoma City consultant.
Evaluating Economic Data and Managing Projects
Specific training or experience enabling candidates to evaluate economic data for city projects and manage approved projects.
School Bond Issue Support
Candidates' support for the school bond issue on the ballot.
Communication with Spanish Speakers
Plans for better communication between Spanish and English speakers in Stillwater.
Consistent Management and Statute Interpretation
How to ensure consistent management and statute interpretation over time when city staff and council members change.
Shutting Down Businesses for COVID-19 Recurrence
Candidates' views on shutting down businesses if there is a recurrence of COVID-19 infections.
Closing Statements
Candidates provided their final remarks to the audience.