06-04-2025
Sales tax increase kicks in July 1; council incumbents keep seats
Claremore's sales tax rate will rise from 3% to 4% July 1.
The city asked voters on the April 1 ballot whether to add a penny to Claremore sales tax. About 64% of voters said yes.
Combined with the state (4.5%) and county (1.5%) sales tax rates, shoppers will pay a 10% sales tax in Claremore city limits. People will pay an extra $1 for every $100 they spend.
Starting next fiscal year, the city will reap an additional $6 million in sales tax annually. Claremore collected $15.5 million in sales tax in Fiscal Year 2024.
Unlike the three restricted pennies that make up Claremore's current sales tax collection, the city can use the newly approved penny how it likes.
City Manager John Feary said the city will primarily use the new tax revenue to fund infrastructure.
"Thank you, Claremore, for believing in our future and committing to a stronger, more sustainable community," Feary said. "Your support drives us forward."
The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce had urged its members to vote for the sales tax increase. Spokesperson Ashley May said the chamber is glad voters approved it.
"This tax increase will have a big, positive impact on our local businesses and will help improve the city's infrastructure and amenities for both residents and visitors," May said.
The city billed its sales tax campaign "A Penny for Progress." At Chamber luncheons and a series of March town hall meetings, Feary told attendees Claremore's future — particularly its infrastructure — would hinge on boosting the sales tax rate.
The city has $387 million worth of unmet infrastructure needs on top of its $67 million five-year plan, he said. These range from maintenance of Claremore's aging roads and sewers to improvements to Claremore's electric infrastructure.
Opponents of the sales tax measure said they couldn't afford a sales tax hike and argued the city should spend what it has more responsibly.
Feary said during his campaign the city would have no other way to raise the money it needs to maintain its infrastructure and keep its savings stocked.
Many supporters said they preferred raising sales tax to raising utility rates because it would burden individuals less.
"One of the key benefits of this tax is that it spreads the cost of supporting the city across everyone who shops, dines, or enjoys activities in Claremore, not just the residents," May said. "Given that tourism is a major industry here, this is a great opportunity for our city."
Julie Dermody, secretary of the Rogers County Election Board, said 12% of city voters turned out for the April 1 election.
There were 1,425 votes cast on the sales tax question; 1,495 people voted on Claremore's unsuccessful April 2023 sales tax proposition.
Claremore City Council
Melissa Cottom (Ward 1) and Brian Callender (Ward 2) won re-election to Claremore City Council. Jonathan Bruckerhoff picked up the vacant Ward 3 seat.
The vote totals were as follows:
Ward I:
— Melissa Cottom (incumbent): 798 votes, 64.8%
— Kristi Saul: 433 votes, 35.2%
Ward II (2-year):
— Brian Callender (incumbent): 710 votes, 58%
— Michael Barone: 515 votes, 42%
Ward II (4-year):
— Justin Michael (incumbent, winner by acclamation)
Ward III:
— Jonathan Bruckerhoff: 657 votes, 54%
— Mark Peek: 559 votes, 46%
Ward IV:
— Lindsey Erwin (incumbent, winner by acclamation)
Callender, who supported Claremore's sales tax increase, said April 1 was a great day all around for Claremore, and he was happy people voted for the city's future.
Barone, his opponent, said the "good old boys'" club won. He was upset Claremore Mayor Debbie Long had advocated for Callender and other candidates on her personal Facebook account — she has a separate mayoral page.
Bruckerhoff — whom Long and other sitting council members also supported — said he was thankful to be part of the city's improvement process. He thanked his opponent, Peek, for a friendly campaign.
Peek said running for city council was educational and showed him the dedication of Claremore's leadership.
"There is more to do, but they are working within their ability to do so," Peek said. "The tax increase should give them more funds to make this happen. Claremore is a great place to live."
