'Too High For Families': Opposers Of Wagoner County Sales Tax Host Rally To Speak Out

Wagoner County voters will soon decide on several sales tax changes, which would be used to pay for things like a new ambulance service, road improvements and upgrades to the courthouse.

But some residents, and even the Wagoner mayor, are against the proposals and they rallied against it on Saturday.

A proposed half-penny sales tax for Wagoner County is in the hands of voters this Tuesday.

The propositions aim to improve roads and bridges, create a countywide ambulance service, and repair the courthouse and jail, among other goals.

Wagoner Mayor Dalton Self is against the proposed tax increase and organized this rally.

"This is robbing Peter to pay Paul," the mayor said.

Sales Tax Consultant Brent Watson says he came to the rally because he thinks residents are taxed enough already.

"10.3% is higher than any major city in the United States and it's too high for families, especially in this time of inflation," Watson said.

Watson says he works in Tulsa and lives in Broken Arrow, on the Wagoner County side.

Supporters of the propositions stress the sales tax increase will not increase property taxes or the county's debt but Watson says he worries the tax increase could hurt Wagoner County businesses.

"So a lot of people from here work in Tulsa County," Watson said. "And they'll do their shopping in Tulsa County instead of in Wagoner County to save on this ridiculously high sales tax."

Wagoner County has more information about the propositions on its website.

Election Day is this Tuesday, March 5th.

For more information on the sales tax, CLICK HERE and HERE.