The Morning Brew: OKC sets sales tax record; Holt addresses scooter controversy
City took in $40.2 million
The city of Oklahoma City is benefiting from the upswing in the local economy.
Oklahoma City received a record $40.2 million in sales tax revenue for August, distancing itself even further from the austerity of recent budgets, when staff was cut and spending reduced.
"August is the 16th month in a row of positive sales tax growth," said Doug Dowler, the city's budget director.
He said the trend shows "the recovery in Oklahoma City from the regional recession that occurred from mid-2015 through early 2017 is continuing."
"Strength in the oil-and-gas sector has been a strong boost to the local economy," Dowler said, "but the Oklahoma City economy continues to diversify and strengthen."
OKC mayor addresses scooter issue
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt has waded into the controversy on social media over regulating "dockless" rental scooters.
In what perhaps is a preview of what we will hear Tuesday at City Hall, the mayor indicates the city is amenable to accommodating the scooters.
But there's limited patience for companies that, in disrupting the status quo, disregard ordinances intended to protect public safety.
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Matt Patterson has been with The Oklahoman since 2006. Prior to joining the news staff in 2010, Patterson worked in The Oklahoman's sports department for five years. He previously worked at The Lawton Constitution and The Edmond Sun.... Read more ›