Oklahoma City

Penny At The Register: Moore Voters Head For April 7 Sales Tax Showdown

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Published on March 04, 2026
Penny At The Register: Moore Voters Head For April 7 Sales Tax ShowdownSource: Wikipedia/cweyant from Syracuse, United States, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Moore residents are staring down a penny-per-dollar decision that could reshape how the city pays for roads, sewers and public safety. On April 7, 2026, voters will decide whether to add a one-cent city sales tax that would push the total sales tax rate from 8.5% to 9.5% and is projected to bring in about $12 million a year. City leaders say roughly 90% of that money would be locked in for big-ticket capital projects like street replacements, sewer and drainage work, and upgrades to public buildings, with about 10% earmarked for police and fire operations and equipment. They argue the shift would let Moore lean less on general-obligation bonds for infrastructure, which they say could reduce the city’s share of property taxes as existing bonds are paid off. Early voting is scheduled for April 2 and 3, ahead of Election Day on April 7.

What’s on the ballot

The proposal appears as Ordinance No. 1075(26) on the April 7 ballot and would tack on an additional 1.000% city sales tax, with collections set to begin July 1, 2026, according to the City of Moore. The city’s proposition page also spells out how the new revenue must be allocated and lays out the council’s reasoning for asking voters to approve a permanent sales tax increase.

How the money would be spent

The city estimates the extra penny would generate about $12 million each year, with roughly 90% reserved for capital improvements and about 10% directed to public safety needs. KGOU reports that examples of planned projects include road replacements, sewer and drainage upgrades, and improvements to public facilities, along with funding for police and fire operations and equipment.

Why leaders put it on the ballot

City officials say moving to a sales-tax-driven model for long-term infrastructure would spread costs to shoppers and visitors who use Moore’s streets and services, instead of relying mostly on property-tax-backed bonds. They also argue that a permanent stream of sales tax revenue would help build a reserve fund and allow Moore’s millage rate to decline over time as bond debt is retired, according to the City of Moore.

How and when to vote

In-person early voting is set for Thursday and Friday, April 2 and 3, before the election, and polls will be open on Election Day, April 7, 2026. Voters can look up polling places, sample ballots and other election details through the Cleveland County Election Board. Residents who want more information about the ordinance or potential projects can contact Moore City Hall for additional details.