Board Puts Sales Tax Proposal on Hold, Approves New Public Meeting Ordinance

By Market Meeker · July 21, 2026 · Government

MEEKER, Okla. — The Meeker Board of Trustees voted Monday night to halt efforts toward a proposed sales tax election, approved a new public meeting decorum ordinance, delayed action on a bookkeeping contract after hearing from a local business owner, and authorized staff to continue pursuing several grant opportunities.

Board Decides Against Moving Forward with Sales Tax Election

After weeks of public discussion and two town hall meetings, trustees voted to take no action on pursuing a sales tax election.

Trustee Aaron Heard said he believed public sentiment indicated the timing was not right and questioned whether it was wise to spend an estimated $7,000 to $15,000 on a special election without stronger community support. Trustee Kenneth Massey agreed, saying the town needed to "read the temperature" of the community before investing in another election.

The motion to take no action passed, effectively ending the current effort to place the proposal before voters.

Public Comment Leads to Delay on Bookkeeping Contract

During public comment, Meeker resident Cody Brown encouraged the board to consider using a Meeker business rather than an out-of-town company for bookkeeping services, arguing that local tax dollars should support local businesses whenever possible.

Later in the meeting, Trustee Kenneth Massey questioned whether the town should seek competitive proposals before selecting a bookkeeping provider. Following discussion, the board voted to take no action on the proposed engagement letter, allowing staff to explore a Request for Proposal (RFP) process instead.

New Public Meeting Decorum Ordinance Adopted

Trustees unanimously approved an ordinance establishing updated rules of decorum during public meetings and while conducting business with the town. The ordinance addresses disruptive, threatening, abusive, and disorderly conduct and authorizes the removal of individuals who substantially disrupt official proceedings. During discussion, Trustee Kenneth Massey asked whether the ordinance applies equally to citizens, trustees, and town officials, and the town attorney confirmed that it does.

The action comes as some residents continue to question how consistently existing town ordinances are enforced, particularly nuisance and property maintenance ordinances.

Volunteer Program Approved

The board also approved creation of a community volunteer program allowing residents to assist with approved town projects, including beautification efforts, cleanup activities, and maintenance at designated locations. Volunteers will be required to sign a liability waiver before participating.

Grants Continue to Move Forward

Officials provided updates on several grant-funded projects:

Three federally funded slip-on fire suppression units have been delivered for the Meeker Fire Department.

A new outdoor warning siren has arrived and installation is expected once utility locate work is complete.

Trustees approved continued work on the MRDAF road improvement grant application.

The board also approved resubmitting the federal Pro Housing Grant application after receiving feedback intended to strengthen this year's proposal.

Grant administrators also explained that Meeker frequently cannot pursue larger grant opportunities because many require local matching funds that the town currently does not have available.

Public Works Executive Session Postponed

During the Public Works Authority meeting, trustees did not enter executive session after recognizing that the agenda did not properly identify the position to be discussed. Instead, members voted to take no action and indicated a special meeting would be scheduled to consider hiring a part-time Public Works employee to assist with weekend and holiday water and sewer operations.

Looking Ahead

With the sales tax proposal on hold, trustees indicated their focus will shift toward grant opportunities, infrastructure projects, and other strategies for addressing the town's financial needs. A special Public Works Authority meeting is expected to be scheduled to address the part-time staffing position.