December 10, 2025 City Council Meeting

Key Decisions & Votes

Restoration Agreement with Barber Energy Corporation

• The Council discussed a restoration agreement between the City of Norman and Barber Energy Corporation regarding the plugging of the Norman number one-18 well.
• The well, drilled in 1967, was plugged by Barber Energy, with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) overseeing the process.
• City staff, including the environmental and sustainability manager, oversaw the surface remediation to ensure it was acceptable for future use by the Norman Utilities Authority, with plans to incorporate the site into the city's ecological and community use network.
• The agreement acknowledges the city's acceptance of the remediated site and confirms Barber Energy followed applicable OCC regulations.
• Outcome: This item was on the consent agenda and was ✅ Accepted.

Amendments to Guest Room Tax Ordinance

• The Council discussed potential amendments to the guest room tax ordinance, including raising the tax rate and expanding its application to recreational vehicles (RVs).
• Proposed Increase: Norman's current guest tax is 8%. Council discussed raising it to 9.25% or 10% to match or exceed rates in other metro cities (Oklahoma City and Midwest City are at 9.25%).
• Revenue Impact: A 1% increase could generate approximately $493,000 annually, while a 2% increase (to 10%) could generate about $986,000 for the city.
• Allocation of New Funds:
  • A significant portion of the new revenue is proposed for Parks and Recreation capital funding, addressing needs for playground replacements, facility upkeep (Young Family Athletics Center, Adult Wellness and Education Center), and green belt/trail maintenance.
  • Council also explored allocating 0.25% (approximately $123,000) of the new tax to the general fund or specifically for legal aid (Right to Council initiative) or code enforcement related to short-term rental issues (noise, trash).
• RV Inclusion: Legal staff is drafting language to include recreational vehicles in the ordinance, meaning RV park space rentals would also be subject to the tax. This would apply to state, county, and university-owned parks within Norman.
• Voter Approval: Changing the overall purpose of how the tax is spent (e.g., dedicating funds to the general fund or specific initiatives) would require voter approval.
• Implementation Timeline: If approved by voters in April, the new tax rate would likely take effect on 📅 July 1, 2026.
• Council Direction: Council expressed strong support for raising the guest tax to 10% and exploring the allocation of a portion of the new revenue to the general fund or specific initiatives like legal aid/code enforcement, in addition to Parks. Staff was directed to prepare ballot language for a potential April election.

Contract with Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC)

• The Council continued discussions regarding entering into a contract with the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC).
• Purpose: The contract aims to support economic development efforts, including attracting jobs and businesses to Norman and Cleveland County.
• Funding: The city's annual contribution is approximately $100,000-$130,000.
• Transparency: CCEDC staff expressed willingness to account for city funds separately, allowing for auditing by the city auditor, addressing council concerns about transparency.
• Comparison to Other Cities: Staff provided information on economic development structures in other metro cities:
  • Oklahoma City: Robust internal staff, dedicated MAPS funding, TIF programs, and an Alliance for Economic Development.
  • Broken Arrow: Internal staff, Economic Development Authority, and a partnership with their EDC.
  • Lawton: Economic Development Authority with a $300,000 annual budget and a private corporation funded by the city at $1 million/year (partially from occupancy tax).
  • Edmond: One and a quarter internal staff positions ($130,000/year) and an Economic Development Authority receiving almost $800,000/year from the city.
• Council Discussion:
  • Council members emphasized the value of the CCEDC's role in attracting manufacturing and tech jobs, retaining local talent, and leveraging real estate holdings.
  • There was support for continuing the contract, potentially for a one-year term initially.
  • Council also expressed interest in exploring the creation of an internal economic development position for Norman-centric issues, potentially supplementing CCEDC efforts.
• Council Direction: Staff was directed to prepare a contract with CCEDC, including the provision for separate accounting of Norman's funds, for future consideration. Council also indicated a desire to explore internal economic development staffing.

Financial Matters

💰 Guest Room Tax Ordinance Amendments

• Current Rate: Norman's guest room tax is 8%.
• Proposed Increase: Discussion centered on raising the rate to 9.25% or 10%.
• Estimated New Revenue:
  • 1% increase: ~$493,000 annually
  • 2% increase (to 10%): ~$986,000 annually
• Current Allocations (of existing 8% tax):
  • 25% to Norman Art Council
  • 15.625% to Parks
  • 59.37% to Visit Norman (with ~15.8% for sports tourism)
  • 4% retained by the city for administration.
• Proposed New Allocations (from increased tax):
  • A significant portion to Parks for capital improvements (e.g., playground replacements, facility upkeep).
  • Exploration of 0.25% (approx. $123,000) to the general fund, or dedicated to legal aid (Right to Council) or code enforcement for short-term rentals.
• Comparison to Peer Cities:
  • Oklahoma City: 9.25%
  • Midwest City: 9.25%
  • Moore: No hotel/motel tax.

💰 Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition (CCEDC) Contract

• City Contribution: Norman's annual contribution to CCEDC is approximately $100,000-$130,000.
• Other City Funding Models:
  • Lawton: $1 million/year (partially from occupancy tax revenue) for a private economic development corporation.
  • Edmond: Almost $800,000/year to their Economic Development Authority (funding sources include electric utility and public works authority line items).
• Potential Funding Source: Council discussed the possibility of using a portion of the visitor tax (guest room tax) to fund economic development, noting its potential for growth and alignment with tourism goals.

Agenda Summary Table