On Tuesday, November 18, Kingfisher County voters approved the renewal of the ½-cent county sales tax first established in 1991. The measure passed comfortably and keeps the overall tax rate the same, with changes only to how the revenue will be allocated among county services.
For more than thirty years, this sales tax has been a backbone of county operations. Before it existed, many local departments—especially rural fire services—struggled with chronic funding shortages, outdated equipment, and no reliable budget for repairs or replacements. The tax helped stabilize those gaps. It allowed departments to modernize equipment, improve ISO ratings, and ultimately lower insurance costs for many homeowners. One recent example: the Hennessey Fire Department’s new brush truck was funded through this county tax.
Updated Distribution of Funds
The renewed tax adjusts how dollars are divided across county services:
- Road Resurfacing: was 28%, now 19%
- Fire Departments: was 13%, now 15%
- OSU Extension & 4-H: was 8%, now 7%
- Free Fair: was 6%, now 3%
- Museum: was 4%, now 5%
- Libraries (Kingfisher & Hennessey): was 2%, now 3%
- Sheriff’s Office: was 15%, now 10%
- County 911: 9% (unchanged)
- General Government: was 15%, now 7%
- Jail Trust Authority: now 22%
These adjustments reflect shifting needs across the county and ensure critical services continue to operate effectively.
Election Results
All 12 precincts reported, with a total of 648 ballots cast:
- 464 votes (71.60%) – For the Proposition
- 184 votes (28.40%) – Against the Proposition
The renewal secures ongoing support for essential county services and maintains the funding structure that has served Kingfisher County for more than three decades.
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