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RESOLUTION R-2021-105: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, APPROPRIATING $280,407 FROM THE COMMUNITY PARK LAND FUND BALANCE AND $62,000 FROM THE ROOM TAX FUND BALANCE TO BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A PARKING LOT AT RUBY GRANT PARK.
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BACKGROUND: In 1994, the City of Norman began collecting park development fees in the amount of $150 for every new residential building permit. The $150 fee is apportioned $75 to community park development and $75 to neighborhood park development. The neighborhood park portion of the fees must be spent on the neighborhood park in the area from which they were collected. The community park portion may be expended only at any of the six community parks (Andrews, Griffin, Reaves, Sutton, Saxon and Ruby Grant). There is a current balance of $294,086 in the Community Park Development account that is available for allocation at this time.
Also, in 1980, the City of Norman began collecting a 4% Hotel/Motel Room Tax. Approximately 25% of the Room Tax Revenues are to be used specifically for capital improvements to City park facilities. In April, 2013, voters authorized increasing the Room Tax rate to 5%. These funds are often programmed in each budget cycle to fund facilities and projects that can help generate potential overnight stays, which is the source of the Room Tax. Recent projects have included improvements to the Sooner Theatre, the Firehouse Art Center, multiple improvements to our recreation centers, funding the construction of Creekside Bike Park, and projects at Westwood Tennis Center and Golf Course. There is a current balance of $108,349 in the Room Tax Fund account that is available for projects.
On October 13, 2015, Norman citizens passed the Norman Forward Initiative; which will fund various projects through a 1/2 % sales tax increase over 15 years. Included in the Norman Forward Initiative is a project to design and construct the first phase of Ruby Grant Community Park....
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