Rep. Gann: Greater reforms needed to deliver true property-tax relief

Rep. Gann: Greater Reforms Needed to Deliver True Property-Tax Relief

INOLA, OK (Sept. 28) – State Rep. Tom Gann today said State Question 847 may slow future increases in taxable property values, but Oklahoma cannot deliver true property-tax relief without reforming the corporate exemptions, reimbursements and tax increment financing districts that shift public costs onto homeowners and other taxpayers.

Beginning in 2027, SQ 847 would reduce the maximum annual increase in taxable value from 3% to 1.75% for homestead and agricultural property and from 5% to 4% for most other real property. It also would establish lower, income-based valuation caps for certain homeowners age 65 and older.

“SQ 847 may slow the property-tax escalator, but it does not turn it off,” Gann said. “It will not reduce anyone’s current tax bill, cap millage rates or prevent new bond levies. More importantly, it does not address the preferential tax treatment government provides to selected businesses.”

Mazzei launches first general election ad

Mike Mazzei Launches First General Election Ad: “Trusted”

Tulsa, OK (Oct. 6th) — Mike Mazzei has spent his life making life more affordable for Oklahomans, and today he released his first general election ad highlighting his plan to continue making life more affordable by eliminating the income tax and abolishing property taxes for seniors and veterans.

Bad to worse: City manager lists options for Muskogee's repayment of $29.25M judgment

Muskogee is in a world of hurt over past decisions to kick the can down the road regarding three lawsuits from 2007 over the city's improper condemnation and demolition of derelict properties in 2005 and 2006. Now, the original property damages have ballooned to almost thirty million dollars with interest and legal fees.

City Manager Kendal Francis, the man with an unenviable job at the moment, wrote an open letter to Muskogee residents detailing the options the City has for repayment of the $29.25M judgments. They range from bad to worse based on the limited options the City has available to raise revenue. Read 'em and weep:

City Manager Kendal Francis Details Repayment Options for Court Judgments

September 28, 2026

Dear Citizens of Muskogee,

I recently wrote to you about three court judgments against the City totaling $29.25 million. I promised to explain our options as we worked through them. We now have a clearer picture of those options and the path forward.

The judgments are a legal obligation of the City. The question is no longer whether they must be paid, but how do we pay them and how much of that cost falls on Muskogee property owners each year.

There is no painless option. Each choice has a cost. My goal is to explain the four options in plain language so you can understand what each one could mean for you.