Lodging tax passes

Tuesday wasn’t the kind of day people willingly venture out.

And that showed plainly at the polls.

Through the ballot, Purcell voters showed their approval of a proposed 5 percent lodging tax.

“I want to thank all the folks who came out to vote in inclement weather conditions. We are excited about the possibility and look forward to the results in months to come,” said Allen Eubanks, treasurer of the Committee for Yes, major backer of the new tax.

The measure passed 203 to 103. The lodging tax will go into effect July 1.

The tax  had the support of the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, as well as the City of Purcell.

The next step will be the naming of a committee to oversee expenditures of the tax revenue.

That committee will have seven members – three appointed by the chamber and four by the city.

Those include a council member, Parks & Recreation employee, citizen at-large,  city manager, hotel representative, merchant and chamber director.