On April 17, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt visited Marshall County to address residents. The event was held at the Marshall County Expo Center and he spoke about education, tax cuts and ways to bring more jobs to Oklahoma.
While addressing residents, he outlined his ideas for the legislative session and focused on boosting the state’s economy. He said he is focused on becoming a more “business friendly state.”
“Business courts, we’re trying to get that done so we can be a more business friendly state,” Stitt told residents. “Also building behind the meter, meaning we need more electricity generation here in Oklahoma.”
Stitt discussed Marshall County’s TIF proposal for the Pointe Vista development that is possibly coming to Lake Texoma. He said the plan will improve infrastructure without raising resident’s taxes.
“That’s not tax dollars from Oklahoma City being paid to a corporation,” Stitt told the group. “The increase in property taxes, that they pay, they get a portion of that back, and my understanding is they’re taking that portion and they’re building water infrastructure, a new sewer plant.”
The TIF proposal was presented and recommended to the Marshall County Commissioners on April 7 by the Marshall County TIF Committee. Two public meetings are scheduled for May 5 and May 19.
Pointe Vista President Grant Speakes said money would help the community quite a bit.
“Over $140 million dollars for schools, over $287 million dollars for overall infrastructure improvements and school improvements,” Speakers said. “It's gonna bring a new water treatment plant that will provide water for Marshall County.”
Stitt said he urges residents to research the TIF and to contact their county commissioners to give them their thoughts on the proposal. The MC County Commissioners will vote on the TIF May 26.