Myles Davidson for Oklahoma County District 3

My wife and I are dropping off food for our District 3 road crews. These folks show up no matter the conditions and are keeping our roads safe and we can’t thank them enough. Proud of this team. 🙌🚜

Our county crews are out working hard to keep the roads, and famous landmarks, safe for everyone.

Oklahoma road crews clear Route 66 near Pops landmark amid winter storm Illuminated by the neon lights of Pops 66 Soda Ranch, road crews with Oklahoma County District 3 were up late clearing Route 66 from snow and ice.

🛡️ Oklahoma County Public Safety Investment Plan

Investing in Ourselves — Keeping Our Communities Safe Without Raising Property Taxes

⸻

OVERVIEW

Oklahoma County currently operates without a county sales tax and relies primarily on property taxes and state appropriations.

This plan establishes a ⅝¢ county sales tax and a matching ⅝¢ use tax on internet and remote purchases. All funds are legally dedicated to public safety — without increasing property taxes.

Estimated Revenue: $120 million per year
Estimated Paid by Non-Residents: ~⅓ of total revenue

Non-residents who shop, dine, or purchase online in Oklahoma County help fund public safety, reducing the burden on local property owners.

⸻

HOW THE MONEY IS USED

15-Year Jail Bond ($550M, Annual Payment ≈ $53.61M)

Purpose Annual Investment Share
Jail Construction (15-year bonds) $53.61M 44.7%
Jail Maintenance & Operations $36.52M 30.4%
Sheriff & Law Enforcement $11.05M 9.2%
Volunteer Fire Departments $5.48M 4.6%
Emergency Medical Services $1.16M 1.0%
Roads & Bridges $12.21M 10.2%

Total: $120M annually
Approximately one-third of each category funded by non-residents

⸻

20-Year Jail Bond ($550M, Annual Payment ≈ $43.95M)

Purpose Annual Investment Share
Jail Construction (20-year bonds) $43.95M 36.6%
Jail Maintenance & Operations $35.5M 29.6%
Sheriff & Law Enforcement $10.0M 8.3%
Volunteer Fire Departments $5.0M 4.2%
Emergency Medical Services $1.0M 0.8%
Roads & Bridges $12.55M 10.5%

Total: $120M annually
Approximately one-third of each category funded by non-residents

Note: Percentages and amounts for 20-year bond adjusted to match total $120M.

⸻

Post-Bond Funding (Years 16–30 or 21–30)

Once the jail is fully paid off, the same percentage allocations continue for maintenance, operations, and public safety programs. This ensures a consistent, predictable funding model.

⸻

PROTECTING THE WORKFORCE & THE FACILITY

Oklahoma County already invests ≈$35M/year into jail operations. This plan protects and strengthens that commitment.

Livable Wages for Frontline Officers
• Competitive pay to recruit and retain deputies and correctional officers
• Reduced overtime, burnout, and turnover

Preventative Jail Maintenance
• Scheduled inspections and system upgrades
• Early repairs that prevent costly emergencies
• Fewer disruptions and safer operations

This approach prevents deterioration, lowers long-term costs, and ensures safe, constitutional jail operations.

⸻

TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY

To ensure full transparency and protect taxpayers, the Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners will adopt a formal public resolution clearly defining how every dollar is allocated.

The resolution will:
• Specify exact dollar amounts and percentages for each public safety purpose
• Legally dedicate sales and use tax revenues exclusively to public safety
• Prevent funds from being redirected to unrelated purposes
• Require ongoing public reporting for accountability

By locking the funding structure into a public resolution, taxpayers can see up front how the money will be used and hold county government accountable.
Transparency is a first priority — and this plan puts it in writing.

⸻

30-YEAR IMPACT
• Jail fully paid off by Year 15 or 20, depending on bond term
• $324M invested in roads and bridges
• $300M invested in sheriff services
• Approximately one-third of annual funding paid by non-residents
• No property tax increase
• Stable, long-term public safety funding

⸻

WHY THIS WORKS
• Permanently fixes the jail
• Stabilizes law enforcement and emergency services
• Repairs critical roads and bridges
• Requires non-residents to share the cost
• Protects property owners
• Locks funds into public safety by law

This plan delivers safer communities, a constitutional jail system, and long-term financial stability — without raising property taxes

Christmas Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year. 🎄

Spending it at church with my family—reflecting, worshipping, and celebrating the true meaning of the season—fills my heart with gratitude. So thankful for faith, family, and the hope that Christmas brings. Wishing you and yours a peaceful and joyful Christmas Eve. ✨ St. Luke's Edmond

Commissioner explains why the OK County jail price has risen so much | Opinion When OK County voters passed the original $260M bond for the jail, there was never an expectation that it would cover the full cost, Davidson says.

The future of the Oklahoma County Jail is one of the most important public safety decisions facing our community. We owe it to our citizens, our law enforcement, and even those in custody to ensure that we’re funding a facility that is safe, humane, and built to meet the needs of today — not the outdated structure we’ve been relying on for far too long.

I want to thank the Oklahoman for publishing my editorial on this complicated issue facing our county.

Commissioner explains why the OK County jail price has risen so much | Opinion When OK County voters passed the original $260M bond for the jail, there was never an expectation that it would cover the full cost, Davidson says.

Spent a great weekend in Oklahoma County!

Kicked things off by supportng the Edmond Chamber of Commerce at their annual sporting clays tournanent, then I visited the Luther Pecan Festival — always a fun time celebrating local businesses and of course sampling all the pecan flavored treats! 🥧 Then wrapped up the weekend at the Precinct 96 meeting, catching up with constituents about the issues that matter most to our community.

Always proud to be out and about in the district — listening, learning, and connecting.

🚨 Water Service Alert – Briarwood Drive 🚧

Customers on Briarwood Drive will experience a temporary loss of water this morning as our crews work to repair a broken water main. We’re working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Mr. Cleo was an Oklahoma County treasure who brought so much joy to people at the courthouse. He will be missed immensely.

Today, the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of Mr. Cleo, a fixture at the Oklahoma County Courthouse for decades. We will miss his smile and his huge heart. RIP Cleo!

🎉 Calling all Edmond families! 🎒 Join us Saturday, August 2, from 9–11 AM at First Christian Church (201 E. 2nd St.) for the Project 66 “Back to School” event, proudly sponsored by the City of Edmond and First Christian Church! 

✨ What to expect:
• 🎒 Free backpacks loaded with school supplies for Pre‑K–12 students
• ✂️ Free haircut vouchers from Sports Clips for the first 300 kids
• 🍩 Free donuts & sandwiches while supplies last
• 👮‍♂️ Tour the Edmond Police SWAT vehicle
• 🚒 Check out a live firetruck from Edmond Fire Dept
• 💡 Representatives onsite offering info on local support services

This is a perfect way to get kids ready for the school year AND connect families with vital community resources. 🌟

For more info, visit Project 66’s website or page , or email [email protected]. 

⸻

📅 Mark your calendars & invite your friends! Let’s gear up for a great school year, Edmond! 💛



👍 See you there!

My staff and I were proud to attend this ceremony and support the Oklahoma County Juvenile Bureau and the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.

Oklahoma County unveils comforting space for children going through court system Oklahoma County has introduced The Children's Room, a safe space designed to support children navigating the court system.

In loving memory of Rose Marie Unrein 💙

HOPEfully Yours will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 18 so our staff and volunteers can attend services honoring the life of our friend and longtime volunteer.

Our thoughts are with those whose lives she has touched. We wish you moments of peace and comfort during this time.

Please visit the link in our story to read more about her life and how you can celebrate her. 💐