On Tuesday, Norman and Moore residents went to the ballot boxto vote on propositions for community improvement.
The city of Moore voted on two propositions, worth $209 million, to complete storm shelters throughout the city's public school district. The bond measure passed with support from over 75 percent of the voters.
It was largest bond in the history of the district.
“Thank you to every person who took the time to become informed about the bond issue and who went out and voted. We look forward to beginning work on all of the projects and completing them on time and within budget,” Moore school superintendent Robert Romines said in a statement.
Officials say the bond issue will add shelters to 23 schools that don't currently have them. The measure also includes money for technology upgrades and added classrooms, gymnasiums and media centers.
District officials had estimated that property taxes would rise by $50 a year on a $250,000 house under the proposal.
In Norman, voters approved the Norman Forward campaign Tuesday.
The campaign garnered more than 70 percent of votes cast. With the passage of Norman Forward, sales tax in the city will increase increases by half a percent.
The money collected from this tax will go to a series of quality-of-life initiatives worth $148 million dollars. About $209 million could be generated from the tax, with that difference going toward maintenance and operating costs.
Among projects included are improvements to the city's Westwood Pool, a new downtown and east side library, construction of an indoor aquatic facility, a new senior center, and new community parks and trails.
The tax will go into effect in 2016.
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