Coweta Passes Tax Reduction

By Emory Bryan, The News On 6

COWETA, OK -- A Wagoner County town isn't waiting for national help to stimulate its economy.

While Washington debates its plan, Coweta passed a tax reduction this week that will save residents a few dollars a month.

"I think a lot of those wishes aren't going to get answered from Washington," Coweta Mayor Bob Morton said. "There's such a huge volume of requests. It will be a long time before they're answered, and we need the help now. It's something we can do soon, quickly and it's direct."

Coweta's economy isn't hurting. The new Wal-Mart and several other stores have boosted sales tax by 50 percent over last year.

That has not stopped Coweta from creating a local stimulus plan. It includes a decrease of $5 a month on water and sewer rates, waiving the $1,800 new housing impact fee and creating 10 temporary summer jobs.

"I think it's a good deal a step in the right direction," said Bobby Singleton at the Fish Shack.

Singleton figures some of that tax money that residents save will come into his restaurant.

Coweta resident Theresa Doty hopes some of it comes her way.

"They might not need the stimulus, but shoot, if it comes down to me, I'm happy," Doty said.

The tax savings will amount to about $150,000 this year. The mayor says it might be just what the town needs.

"The water and sewer decrease will come right off their utility bill," Morton said. "So anytime you're talking about the decrease, that's good news because a lot of towns are talking about an increase."

The rollback in utility rates and impact fees take effect March 1.