Some criticize Muskogee sales tax plan

(Muskogee-AP) -- Opponents to a half-cent sales tax proposal in Muskogee say city officials are giving improper and flawed information.

The city is asking voters to approve the tax that would raise an estimated $2.5 million for economic development.

Mayor Herschel McBride has spent much of his time since his election last year preparing the public for a sales tax vote. He says opponents are part of a small group that includes a former political foe who is a - quote - "sore loser."

Muskogee resident Jay Stephens contends the city used improper research data when surveying other cities with an economic development sales tax. Stephens lost last year's mayoral election to McBride.

Voters will decide on March 6th whether to implement the tax.