Future Of Tulsa's Expo Square Discussed

The Tulsa City Council continues to debate the future of Expo Square. The city wants to annex the 260 acre fairgrounds and take it over from the county. <br/><br/>The city says annexing Expo Square could

Friday, February 9th 2007, 6:15 am

By: News On 6

The Tulsa City Council continues to debate the future of Expo Square. The city wants to annex the 260 acre fairgrounds and take it over from the county.

The city says annexing Expo Square could boost city revenue $1 million every year. That money would come from adding a 3 percent city sales tax to fairground transactions. Right now, Expo Square only charges 5-and-a-half percent state and county taxes.

Tulsa County commissioner Fred Perry argues the low sales tax rate is what attracts events to the fairgrounds. "391 events was held in Tulsa state fairgrounds. Oklahoma City, 198. Bill Alan who has Rick's job in Oklahoma City, says that the lack of a sales tax is probably the major reason why there are more events."

Opponents of the annexation argue that raising taxes could cost the fairgrounds business.

The Tulsa City Council has decided not to take any further action for now.