Study Session - 06/02/2026

The City of Enid held a study session on June 2, 2026, focusing primarily on a proposed ordinance and special election to increase the city hotel tax from 8% to 12%. The additional revenue generated, estimated at $700,000 annually, would be split 60/40 between the city and Garfield County to support the Stride Bank Center, the Garfield County Expo Center, and other tourism-related initiatives. City and county officials, along with local business and tourism leaders, emphasized that the tax increase would be paid by hotel guests, not residents, and would fund capital improvements, event promotion, and economic development efforts to attract visitors and support local businesses. The proposal would be put to a public vote in August 2026. Additionally, the meeting included an update on the Call Lake water supply project, detailing the progress of a major infrastructure initiative involving intake, pipeline, pump stations, and treatment facilities to enhance the city's water capacity and quality. The project is nearing completion with testing underway and water expected to enter the distribution system by July 2026.