Edmond outlines sales‑tax funded capital projects: City Center near completion, ITS grant leverage highlighted

Andy Conyers, assistant city manager for administration, told the council that two dedicated sales‑tax funds — a permanent three‑quarter‑cent tax (the “2000 CIP” tax) and a half‑cent 2017 CIP tax that sunsets March 31, 2027 — provide the revenue for non‑utility capital projects such as parks, trails, streets and public buildings.

Conyers said staff budgeted roughly $17 million in sales‑tax revenue for the fiscal year and noted the city has leveraged grants heavily for major projects: the city’s intelligent transportation system (ITS) program has a total project cost of about $34 million, of which federal grants total about $25.5 million and the city’s share is about $8.4 million. “We were able to get a grant… $25,500,000, so $34,000,000 in total and only $8,400,000 of city dollars,” Conyers said.

Conyers reviewed several large projects and their status:

• City Center Complex (city offices): a roughly $44 million project with substantial completion expected soon, funded through previously borrowed debt.

• Joint YMCA and library: a $30.7 million project with the city’s commitment near $29.9 million and an estimated opening in early 2026; Conyers said the YMCA will repay a portion of the cost (about $12.7 million over 15 years).

• KickingBird and resurfacing work: prior borrowings and annual resurfacing (about $4.5 million per year) support street maintenance and other infrastructure.

• Intelligent Transportation System Phase 4: construction began last month, will upgrade signals at 19 intersections, and is scheduled for about 15 months of construction with a federal commitment around $10 million and a city match near $2.5 million for that phase.

• Danforth and Kelly intersection improvements: estimated cost $9.7 million, with the city’s capped share at about $2.3 million and federal funds at $7.4 million; staff expects to bid the work in June 2025.

• Pelican Bay pool renovation: approximately $7 million budgeted, scheduled to bid soon with construction aimed to begin after the swim season to minimize closures.

• Trails and sidewalks: continued work on the Creek Bend Trail (one remaining property acquisition and $2.5 million budgeted next year), Spring Creek–Carl Reauman connector and a Route 66/Route connector being coordinated with ODOT; Second Street sidewalk improvements have $400,000 budgeted and previously secured grant funding.

Conyers said staff recommends beginning planning for a possible extension of the 2017 CIP tax, including extensive public engagement, because the 2017 measure expires in under two years. He also noted the city has pursued partnerships and leverage — including YMCA contributions and state/federal grants — to stretch local funds. Council members commended staff and emphasized continued community outreach if council directs a tax-extension planning effort.