Proposed TIF districts playing a role in Tuesday’s District 2 county commissioner runoff election

As the Logan County District 2 County Commissioner runoff approaches on August 27, the debate over proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts has become a central issue between candidates Charlie Meadows and Floyd Coffman.

Meadows, the incumbent, narrowly defeated Coffman in the June primary by just nine votes. This election marks the third face-off between the two dating back to June 2023.

Meadows has pushed for TIF districts to fund road projects, presenting the idea as a game-changer for local infrastructure. “Over the next five years, I believe, I can pave 16 miles of roads that are currently not paved, and I can repave two-and-a-half miles of road,” Meadows stated at a recent town hall.

The proposed TIF districts would target three specific areas, including portions of Simmons Road to Charter Oak Road, an area north of Highway 105, and a new area near Pine and Sooner Road. However, the financial feasibility of these projects remains unclear.

During a February County Commissioner meeting, Meadows acknowledged that a TIF district for county roads has never been done before in Oklahoma. “I think it’s genius,” Meadows said. “My opponent is opposed to it. He’s doubled down on it.”

Coffman, on the other hand, opposes the proposed TIF districts, arguing that they would harm local budgets. “Meadow’s math falls approximately $12 million dollars short. Creating a TIF will stifle the budgets of several county entities from five to 25 years,” Coffman warned.

Coffman added, “There is a place for a TIF district but in my opinion, it’s not a residential area. They are better served in a commercial area, the Loves (I-35 and Highway 33) TIF proves that.”

Meadows remains confident, saying he’s targeting voters in the proposed TIF districts with a clear message: “If you want your roads paved, you better vote for me because if Floyd wins, your roads are not going to be paved.”

The TIF district discussion hasn’t resurfaced on the commissioner’s agenda since February. A review committee would first need to develop a project plan before any decision is made by the commissioners. However, the Board of County Commissioners may overrule the committee’s recommendation.

“Commissioners have total say on it,” Meadows said at the town hall. “I may have one commissioner that is not in favor of this. We can’t talk about this because it will be an agenda item. But the other commissioner wants to do a TIF district in his District 1. So, I can count. I think it will pass.”

At the town hall meeting, Meadows predicted Tuesday’s election outcome.

“I’ve been a political hack for a long time, I can tell you ultimately 85% of the time if an incumbent does not win in the primary they lose in the runoff. That is if you get 45% of the vote. I got a touch over 40 (percent). So, it looks really bleak for me except my opponent has made some serious mistakes that I am taking advantage of those mistakes,” Meadows said. “I am going to go out on a limb here, I believe there is an 85% chance that I will win this election with 60% or more of the vote which is against all odds.”

The winner of Tuesday’s election will be sworn into office in January for a four-year term. No Democrat, Independent, or Libertarian filed for office.

Early voting begins Thursday at the Logan County Election Board, located at 224 E. Vilas in Guthrie, and polls open at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.