On Tuesday, October 8th, Kay County will hold a vote regarding a ¼ of a penny sales tax increase (.025%) to support needed improvements and an expansion of the Kay County Courthouse. If approved, the tax would last 13 years.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. next Tuesday at all county voting locations.
In Tonkawa, locations include the Church of Christ and the Methodist Church fellowship hall.
Tonkawa city councilmen, by proclamation, have voiced their opposition to the proposal. However, the Tonkawa FOP Lodge, which represents local policemen, have endorsed the issue.
Kay County originally dedicated the courthouse on October 28, 1926. Nearly a century later, the proposed plans for expansion and repair are prompted by existing issues, including mold, asbestos, a leaky roof, a/c and heating issues, electrical needs, plumbing issues, and a shortage of space.
In addition to needed repairs, the proposed plans for expansion include a one-story Annex and OSU Extension that would house administrative offices. The Annex would encompass space for the Kay County Assessor, County Treasurer, Election Board, County Clerk, and Commissioners Meeting Room. The OSU Extension would include a lab, offices, a kitchen, community room, and facility storage.
“The proposed Annex will hold the administrative offices, leaving the courthouse solely for the Judiciary offices,” said Kay County Clerk Tammy Reese. “Being in the Annex, the Commissioner’s Court will be able to accommodate more citizens who wish to attend all open meetings we’ll be equipped to offer and provide modern technology. The one-story Annex will be more convenient and accessible for citizens strictly doing business with the Assessor, Treasurer, Election Board, and County Clerks’ offices by providing better access between the offices, easier entrance into the building, and closer parking.”
Reese continued, “For citizens needing to do research in the County Clerk’s office, all the records would be in one central place instead of being located on different floors. This would provide citizens additional space and workability within the office.”
“Our judicial system has been overcrowded for several years and is simply to the point that it must have more space to best serve its citizens,” commented Kay County Treasurer, Christy Kennedy. “The officials and staff of the judicial system are to be commended for the job they are doing in such limited space. The time has come to provide them, and the citizens they serve, with the facilities they desperately need.”
While these plans involve significant improvements and advancements,
