History of the Sales Tax
In 2013, Woodward County voters approved a half-cent sales tax to fund the construction of the Woodward County Event Center. Four-tenths (4/10) of a cent was dedicated for construction, and one-tenth (1/10) was set aside for ongoing maintenance and operations.
The bonds used to finance the Event Center were originally scheduled to be paid off in 2026, but thanks to increased sales tax revenue and strategic refinancing, Woodward County was able to pay them off three years early.
The Woodward County Event Center has proven to be a tremendous asset for the community—hosting livestock shows, trade fairs, concerts, and other regional events that generate revenue and attract visitors to Woodward.
In 2023, voters repurposed the 4/10 sales tax to provide funding for needed courthouse renovations and improvements. That project is now nearing completion, and the existing sales tax will remain in place through October 1, 2026, to cover the remaining expenses, including the new air conditioning system for Building A at the fairgrounds.
Looking ahead, voters now have the opportunity to repurpose this same 4/10 sales tax again—this time to support CAPS (County Area Projects). This initiative would focus on economic development, community facilities, and quality-of-life improvements, using the same existing tax rate with no new tax and no tax increase.
If approved, the CAPS repurpose would begin in October 2026, which gives the Citizens Advisory Committee ample time to be formed, gather public input, identify priorities, and carefully evaluate potential projects. This planning window ensures that funding decisions are thoughtful, transparent, and aligned with the long-term needs of Woodward County.
What You Need to Know
The upcoming special election on November 18, 2025, gives voters the opportunity to repurpose an existing 4/10ths of a cent county sales tax. If approved, this measure will not increase county sales tax—the rate will remain at 9/10 of one cent.
Beginning October 1, 2026, the sales tax revenue would be repurposed to support economic development initiatives, community facility improvements, and long-term maintenance and operations throughout Woodward County.