Lawton City Council

If you haven't already heard the news yet the Lawton City Council voted to increase your utility bill by 15% yesterday (06-14-22) afternoon. Here we are once again paying more and getting less, a lot less.

Today's the day, it's "Super Tuesday" in Lawton, Fort Sill. Time to head to the polls and cast your vote. The election is for Lawton City Mayor and for the open Ward 2 City Council member position.

Next month it will be time to head to the polls in Lawton, Fort Sill to cast your vote on the Mayoral and City Council races. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, September 14th (09-14-21) election day. Be an active participant in this experiment in self government by letting your voice be heard and voting. It's one of the most important things you can do.

You've probably heard all the rumors over the past several months about a new shopping center on N.W. Cache Road in Lawton. So what's being built there?

The Lawton City Council is considering more changes to our trash collection. They met in regular session this week to discuss amending some of the city codes and regulations when it comes to trash pick ups and disposal. So of the changes would include fining people if they leave their trash carts on the curb past 8:00pm. Another proposed change would be making all house-side residential trash cart service available for the disabled only. Most of what was discussed included adding additional costs or fines to existing services. Most of the ordinances are already in place but would now include fines.

If you haven't heard the news yet Lawton, Fort Sill is finally getting a recycling program! The Lawton City Council voted on and approved a measure and agreement with a recycling company called Recyclops. It's a third party company that will offer a recycling subscription service to citizens who are interested. A lot of people have asked about recycling in Lawton. In the past you had to gather and drop off your recyclables and only during select days, times and locations. The only real recycling center that is in full operation is the Recycle Center on Fort Sill. Now we'll have the convenience of having it picked up curbside.

Late last week on Friday (06-11-21) the big topic of discussion was Lawton City Councilman Jay Burk. The news, or possibly gossip broke that he's currently under investigation by the OSBI (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation). There's been all kinds of talk and rumors about this. It's looking and sounding like it will continue to be discussed around the water cooler until the investigation is officially over and we get the details. The City of Lawton has posted a statement on their Facebook page about the investigation.

Just when you think there's no way possible for the Lawton City Council to be more unpopular, they go and do this! Later today (06-08-21) around 2:00pm CST at City Hall 212 S.W. 9th Street in downtown the Lawton City Council will meet and discuss the possibility of raising our utilities, A.K.A the water bill. They're thinking about increasing every section or item on the bill including: water, refuse, sewer and landfill services. Great, that's just great! At a time when most people are struggling and trying to keep their heads above water, pun intended!

Once a week trash pick up in Lawton, Fort Sill will officially start on Monday, April 5th (04-05-21). The City of Lawton and City Council made the decision to go to once a week residential trash pick up awhile back at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last year due to expected budget shortfalls, but delayed action until now. However, the city is now prepared for this change and solid waste collection are prepared as well. Looks like the dreaded day has finally arrived, once a week trash pick up in Lawton, Fort Sill.

Last week Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas would be reopening 100% doing away with their mask mandate and other COVID-19 related restrictions. Yesterday (03-11-22) Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order that would remove any restrictions on live events across the state and he repealed the mask mandate for state buildings. Oklahoma never had a statewide mask mandate, instead it was left up to each individual county and city to decide what they wanted to do. Which Includes Lawton, Fort Sill.

Lawton went to the polls yesterday (02-09-21) and voted to increase and extend the Hotel-Motel Tax. Roughly 2,000 people voted and over 75% voted yes on the proposal so it passed by an overwhelming majority. The new Hotel-Motel Tax with go into effect on (05-01-21) and will be a 7% tax on all non-residents for local hotel, motel and Airbnb stays. The new Hotel-Motel Tax measure will be for a period of 10 years.

LCT (Lawton Community Theatre) will be getting a new home soon. The Lawton City Council voted unanimously last month to lease the old National Guard Armory in Elmer Thomas Park to LCT. We had the opportunity to speak with the Executive Director of the Lawton Community Theatre, Chance Harmon earlier today to discuss the move and the upcoming Hotel Motel Tax. Both are very important topics and issues for LCT.