On March 2, 2026. the Cleveland County Commissioners took action to move the Arena TIF forward, trying to block city action to repeal.
What did Commissioners do?They approved issuing bonds, notes, and other short-term debt for the Arena TIF project, to be paid with longer term bonds issued later.
Why does this matter?
This allows the Commissioners to incur debt without waiting for the bond process to play out, which takes time. Authorizing other types of debt that can be issued quickly, without public input, without bond analysis, is an attempt to deter a public vote on the Arena Project.
How does taking on quick to issue short-term debt impact the City's ability to put the project ordinance to a vote?
The County will use the debt obligations as leverage to try to keep Norman City Council from repealing the Arena TIF project, which it has the authority to do under the Local Development Act, which authorizes TIF.
Didn't the County Commissioners say they thought the project should go to a vote?
Yes, they did. Yet their actions haven't supported this sentiment.
What can you do? Contact City and County elected officials:
Norman City Council members
Ward#@normanok.gov - insert ward number for the "#"
city_council_members@normanok.gov
County Commissioners:
(405) 366-0200
Rcleveland@clevelandcountyok.com
JMcHughes@clevelandcountyok.com
RGrissom@clevelandcountyok.com 