McClain County voters will head to the polls on September 9 to decide whether to make permanent an existing half-cent county sales tax, split between two key areas: public safety and essential county services.

The special election, approved by the Board of County Commissioners during a July 9 meeting, includes two separate propositions:

• Proposition 1 asks voters to permanently extend three-fourths of the existing half-cent sales tax (0.375%) for public safety purposes. This includes funding for the county sheriff’s department, emergency management services, rural fire departments, and related facilities or operations.
• Proposition 2 would make the remaining one-fourth (0.125%) permanent to support essential county services, including 4-H programs, OSU extension services, senior centers, the county free fair, economic development, and public facilities.

Officials emphasize that no new taxes will be introduced — the vote is only to make portions of an existing tax permanent starting January 1, 2028. Both measures also allow the county to pledge the revenue toward debt service, if needed.

Polling places will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day, with all regular precinct locations open. The McClain County Election Board will oversee the vote and certify results.

Commissioners Wilson Lyles and Terry McDaniel approved the election call during a meeting July 9, citing the importance of stable funding for critical services. Commissioner Glen Murray was excused from the vote.

The county clerk has published formal notice of the election for four consecutive weeks, as required by law. These legal publications appear in today’s issue of The Purcell Register on page 8B. They have published the last four weeks.

Lyles said the half-cent tax is currently in its second eight-year term after running for a five year term and an eight year term. He said McClain Countians have always been supportive at the polls, approving the tax by margins of 70 percent and 72 percent.

For more information about the election, contact the McClain County Election Board.