PRESS RELEASE: City Removes DAEDF From Ballot In Attempt To Control Economic Development Dollars

June 6, 2024

DUNCAN, OKLAHOMA – The City of Duncan has omitted the name of DAEDF from the ballot in the upcoming election on June 18th, where citizens will vote to renew a half-cent economic development sales tax that has been in effect for 30 years, supporting the efforts of DAEDF. Instead, the city has listed the name Duncan Area Economic Development Trust, a non-existent entity that has no affiliation with the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation.

In 1994, the voting community entrusted the half-cent sales tax to DAEDF with a landslide 76% majority vote. Since then, the citizens of Duncan have voted to re-up this benefit every five years, including in 2014, when the mayor asked DAEDF to split the sales tax dollars with the city 50/50 for infrastructure and economic development. DAEDF agreed to this split in hopes that it would bolster a positive working relationship between the city and DAEDF.

As contractually agreed upon with the city, DAEDF has used these taxpayer dollars to purchase economic development property, construct buildings to house incoming businesses, incentivize new jobs, and bolster the city's economic vitality. This has all been accomplished in compliance with the terms of its Contract for Services with the Duncan Economic Development Trust Authority (DEDTA), which is the city council members operating as the Trust Authority.  DEDTA approves each request made by DAEDF. Over the years, DAEDF’s dedication to these goals has earned the trust and admiration of residents, entrepreneurs, and community leaders alike, including being recognized as Economic Development Organization of the Year in 2023 by the International Economic Development Council.

“Voters have repeatedly approved ballot measures allocating a quarter-cent sales tax to DAEDF for economic development in Duncan,” DAEDF President Lyle Roggow stated. “This trust wasn't given blindly. DAEDF has always operated with the utmost transparency. Every project funded with these sales tax dollars directly aligns with the voters' expressed wishes. Furthermore, the reimbursement contract with the City ensures every expenditure is meticulously documented. DAEDF presents invoices for approval at City Council meetings, a clear and public record of how your tax dollars are used to fuel Duncan's economic growth.”

“Although the removal of DAEDF from the upcoming sales tax ballot is a regrettable downturn in our relationship with the city, the economic development work we are dedicated to doing will continue because DAEDF is a private, self-sustaining entity and can weather this unexpected change by modifying the scope, scale, and timelines of our upcoming projects,” continued Roggow. “While we would always prefer to work hand in hand with the City of Duncan and other valuable community partners, the mission of our organization will not be stopped by this change in the status of a partner relationship. Because the community has always been supportive of DAEDF, it is important to us to keep the community informed and aware of what’s unfolding; we don’t want voters caught off guard by this proposed change of sales tax expenditure. We encourage voters to follow their conscience in this matter and be aware that if passed, sales tax dollars will go solely to the City of Duncan for “economic development” projects that the City of Duncan deems worthy of expense. DAEDF will no longer receive designated sales tax dollars to utilize for economic development.”

About Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation

Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) was started in 1993 when business leaders decided to diversify the community's industry mix. A dedicated sales tax passed by the citizens allowed the program of work to begin. DAEDF is involved with workforce, STEM, internship activities, a business incubator, and business attraction and retention. 

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