Press Release: Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation Addresses Direct Mail Inconsistencies

June 10, 2024

DUNCAN, OKLAHOMA – In an effort to inform area voters of impending changes to the distribution of sales tax dollars, Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) has conducted an education campaign through print and social media about the upcoming June 18^th sales tax election.

Direct mailers will begin arriving via USPS today through Thursday and address DAEDF’s primary concern over ballot language listing a non-existent entity as a recipient of a quarter-cent sales tax if the ballot passes. This concern will no longer be valid at the conclusion of tonight’s regularly scheduled City of Duncan City Council meeting because City of Duncan City Council acting as Duncan Area Economic Trust Authority will take corrective action to legitimize the entity listed on the ballot through the meeting’s consent agenda depending on the outcome of the authority’s vote.

DAEDF strives for transparency and wants voters to be informed and aware of what is being proposed on June 18^th. The potential repercussions of a non-existent entity receiving sales tax dollars could have included disallowed costs, restrictions in accessing funds, litigation stemming from a voter challenge, or invalidated election results contingent on judicial review and judgments.

DAEDF again reminds voters that after 30 years of directly receiving sales tax dollars through majority voter consent, our organization will no longer be a direct recipient of said tax dollars regardless of the outcome of the impending election.

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. 

###