Oronogo Board schedules use tax to be placed on the April 8 ballot

The Oronogo Board of Aldermen on Monday unanimously approved an April 8, 2025, election question asking voters if a use tax should be collected.

If a simple majority approve, the city will collect the same 2% tax that it collects on sales within the city.

The 2% use tax would primarily be collected on purchases residents make online.

Although Mayor Charles Wilkins’ stated purpose in proposing the tax is to help fund the police department, the ordinance is written so that future board members will have the option to earmark the funds for other purposes.

In other action, the board:

• Accepted a “clean” financial audit from KPM CPAs and Advisors.

• Approved Vilma Ovalle as utility collector.

• Accepted the resignation of Kima Francis (3rd Ward) as the board’s liaison on the Park Advisory Board and approved the appointment of Jason Guild (2nd Ward) as her replacement.

• Approved the change in policy to not turn water service (turned off for nonpayment) back on after 8 p.m. and on holidays. Calls to turn off service for emergency leaks will be answered at any time.

• Recognized Sgt. Michael Weston’s heroic actions during a recent fire. Police Chief Steven Weaver reported that flames were coming from a house with a camper trailer parked next door. Neighbors believed someone was staying in the camper. Weston got the man inside to wake up and leave the trailer before the smoke and heat from the fire overtook him.

“Sgt. Weston does a great job and never hesitates to help someone in need and risking his own safety while doing so,” reported Weaver.

• Renewed liability insurance coverage with Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services. Two firms declined to bid, likely because of the city’s claims history, including two wells that received lightning damage earlier this year.