3 minute read
Edmond Life and Leisure - May 15, 2025
New Edmond Council seeking budget reform
By Richard Mize The Oklahoman
Worry over limited city resources dominated the race for mayor, the tone set last fall with voters' defeat of what most considered an ill-conceived push for a bond issue that would have raised property taxes.
Mayor Mark Nash, president of Pinnacle Partners West LLC, a management consulting firm, campaigned on reform and reiterated it in his first moments in office after being sworn in at a special meeting of the new Edmond City Council on May 5.
In fact, he said, the rancorous bond election propelled him to run.
"Our first and most urgent task is reforming the way we manage our city finances," said Nash, who was elected as Edmond's 57th mayor in the April 1 general election. "We must implement a budget process that is not only effective and compliant with state law, but is also understandable to every citizen.
"In the limited time we have — just three council meetings — we must pass a budget that reflects our values and sets a strong foundation for the future."
Edmond bond defeat cast a shadow over mayoral election
It is not quite a fun time to be mayor.
People are still grumbling about the negative Nov. 5 bond election, which was seen as something like an offer of expensive dessert cake rather than needed everyday sustenance — "extras" like park improvements when too many streets need repair.
Some people accused city officials of breaking the law by promoting the $231 million package for public
works, not just informing voters about it. It would have raised property taxes by 14.4%.
With sales tax collections down and staying down, the city finance planning process, including four council workshops, has led staff to propose a zero-growth budget and hiring freeze — except for utility positions, police and fire — for 2025-2026, the fiscal year starting July 1.
Streets were on Nash's mind during his first meeting with the council, which had no agenda besides resetting itself with new members and hearing their introductory remarks.
"As we prioritize budget reform, we will not lose sight of the broader challenges facing our city," he said.
"As we build our vision for Edmond's future, this council must take a hard look at our streets program.treets were on Nash's mind during his first meeting with the council, which had no agenda besides resetting itself with new members and hearing their introductory remarks.
"As we prioritize budget reform, we will not lose sight of the broader challenges facing our city," he said.
"As we build our vision for Edmond's future, this council must take a hard look at our streets program.
Nash, who defeated former council member Tom Robins, and two new council members — Preston Watterson in Ward 3 and Phillip Fraim in Ward 4 — took office with the completion of the ceremony in the council chambers. Watterson and Fraim were uncontested in this election cycle.
Nash’s two-year term runs through April 2027. Watterson and Fraim will serve through April 2029.
