logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Board of Equalization sets how much lawmakers can spend
commentary
February 8, 2024
Board of Equalization sets how much lawmakers can spend
By JOE DORMAN CEO-OICA

OKLAHOMA CITY – With the convening of a special session by Governor Stitt, lawmakers were brought back to the State Capitol on Monday, January 29, a week prior to the start of the Second Session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature.

The purpose of this early gathering was to review a quarter percent income tax cut for Oklahomans. Senate leadership

proclaimed this was not the appropriate time to discuss this topic as the regular session begins in only a week and final numbers had not been issued by the State Board of Equalization.

For those not familiar with this group, they tell lawmakers how much money they can spend on the services the Oklahoma state government provides. The State Board of Equalization was established in 1907 when the Oklahoma Constitution was ratified.

Under Article X, the Board was originally composed of seven elected officials. Following an amendment in 1975, the Board now consists of six elected officials and one appointed official, including those Oklahomans currently elected to the offices of governor and lieutenant governor, the state auditor and inspector, state treasurer, attorney general, and the state superintendent of public instruction. The appointed secretary of agriculture is also a member of the Board.

The Board meets only a few times a year depending upon the need to review the revenue coming into state government. On December 1 of each year, or the first working day thereafter, the Board must equalize the taxable real and personal property value of the state’s counties for the purpose of tax assessment by the county assessors, which are presented to the members by the state employees assigned to calculate this information.

This is done by determining the ratio of the aggregate assessed value of the county to the fair cash value of the county. The Board also examines the various county assessments to equalize, correct, and adjust them as between and within the counties. The Board is responsible for determining the assessment ratio for all air carrier, railroad, and public service corporation property in the state.

The Board’s most important duty relating to the legislative process is determining how much money the Legislature can appropriate for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board is responsible for providing an estimate of all revenue that will be available to the Oklahoma Legislature for the coming year fiscal year. The governor, through the Oklahoma Office of State Finance, then uses that estimate to prepare and submit the State’s annual budget recommendation to the Legislature.

The amount lawmakers can spend often changes based on action by the Legislature, such as passing a tax cut. The Board met for the initial review on December 1, 2023, and then met again on December 22. These initial numbers are the working draft which starts the process for determining state dollars which are available for allotment, and then the next meeting, usually in early to mid-February, certifies the amount for the lawmakers to use for allocation. This meeting will happen on February 15. Another meeting, prior to the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1, will occur this year on June 17.

We are optimistic for positive numbers, which will lead to legislative action in the coming months. All Oklahomans should be grateful to the state employees who work on figures considered by the Board of Equalization and the Legislature.

Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
B:, Sports...
Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
The Seminole Chieftains were lucky to go home with a 34-27 win over the Checotah Wildcats Friday night. Checotah’s penalties that accumulated to over 100 yards. The Wildcats moved the football up and ...
this is a test
D is for Duvall
A: Main, News...
D is for Duvall
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
September 11, 2025
When your last name is Duvall then you more than likely wear a cowboy hat, ride a horse and have sat in many rodeo arenas over several decades. So when word got out that the Jim Norick Arena was being...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
9/11 – Never Forget
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
At about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, I strolled into the Las Vegas Sun newsroom where I worked as an entertainment reporter. The room was quiet, a palpable feeling of dread filled the air as the f...
this is a test
Checotah FFA earns historic award
A: Main, News...
Checotah FFA earns historic award
September 11, 2025
The Checotah FFA Chapter has been recently recognized in the 2025 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. “We are so excited that the Checotah FFA was given a National 3-sta...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Chief issues executive order to implement Treaty of 1866 Freedmen ruling
By PATRICK FORD SPECIAL REPORT 
September 11, 2025
Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill has issued Executive Order No. 25-05, outlining the Nation’s plan to comply with a landmark Supreme Court decision requiring the incorporation of the Treaty ...
this is a test
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
A: Main, News...
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
September 11, 2025
Heartland Heritage Museum and Art Gallery 114 N. Broadway Checotah, Oklahoma Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m. Don’t forget to join us for an afternoon of discovery and connection with others who share...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A site out of this world
A: Main, News...
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 11, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/AT...
this is a test
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
News
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
September 11, 2025
Over 900 students from across the state came to compete in the first annual Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest. “We couldn’t believe how many participants came for our first event,” Zachary Ilbery sa...
this is a test
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
News
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
Mayor James Hickman perhaps summarized best when he sent a letter of appreciation to Karen Weldin and the Vision Eufaula Board of Directors for one of the best Wine & Art Festivals held in the city. “...
this is a test
News
Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk
September 11, 2025
Saturday, Sept. 20 On-site registration begins at 5 p.m. Out of Darkness Walk begins at 6 p.m. At Eufaula Cove Pavilion Special speaker, live music, resources Everyone welcomed to walk!
this is a test
News
LEA 2025 Golf Tournament Sept. 26
September 11, 2025
The 2025 Lake Eufaula Association Golf Tournament will be held Friday Sept. 26 at Arrowhead Golf Course, 3657 Main Park Rd. , Canadian. Registration is at 8 a.m., shotgun start is at 9 a.m. and lunch ...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy