3-mill increase posed to ‘begin building MATC campus in northern McClain County’
Mid-America Technology Center (MATC) is asking voters in its district to approve a 3-mill increase to its building fund in an upcoming August 12 Special Election. The proposed increase would raise MATC’s millage rate from the current 1 mill to 4 mills — just one shy of the 5-mill maximum allowed by law.
If passed, the funds will be used strictly for capital improvements, specifically to begin building a campus to better serve the northern part of McClain County.
What Does This Mean for Taxpayers?
For property owners, the increase would result in a tax adjustment based on the assessed value of their property. For example: A $200,000 property would see an increase of approximately $66 per year A $500,000 property would increase by $165 per year A $2,000,000 property would increase by $660 per year According to McClain County Assessor Elizabeth Patrick, property taxes are calculated using the assessed value of a property, typically 11% of market value, regardless of whether the land is rural or agricultural. With the proposed increase, the effective rate would shift from 0.1% to 0.4%, significantly boosting available funding for campus needs.
Why Is MATC Requesting the Increase?
ELECTION: Yes vote would aid student access, workforce
Mid-America Technology Center leadership says the millage increase is essential to meeting growing demand for career and technical education programs in the region. The additional funds would allow MATC to:
• Reduce student waiting lists; increase access for students from larger partner school districts; and say “yes” to more students seeking high-demand workforce training programs.
Superintendent Mike Eubank emphasized the importance of investing in training that directly supports Oklahoma’s workforce.
He said, “We want to be able to say ‘yes’ to every student who’s ready to pursue a skilled trade, earn credentials, and enter high-paying local careers,” Eubank said. “Right now, limited space and resources force us to turn students away. This building fund increase would change that.”
What’s Next?
The vote gives district residents the opportunity to support expanded facilities, updated equipment, and more student opportunities through local investment in the building fund.
Sample Ballots for August 12 election are soon available
Sample ballots are coming for the Mid-America Technology Center Special Election. Voters can soon download a sample ballot by using the State Election Board OK Voter Portal at oklahoma. gov/elections/ovp or pick up a copy at the McClain County Election Board during normal business hours.
The Election Board reminds voters that sample ballots are specific to each person.
“If the OK Voter Portal indicates that you have no sample ballots available, it means you are not eligible to vote in an upcoming election. We recommend checking the OK Voter Portal to make sure you have an election before heading to the polls,” said McClain County Election Board Secretary Karen Haley.
Haley said sample ballots will also be posted outside every precinct polling place on Election Day, so voters can review them before casting their votes.
Election Board officials can be reached at 405-527-3121 or by email at [email protected].
