Frequently Asked Questions

CAPS stands for County Area Projects Sales Tax. It is a 15-year program designed to invest in projects that promote economic growth and provide long-term benefits to Woodward County. CAPS funding is divided into three areas: 50% Economic Development, 25% Transportation & Infrastructure, and 25% Public Safety & EMS.

No. CAPS did not increase the sales tax rate. Voters approved extending and repurposing an existing 3/10 of one percent county sales tax for another 15 years. The goal was to redirect an existing tax toward projects that can help move Woodward County forward.

The repurposed CAPS sales tax takes effect in October 2026. Because of the timing between when sales taxes are collected and distributed to the County, CAPS revenues will begin becoming available following implementation.

CAPS allows Woodward County to make long-term investments that otherwise may be difficult for individual communities or organizations to accomplish on their own. Potential investments can include recreation and tourism facilities, community improvements, roads and infrastructure, water and utility projects, economic development, fire protection, EMS, and other capital projects that make Woodward County a better place to live, work, visit, and do business.

Project ideas are submitted through the CAPS Project Funding Application. The CAPS Citizens Advisory Committee reviews eligible applications and considers factors such as public benefit, geographic fairness, economic impact, outside funding leverage, and long-term sustainability. The Committee then makes recommendations to the Woodward County Board of County Commissioners, which makes the final funding decision.

The Citizens Advisory Committee was created to give Woodward County residents a role in reviewing potential CAPS investments and to provide transparency in the process. Committee members represent different communities, backgrounds, and interests throughout Woodward County. The Committee is advisory; it reviews project ideas and makes recommendations to the County Commissioners.

The previous sales tax had a different designated purpose. It was for improvements to the Woodward County Courthouse and HVAC at the Woodward County Fairgrounds. CAPS repurposes that existing revenue toward qualified economic development and community projects. The new framework establishes three funding pools: 50% Economic Development, 25% Transportation & Infrastructure, and 25% Public Safety & EMS. CAPS also includes a formal application and Citizens Advisory Committee review process to help identify and evaluate projects.

Yes. The County has worked with legal and financial professionals to develop the CAPS structure, funding process, governing documents, and procedures. These professionals have helped ensure that CAPS is structured appropriately and that funds are administered in accordance with applicable Oklahoma law.

No. CAPS is funded through an existing county sales tax, not property taxes. Approval of CAPS did not increase property tax rates.

Woodward County voters approved CAPS on February 10, 2026, by a vote of 720 in favor to 355 against. The Board of County Commissioners accepted the election results on February 17, 2026. The CAPS allocation framework was subsequently adopted by the Board on July 27, 2026.