Transcript Staff

The Norman Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors on Monday endorsed the May 13 ballot propositions supporting construction of a new Norman Public Library, additional public safety positions and fire stations.

The votes came after a lengthy debate during the chamber board’s regular meeting Monday at the J.D. McCarty Center.

The board turned down a proposed resolution that would have taken a neutral position on the $49 million library and parking garage.

In the supporting resolution, the board said it “strongly opposes the use of eminent domain to secure a site.” Library supporters have not identified a site since it would tie their hands in negotiations with property owners.

The public safety positions and fire stations would be funded through a temporary, half-cent sales tax addition that would expire at the end of seven years.

The chamber’s resolution asks the council to develop a plan “with specific new initiatives to improve tax revenues so that the tax has a reasonable chance of being retired at the end of seven years.”