Business battling City of Muskogee over possible annexation

A business is battling with Muskogee over the city’s plan to annex its property.

Polaris Technologies has been operating south of Muskogee for two years, and it says it was never told the annexation would happen.

The City says the plan has been in the works for more than a decade.

ANNEXATION QUESTION

This was all discussed at a special city council meeting Monday, where no action was taken.

The annexation would mean Polaris would have to pay a three-percent tax to the city, the company says it hasn’t budgeted for.

"They throw around three percent like three percent is a sales tax that is a few hundred dollars,” said Dan Chepkauskas, a Spokesman for Polaris. “No, it's millions of dollars, and by Phase Four, it's tens of millions of dollars."

He says the company was never told about the plan to annex and wishes the city would work with it to find a plan that works for everyone, since the company is already here.

"We're not trying to fight the annexation per se,” said Chepkauskas. “We don't think it's necessarily right, but it is what it is. We want to be a community partner, and as a community partner, we would like to sit down with you and discuss what are the implications, what can we absorb and what can we not absorb."

CITY RESPONSE

The City of Muskogee sent News On 6 this statement:

“The City of Muskogee values Polaris Technologies’ investment in our community and recognizes the company’s role in supporting technological growth and creating jobs in our region. Since their arrival, Polaris has been welcomed as a key partner in Muskogee’s economic development. At the same time, the City’s priority is to create a level playing field for all businesses while ensuring taxpayers are not subsidizing growth without the ability to plan or invest accordingly.

Recent public statements by Polaris mischaracterize the City Council’s actions regarding annexation. The annexation process, currently underway, is part of a long-standing policy objective to bring John T. Griffin Industrial Park development areas, many of which benefits from city infrastructure and services, into alignment with city boundaries. This is not about targeting any single company. It is about fairness, consistency in governance, and ensuring sustainable growth that benefits the entire community. The City’s priority remains clear: to foster economic development in a way that is equitable and allows for sound fiscal planning.

It is important to clarify that the annexation process has been conducted transparently and in accordance with Oklahoma law, with ample public notice and opportunities for input. Bringing commercial properties into the city limits ensures all who benefit from city infrastructure and resources contribute their fair share. This approach not only strengthens Muskogee’s ability to support future development but also safeguards long-term service delivery and infrastructure investment for all residents and businesses.

The City of Muskogee appreciates the contributions Polaris has made and remains committed to policies that promote business success while upholding transparency, fairness, and responsible stewardship of public resources.”