Lawton Mayor Sets Record Straight on Cheddar's Incentive Deal and City Council Vote

Claims about the city handing Cheddar’s a pile of money have been spreading fast on social media, and a councilman’s open letter is pushing back with the actual record. Last week the Lawton City Council voted 5-3 to amend Policy 1-10, the city’s retail incentive rules, clarifying that projects of any size can apply. The Cheddar’s agreement itself was pulled from the agenda due to incomplete paperwork and returns November 10.

Under the proposal, no money has been promised to Cheddar’s. The deal would reimburse part of the building costs only after the restaurant opens and generates sales tax, with Cheddar’s required to invest at least $4.4 million and keep 40 full-time-equivalent jobs backed by a $1.3 million annual payroll. Projected annual sales are around $4.3 million, with the city’s General Fund share near $86,000 a year. If Cheddar’s never opens, the city pays nothing.

Mayor Booker is a partner in the entity that owns the property and will abstain from any council vote on the agreement under the city charter. The agreement comes back before the council November 10. What questions do you want answered before that vote?