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Voters to decide 1/4-cent sales tax extension
Economic Development Sales Tax funds incentives, tourism
On Feb. 10, Bartlesville voters will decide several ballot issues for the City of Bartlesville, one of which is the 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax — a tax that has helped bring hundreds of jobs and millions in economic impact to the area since it was enacted nearly 40 years ago.
Economic development sales tax revenues are used to fund Bartlesville Development Authority programs that have helped create hundreds of jobs throughout the community, bring national brand retail and dining experiences, and incentivize resident housing initiatives. These revenues also help fund Visit Bartlesville’s tourism efforts, bringing with it an economic impact that far exceeds the investment.
"As the economic development arm of the City, the proceeds from the 1/4-cent economic development tax are used exclusively for sustaining and enhancing the community’s long-term viability," said City Manager Mike Bailey. "These revenues ensure that we are able to compete with other communities for job creation and brand recruitment."
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BDA: 40 years & still going strong
The 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax was first approved by voters in 1986 and has been extended by voters every five years since. If approved in the Feb. 10 election cycle, there will be no increase in sales tax, as the existing 1/4-cent will simply remain in effect until 2031.
“The 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax is a small tax that has a big impact on Bartlesville,” said incoming BDA President/CEO Chris Batchelder. “It gives Bartlesville an enormous competitive advantage. When opportunities arise, our community has the resources on hand to immediately capitalize. So many of the assets we now take for granted – from our industrial parks to our new stores and restaurants – would not have happened without the community’s long-standing investment in its future.”
The incentives and other programs funded by economic development sales tax revenues help keep the business community strong by keeping jobs in Bartlesville, Batchelder said.
“When we are able to grow and retain primary jobs locally, we keep employees and their families here,” he said. “This, in turn, puts more students in our schools, more shoppers in our stores and more people in our restaurants.
“The 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax matters very much for our community. As a regional retail hub, Bartlesville also benefits from a steady stream of visitors who shop and spend time here. They pay our sales taxes, too, and thus contribute substantially to our economic development.”
The BDA has compiled a large list of accomplishments over the years -- among them the Walmart Distribution Center, Silver Lake Village Shopping Center, the Shoppes at Turkey Creek, the relocation of Atwoods, which facilitated the construction of Chick-Fil-A and the redevelopment of Eastland Shopping Center, just to name a few.
In the current five-year ED tax period, economic development incentive funds have been used to facilitate several projects, some of which include:
Other notable accomplishments are the recruitment of Whataburger, Seven Brew, Bricktown Brewery, HTeaO, Wingstop, Jimmy's Egg, Dutch Bros. Coffee, Tropical Smoothie, and Neal's Furniture.
The Resident Recruitment Program, one of the most successful economic development tools implemented in Oklahoma, was established by the BDA a few years ago. The program has recruited 125 new residents to Bartlesville to date and is still going strong.
“The BDA has been able to deliver a number of projects and programs that help make our community better through the economic development tax, and we’re confident that we’ll be able to continue our mission of recruiting new primary jobs and targeted brand retail to Bartlesville,” Batchelder said. “We're grateful for the success we've had over the last 40 years, and we look forward to continuing that success for another five years.”
Visit Bartlesville: It all starts with a visit
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Visit Bartlesville, the tourism arm of the city, is also partially funded through the 1/4-cent ED sales tax, with its remaining funding provided through the city's lodging tax. Though the organization receives only a small piece of the ED sales tax pie, it brings a whopping $2.5 to $2.7 million to the city in sales tax revenue.
Through support of events, group tours, tournaments and film productions, Visit Bartlesville helps bring new spending into the community.
"Visitors contribute more than one tenth of all spending in Bartlesville, support millions of dollars in annual sales tax revenue, and generate growing economic returns through events, group tours, tournaments, film productions, and overnight stays," said Executive Director Maria Gus. "Roughly one-fifth to one-quarter of all visitor spending in Bartlesville goes directly to local businesses rather than national chains.
"This spending supports local businesses and directly contributes to city revenues, which helps fund public safety, infrastructure and amenities without increasing taxes on local households."
Reported fiscal impact from supported visitation totaled $699,402 in Fiscal Year 2023, $764,587 in FY 2024, and $863,624 in FY 2025.
"This visitor supported revenue plays an important role in funding city services," Gus said. "Based on household estimates for Bartlesville, the visitor share of sales tax equates to roughly $175 to $187 per household per year in tax capacity that residents do not have to shoulder alone. Even in years when total sales tax growth is modest, the steady contribution from visitors helps stabilize city revenues and supports essential services such as public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life amenities.
"Continued support for economic development and tourism funding helps ensure Bartlesville remains competitive, vibrant, and financially resilient. It is not simply an investment in promotion, but an investment in long term economic stability and quality of life for the entire community."
Click HERE to see a recorded presentation on the 1/4-cent Economic Sales Tax.
How to vote
Absentee ballots, sample ballots and other information are available at the OK Voter Portal, oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.
Information about voting, projects and sample ballots is also available at www.cityofbartlesville.org.
Friday, Jan. 16, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the Feb. 10 election. For more information or to download an application, visit oklahoma.gov/elections.
In-person early voting will be held 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 5 and Feb. 6 at the Washington County Election Board, located on the fourth floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. in downtown Bartlesville. (Saturday voting is not available for this election). Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 10.
More information
For more information, contact the BDA at 918.336.8708, Visit Bartlesville at 918.336.8709, the Washington County Election Board at 918.337.2850, or the City of Bartlesville at 918.338.4282.
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Ballot series
Bartlesville residents will have several opportunities in January and early February to learn more about three funding measures that will appear on the Feb. 10 ballot. The first of the Ballot Series presentations was held Tuesday night. Additional presentations are scheduled for Jan. 27 and Feb. 3, with both starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone Ave. For more information, visit www.cityofbartlesville.org. See the presentation HERE.
| | Clean-up coupons to hit utility bills this month | | |
The City of Bartlesville, in coordination with Osage Landfill, provides an annual coupon good for one free trip to the landfill at any time during the year to the City’s Solid Waste customers. Coupons will be mailed to customers via their utility bill during the January billing cycle.
"City utility customers should be sure to look for them in their January bill," said Utility Billing Supervisor Tammy Hudgens.
The coupon is valid for City of Bartlesville Residential Solid Waste customers only. No commercial accounts or contractors will be permitted. One coupon is issued per customer and may not be duplicated.
The clean-up program is intended to help Bartlesville residents dispose of items typically too large or cumbersome for their weekly trash pick-up.
Items that are NOT permitted:
- Complete structures, including roofs
- Trees
- Vehicles
- Tires
- Batteries
- Hazardous materials
- Wet paint
- Appliances that have not had the compressors removed, such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. (Appliances must be certified “Freon free” if the compressor is not removed.)
- Demolished structures
Residents may take their items to Osage Landfill during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
For more information about this program, contact Public Works at 918.338.4131 or email bjmumma@cityofbartlesville.org. If you do not receive your coupon in your January utility bill, contact the Utility Billing Office at 918.338.4224 or utilitybilling@cityofbartlesville.org.
| | Construction gets underway on Sunset Bridge | | |
Construction got underway this week on the Sunset Boulevard Bridge over Butler Creek, requiring closure of Sunset Boulevard for the duration of the project. The bridge replacement is expected to be complete by July.
Message boards have been placed in the area to alert drivers of the upcoming closure, and detour signage will be installed prior to the shutdown. The designated detour route will direct traffic along Virginia Avenue. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time while construction is underway.
The $2.1 million project is funded by $1.2 million in sales tax funds and $814,369 in 2020 G.O. Bond funds. The project consists of the bridge deck construction and guardrail improvements. Plans are to construct a parallel pedestrian bridge over Butler Creek as part of the Pathfinder Parkway as well; however, escalating construction costs pushed back this portion of the project. The City has secured a 2025 Recreational Trails Program grant in the amount of $300,000 for this portion of the project. The earliest start of the pedestrian bridge would be summer 2026.
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Martin Luther King Day closures, trash schedule
City of Bartlesville offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Trash collection schedule
Monday trash routes will be serviced on Wednesday, Jan. 21, that week due to the holiday.
Monday customers will need to put their trash out no later than 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, for their trash to be collected.
Recycling, emergency services
The City Recycle Center, located at 10th Street and Virginia Avenue, will be closed. The center will reopen as normally scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Police and fire services will continue as normally scheduled, with no interruptions.
City offices will re-open as normally scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
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BDA to honor outgoing President/CEO David Wood
The Bartlesville Development Authority board and staff will host a retirement reception for outgoing BDA President/CEO David Wood from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 29. The event, which will also be an opportunity for the public to meet incoming President/CEO Chris Batchelder, will be held at McGraw Realtors, 124 S.E. Frank Phillips Blvd. Wood, who has served as BDA president/CEO for nearly 20 years, will retire effective Feb. 2. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
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Public input sought for public transportation plan
Information provided by United Community Action Program, Inc./Cimarron Public Transit System
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The United Community Action Program, Inc./Cimarron Public Transit System invites you to help shape the future of public transportation in Creek, Kay, Osage, Pawnee, and Washington counties.
Public input is key to identifying gaps and priorities to improve the rider experience and ensure transit investments reflect community needs.
Two virtual public forums will be held. Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. The public comment period will be open until March 13.
Cimarron Transit submitted a letter of intent with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to apply for Federal Transit Administration, Section 5311 funding for the 2027 program year. Funds will help support rural public transit in Bartlesville, Bristow, Cleveland, Dewey, Drumright, Keifer, Kellyville, Mannford, Mounds, Newkirk, Oilton, Pawhuska, Pawnee, Ponca City, Sapulpa, and Skiatook.
Virtual Forum Links:
January 28 at 1 p.m.
https: / /us06web.zoom.us /j /894 l 4998792?pwd= lC2jlW12iMFOSRqap4lBOOTJ3r0EyZ.1 Meeting ID: 894 1499 8792 Passcode: 235817
January 29 at 11 a.m.
https: //us06web.zoom.us/j /88164206467?pwd=w8ElSiwlZFO0gTY8imbYH1KbC9if04.l Meeting ID: 881 6420 6467 Passcode: 795676
If unable to attend a virtual forum, comments can be shared via email to lcorff@ucapinc.org or call 918.762.3041 Ext. 181. Written feedback can also be mailed to 501 Sixth Street, Pawnee, OK 74058. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 13.
For special accommodations or assistance with submitting comments, contact Laura Corff at 918.762.3041 Ext. 181, TDD: 800-722-0353, or email lcorff@ucapinc.org.
Cimarron Transit assures that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination. Cimarron Transit provides services in a consistent manner without regard to race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency or disability.
Equivalent service is provided to all. Cimarron Transit is an equal opportunity employer.
| | City offers free Christmas tree mulching at Sooner Park | | |
The City of Bartlesville will again offer free Christmas tree mulching this season at the upper level parking lot of Sooner Park, located near Madison and Tuxedo Boulevard.
Undecorated trees may be dropped off at the designated fenced area, just east of Madison Boulevard, after Christmas. Trees will be accepted through Jan. 24.
The mulch will be made available to the public.
For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 918.338.4154.
| | Agencies ready to help with OHFA rental assistance program | | |
Several Bartlesville‑area service organizations have completed official training to help eligible residents apply for the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency’s (OHFA) Tenant‑Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program. The training enables these organizations to guide applicants through the process and submit required documentation on their behalf.
Eligibility determinations for TBRA are made solely by OHFA. Local organizations provide application support but do not decide who qualifies.
The TBRA program is designed for individuals and families who are:
- Currently experiencing homelessness
- Escaping domestic violence or human trafficking
- At risk of imminent homelessness due to a major life change, such as job loss or a significant rent increase
Residents who believe they may qualify are encouraged to contact the appropriate organization based on their situation:
For individuals currently experiencing homelessness:
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The Lighthouse: (918) 336‑9029
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B‑The Light: (918) 288‑0009
For individuals escaping domestic violence or human trafficking:
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Ray of Hope: (918) 337‑6177
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Grand Mental Health (Bartlesville): (844) 458‑2100 (Applicants must be, or become, a client of Grand Mental Health to apply through this organization.)
For individuals facing imminent homelessness:
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Salvation Army of Bartlesville: (918) 336‑6454
For individuals unsure where to begin or seeking an additional application site:
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Community Health Care of Bartlesville (CHC/OK): (918) 214‑8081
All participating organizations can assist with navigating the application process and submitting materials to OHFA. Each organization may also have its own internal procedures for providing support.
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Help wanted
Are you looking for a career that offers competitive pay, excellent benefits and an opportunity to serve your community? We've got you covered! Click here to view open positions and submit an application. For questions or more information, contact the Human Resources Department at 918.338.4221.
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Board, Committee & Commission Openings
The City of Bartlesville has numerous boards, committees and commissions that are driven by citizen volunteers. All citizens are encouraged and welcome to apply.
Board applications are available online and in the City Manager’s Office, located on the second floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. Applications are kept on file for two years.
To view open committees/board positions, for more information or to apply, see www.cityofbartlesville.org.
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Annual report
The City of Bartlesville has published its second annual report, offering residents a comprehensive look at municipal performance and progress throughout Fiscal Year 2024-25. This detailed document reflects the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement across all departments. The full report is available online here, with a downloadable PDF version here. Printed copies can be picked up at City Hall and the Bartlesville Public Library.
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