Welcome to CityBeat, a free weekly e-newsletter containing the latest news and information about the City of Bartlesville and related topics. Get yours delivered each week! https://bit.ly/2eaFETx | | City Manager Mike Bailey presents information pertaining to the upcoming municipal election on Feb. 10. Voters will decide the extension of the 1/2-cent Capital Improvement Project and 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Taxes, as well as the proposed 2026 General Obligation Bond Issue. | | |
CIP sales tax, GO bonds to fund capital projects
Voters to decide tax extensions, GO bond in February election
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On Feb. 10, Bartlesville voters will decide ballot issues for the City of Bartlesville, including extension of the 1/2-cent Capital Improvement Project and 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Taxes and the proposed 2026 General Obligation Bond Issue.
The 1/2-cent CIP sales tax and G.O. Bonds have been used to fund more than $102 million in projects since 1999. Voter passage in February would extend the CIP sales tax for another five years and ensure G.O. Bond funding through 2031.
"These funding sources are used for everything from the construction of major facilities to street projects and purchasing police cars, fire trucks, mowers, and computers," said City Manager Mike Bailey. "Municipalities in Oklahoma are actually quite limited in their funding options, so these are extremely important in our ability to improve our community, purchase the basic equipment required to do our jobs, and to maintain the infrastructure we have."
Voters will see five propositions on their ballot. Propositions 1-3 are related to the proposed G.O. Bond Issue. Proposition 4 is for the Economic Development sales tax extension, and Proposition 5 is for the CIP sales tax extension.
| | Combined, the CIP sales tax and G.O. Bonds will generate $35 million for projects (including $500,000 for Cost of Issuance), with the majority of the funds -- $18.2 million -- going to street projects. The smallest portion, $3.5 million, will be dedicated to parks, $5.4 million to public safety equipment, and $7.4 million to municipal buildings and equipment. | | |
Projects highlights
The vast majority of the projects to be completed with the funding are recurring costs and to maintain the existing infrastructure. This includes items such as:
Numerous street improvements
The City's largest infrastructure requires continuous upgrades and maintenance. (None of these projects are repeats.)
Replacement of police and general fleet vehicles 10 years or older as funding allows
Only vehicles 10 years or older are replaced. This is an ongoing program. Different vehicles are replaced each cycle.
Purchase of a fire apparatus
The City must plan the purchase of fire apparatuses years in advance due to supply chain issues. This apparatus will be needed during the five-year period to replace 20-year-old vehicle. Maintaining the proper equipment allows the City to hold a high ISO rating, which provides discounted insurance rates for Bartlesville residents.
Storm siren upgrade
The City's 40-year-old sirens no longer work reliably and need to be replaced.
Community Center lighting upgrade
The Community Center, which is a trust of the City of Bartlesville, was constructed through G.O. Bond funding in 1983. The lighting technology has not been upgraded since construction and is no longer compatible with today's technology. This prevents The Center from attracting larger shows for Bartlesville audiences.
Price Fields artificial turf
This will enable use of the Price Fields Complex fields during rainy seasons and assist with tournament recruitment.
Pathfinder Parkway improvements
This funding would provide improvements to several sections of the 12-mile recreational path, which are identified on an annual basis.
Explore the full list of projects and view descriptions for each:
Election 2026: The Projects
View the PowerPoint presentation:
2026 Election Presentation
| | This map shows the locations of capital projects completed throughout the city using 1/2-cent Capital Improvement Project Sales Tax and General Obligation Bond funding. More than $102 million in project have been completed with this funding since 1999. Voters will decide whether to extend the CIP sales and passage of the 2026 G.O. Bond in a Feb. 10 election. (Red shows street projects, purple denotes Pathfinder trail improvements, orange is storm sewer, and blue is water lines.) | |
Voting
Early voting is available at the Washington County Election Board, which is located on the fourth floor of City Hall, at 401 S. Johnstone Ave.
Here is the early voting schedule:
- Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Regular voting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at your local polling place.
Absentee voting is available. The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by mail at the county election board on or before 7 p.m. on election day (Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026). Absentee ballots may also be delivered in person to the county election board on or before 5 p.m. on the Monday before election day.
For more information, please call the Washington County Election Board at 918.337.2850 or go online to the Oklahoma State Election board website. On the Oklahoma State Election board website, you can use the “OK Voter Portal” to confirm your voter registration, view sample ballots, find your polling place, request an absentee ballot, change your address or party affiliation and more.
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Election FAQs
Will approval of any of this increase my taxes?
No. Approval of these funding mechanisms will not result in an increase in taxes. G.O. bonds are funded through ad valorem, or property taxes, which are paid by Bartlesville property owners. The City’s mil levy would remain at 15 with approval of the bond Issue, which would have no impact on ad valorem taxes. The 1/2-Cent CIP Sales Tax and 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax are both existing taxes. Approval would simply extend both taxes another five years.
I voted for a project in a past election that hasn't even started yet. What is the reason for this?
There are many steps between an election and the availability of funding for the projects and equipment approved by voters in the election. For G.O. Bond elections, the funding is issued in traunches (fancy word for a series) over the duration of the bond term. This means that some projects are funded the first year of the term while others are scheduled for funding in subsequent years.
For Half-cent CIP Sales Tax elections, projects are funded as tax revenue becomes available over the duration of the CIP term.
Even after funding becomes available for use, keep in mind the design phase for most City projects is six months to one year, and the fact that there are only so many staff members available at a given time to work on these projects.
More information on this is available HERE.
Why aren't we using this money to purchase alternative water resources?
Water, or, more specifically, water rights, cannot be purchased with G.O. Bond funds as state law requires that the City own the facility for which funding is being utilized. In the case of all current water-right options, the City does not own the water resources — these are owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As a result, state law prevents the use of G.O. Bond funds for this purpose.
Sales tax revenue is not subject to the same ownership requirement. However, the water-resource options being pursued require either federal legislation, additional studies, or agreements with federal or other local governments. City staff is actively working on these efforts, but we are not yet in a position to designate funding for this item
Additionally, the City Council established a Capital Investment Fee many years ago to help fund projects of this nature. Bartlesville utility customers contribute to this fund through a fee included on their monthly utility bills. These revenues are used for necessary infrastructure improvements and to pursue additional water resources.
I keep hearing some of these projects are duplicated in multiple elections. Is this true?
No, it's not true. The City has never proposed funding for the same project more than once. We're not sure why this rumor is making the rounds, unless some people are confusing the categories (Streets, Parks, Public Safety, etc.) for projects. Or perhaps they don't realize funding for multi-phased projects is often spread out over several bond issues. Either way, this statement is false.
I heard the City hasn't completed many of the projects that voters have approved in the past and can't account for the money they collected for them. Is this true?
No, this is not true. The City completes every project approved by voters, even though the law requires only that so-called "70 percent" or "priority" projects be completed. Any project that hasn't been done yet is either in some stage of planning, i.e., design, bid, or construction, or it hasn't been funded yet (see the second question and answer). Or, more rarely, there is simply not adequate staff to begin the projects at this time.
Can the City provide documentation that what they say is true? We need more transparency!
Absolutely! All G.O. Bond, sales tax and project information is contained in the City's annual budget and audit reports. See www.cityofbartlesville.org for more information. And if you have a specific project in mind, let us know and we'll track it down for you!
Do the project budgets include projected cost inflation?
Yes.
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Ballot series
Bartlesville residents will have 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 Jan. 13. 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 PowerPoint slides HERE or view a recorded presentation HERE.
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Storm expected to bring heavy snow, frigid temps
Closures planned for library, history museum, golf course
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A major winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures to Eastern Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas beginning Friday into the weekend, the National Weather Service-Tulsa said earlier today.
"Heavy snow is likely north of I-40, with a mix of sleet and snow south of I-40," NWS said today via Facebook. "Extreme cold is also likely. Please complete all preparations by early Friday."
According to NWS, Bartlesville and other areas north of I-40 should expect two waves of storms beginning anywhere from midday Friday to Friday evening and lasting until late Saturday or early Sunday.
Between the two, the area should expect six to 12 inches of snow, though some reports indicate up to 20 inches of snow is possible.
"Indications are that whatever we get is going to be around for a while due to extremely low temperatures," said Public Works Director Keith Henry. "They don't expect warmer temps until next Tuesday or after."
Henry said Public Works crews will begin clearing bridges and intersections as soon as conditions warrant, and crews will work around the clock in 12-hour shifts for as long as needed.
City Closures
The following facilities will close at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, and will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 24.
- Bartlesville Public Library
- Bartlesville Area History Museum
- Boots Hollow Golf Club (Will also be closed on Sunday, Jan. 25)
- City Hall (City Hall normally closes at 11:30 a.m. on Friday.)
Note: Facilities could close earlier if weather conditions warrant. Follow City of Bartlesville GOV for updated information.
More information
For updates on City operations, follow City of Bartlesville GOV, Bartlesville Police Department, and City of Bartlesville.
For weather and additional updates, see Washington County Emergency Management and NWS-Tulsa.
B the Light warming shelter will be open at noon on Friday and remain open through Monday. Contact B the Light for more information.
For more information on the City's snow and ice removal procedures and policies, see www.cityofbartlesville.org.
| | Work is ongoing in the Buffalo Roam Film Studio & Institute sanctuary (above). To see a rendering showing what the sanctuary will look like when complete, see inset below. | | |
Because you asked
Buffalo Roam Film Studio & Institute update
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Please do an update on Buffalo Roam.
City Beat readers will recall the City Council voted in 2023 to enter into an agreement with Buffalo Roam Film Studio and Institute. The agreement allowed the company to utilize the former First Christian Church facility, located at 520 S. Osage Ave., after the FFC Board had offered to donate the building to the City.
The agreement also included the placement of $2 million in escrow to serve as matching funding for a near-complete renovation of the facility. These funds are to be paid through the Economic Development Fund and Bartlesville Redevelopment Authority Tax Increment Finance District No. 1 funds. To date, the Bartlesville Film Authority, which was created to oversee the project, has released $420,121 over six payments, matching funds invested by Buffalo Roam. This means nearly $1 million in improvements have been made to the building since the agreement.
City staff recently toured the facility and asked Buffalo Roam to provide information in hopes of answering your most commonly asked questions. Following is their response:
What is Buffalo Roam?
Buffalo Roam studios is a professional film and media production campus being developed to support movies, television, commercials, podcasts and digital media. The project includes a large soundstage, production offices, educational space and support areas for crews and creators.
Why Bartlesville?
Bartlesville offers space, affordability, strong infrastructure and a community that supports long-term growth. Its location and cost advantages make it attractive to productions seeking alternatives to larger, higher-cost markets.
What is being built?
The project includes a professional soundstage, production offices, storage and staging areas and education and training space. The facility is designed for real, working productions, not temporary or hobby use.
Will this be noisy or disruptive?
No. Soundstages are designed to contain sound, and most filming takes place indoors. Operations will comply with City regulations. This is not a concert or public event venue.
How does this benefit Bartlesville residents?
The studio is expected to create local jobs, generate work for local trades and vendors, increase spending at nearby businesses, and offer practical training opportunities tied to real production work.
What kinds of productions will use the studio?
The studio will support feature films, television and streaming projects, commercials, documentaries, educational content, podcasts and other professional media productions.
When will education programs begin?
Education will begin as soon as the studio opens. Classes and workshops will be offered during Phase 1, starting in March. A larger, structured education program is planned to launch in June.
How can residents stay informed?
Updates will be shared through official Buffalo Roam Studios communications. Community questions are welcome, and transparency will remain a priority as the project moves forward.
What is the long-term vision?
The long-term goal is to establish Buffalo Roam Studios as a stable production hub, a repeat destination for professional media projects, a training resource for the community, and a consistent economic contributor to Bartlesville.
| | Current view of the fellowship hall (left) and rendering of what the area will look like when it is complete. | | Renderings of the cafe (left and right). Renderings courtesy of Buffalo Roam. | | Note: The Bartlesville Film Authority meets the third Monday of every month (except for January and February due to holidays) in the second floor conference room at City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. The public is invited to attend. | | 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.
| | 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.
| | Neece to discuss aviation book at Museum Lunch & Learn | | |
The Bartlesville Area History Museum will feature guest speaker and former Collection Manager Debbie Neece for its next “Lunch and Learn" event from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 29. Neece will present her book, “Washington County Aviation by Barnstorming Daredevils and Aeronauts!”
During her 18-year career with the Bartlesville Area History Museum and 12 years of writing for the Bartlesville Monthly Magazine, Neece’s goal was to help keep the history of Washington County in the forethought. Once retired, a valley opened for Neece to explore Washington County aviation. This created a deep admiration for the characters who had no idea they were making history, including names such as Joseph Bartles and Joe Knight, Frank and L.E. Phillips, Billy Parker and Art Goebel, Wiley Post and Will Rogers, and many more.
Copies of the book may be purchased for $35 in the Friends of BAHM Gift Shop (cash or credit). Attendees are also encouraged to enjoy the museum’s newest exhibit, “Bartlesville Though out the Decades,” on display through April 13. Tables and chairs will be set up for people who bring a lunch, and little ones may enjoy the history coloring station and games.
The Museum is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed on weekends and holidays) on the fifth floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. For more information, contact museum staff at 918.338.4290 or history@cityofbartlesville.org.
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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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