Voters to decide funding for projects on March 6

February 27, 2018

The following is the last in a three-part series of informational columns concerning the City of Bartlesville’s upcoming General Bond Election on March 6, 2018.

On March 6, registered voters who reside within the City of Bartlesville will once again have the opportunity to decide on the City’s latest list of General Obligation Bond projects.

These projects include a wide range of improvements throughout much of the city, ranging from street repairs and drainage improvements to upgrades to our city’s parks and City facilities. For a complete list of projects proposed for funding in this bond series, see www.cityofbartlesville.org.

The G.O. Bond program is a decades-old capital improvement program that has resulted in some of Bartlesville’s most significant improvements since the program was implemented.

Thanks to Bartlesville voters, G.O. Bond funds have been used to fund such projects as the extension of Silver Lake Road, renovations to Frontier Pool, expansion of Pathfinder Parkway and upgrades to our soccer, baseball and softball fields, as well as flood control improvements throughout the city and critical equipment purchases including fire trucks and information technology. One of the most recently completed projects that is no doubt instantly recognizable to Bartlesville residents is the construction of the Bartlesville Public Safety Complex, located at Adams Boulevard and Johnstone Avenue.

The upcoming election is a continuation of this important program, which, if approved, will provide funding for critical infrastructure improvements and important quality of life issues throughout our community. These projects are decided as part of an ongoing collaboration between the citizens, citizen committees, elected officials and community organizations. The final project list, which voters will consider in an election next week, is the result of years of deliberation, public input and professional analysis.

As this is a continuation of an existing program, these projects, if approved on March 6, would be accomplished without a tax increase. By law, G.O. bonds are one of the few methods that a city can use to finance large public improvements. G.O. bonds are repaid using property taxes and, as old bonds are paid off, new bonds are issued to maintain the current tax level.

Throughout our community’s history, we have been blessed by great leadership and the wisdom of our voters, which have helped make our city the jewel that it is today. It is exciting to be part of this next chapter — one that will begin with this election. I encourage you all to join me at the polls and let your will be heard.

For more information about the City of Bartlesville’s General Obligation Bond Election, see GO Bond Election 2018 FAQGoBond2018.com or GO Bond Election Presentation.

Mike Bailey is the acting City Manager, Chief Financial Officer and Administrative Services director for the City of Bartlesville.