A City of Bartlesville municipal election — calling for an extension of the current ¼-cent economic development sales tax and a proposed 4/10 of a cent sales tax increase for city operations — is scheduled to be held in October. Voters will decide both questions, which will presented as separate propositions on the ballot.
A Sales tax slide presentation containing detailed information about the tax questions is available to anyone wishing to view it.
When to vote
Election day is Tuesday, Oct. 13, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, early voting will be available on Thursday, Oct. 8, and Friday, Oct. 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at the Washington County Election Board, 420 S. Johnstone Ave.
All registered voters who live in Bartlesville are eligible to take part in the election.
Proposition One: 1/4-cent economic development sales tax
The ¼-cent economic development sales tax was implemented in 1987 and has been renewed by voters five consecutive times. The tax has resulted in the creation of nearly 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, and has helped promote new and existing business in Bartlesville.
Plans for future revenue generated by the extension of the sales tax include major retail development, redevelopment and expansion of existing retail as well as recruiting new, targeted brands to the area.
Proposition Two: 4/10 of a cent operational sales tax
The proposed 4/10 of a cent sales tax increase is expected to generate an additional $2 million annually for the city’s general fund, which provides funding for 18 of the city’s 22 departments — including the two largest, police and fire.
Plans for the funds include:
- Three additional firefighters
- Five additional police officers
- Two additional public safety workers
- Ten additional road crew workers
- Capital improvements such as equipment, drainage improvements, parks and street repairs
More information
For more information about the propositions, call 918-338-4132 or email kwilliams@cityofbartlesville.org.
For information on polling places or other election-related information, call the Washington County Election Board at 918-337-2850.
For detailed information, view the City’s Sales tax slide presentation.