1/4-cent ED tax: Early voting starts this week

Economic Development Sales Tax extension election is April 6

Bartlesville voters will decide whether to extend the nearly 35-year-old 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax during an election set for April 6. Early voting will begin on Thursday at City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave.

The tax, first approved by voters in 1986 and extended every five years since, supports the City’s economic development and tourism efforts — keeping jobs and sales tax dollars in Bartlesville and bringing new businesses to the area.

Approval of the extension will not result in an increase in sales tax, as the existing 1/4-cent will simply remain in effect beyond July 1, 2021.

Bartlesville Development Authority David Wood says the tax is responsible for several local developments and bringing hundreds of jobs to Bartlesville over the years, including the current five-year tax period.

“On Tuesday, April 6, voters will decide on the renewal of the 1/4-cent economic development sales tax. Since 1986, these funds made scores of projects possible, including Bartlesville’s Industrial Park, the Walmart Distribution Center, the Hilton Garden Inn and many, many others,” Wood said.

He said 1/4-cent investment has brought hundreds of jobs with such companies as ABB, Springs Global, Husky Portable Containment, and Phillips Precision Machining as well as boosted area retail, keeping valuable sales tax dollars in Bartlesville and bringing shoppers and diners from surrounding communities.

“This small sales tax has fueled our community’s retail expansion including Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Silver Lake Village shopping center, and the redevelopment of the former Kmart facility,” he said. “And more new brands will soon to be announced.”

Wood says he hopes voters will turn out on April 6 to make their voices heard — again.

“The Bartlesville Development Authority is grateful for the community’s trust and investment over the decades,” he said. “With continued support, we’ll shape Bartlesville’s future together.”

In-person early voting will be held 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1 and April 2 in the first floor Council Chambers at City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave.​ Voters should use the west (back) door. (Note Saturday voting is not available for this election). Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 6.

More information is available at the OK Voter Portal. Or contact the BDA at 918.336.8708, the Washington County Election Board at 918.337.2850, or the City of Bartlesville at 918.338.4282.