On Feb. 10, voters will decide whether to continue three long-standing programs that fund capital improvements and economic development. Voters will decide the three measures through five ballot propositions:
- 2026 General Obligation Bond (Propositions 1, 2 & 3)
- 1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax (Proposition 4)
- 1/2-cent Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Sales Tax (Proposition 5)
Passage of the G.O. Bond Issue and 1/2-cent CIP Sales Tax extension will fund $34.5 million in capital needs and projects over the next five years, while extension of the 1/4-cent ED Sales Tax will continue funding the city’s economic development and tourism efforts.
“Every few years, we have the chance to check in as a community and decide how we want to invest in Bartlesville’s future,” said City Manager Mike Bailey. “These long‑standing programs have helped support streets, public safety, parks and economic development for decades, and this election is simply an opportunity for residents to weigh in on whether that work continues.”
Bailey emphasized that all three measures represent ongoing programs rather than new taxes.
“These proposals are not new initiatives — they are simply the continuation of funding tools the community has relied on for decades,” Bailey said. “If approved, they would allow us to maintain steady investment in in our community over the next several years.”
Not tax increase proposed
There is no tax increase associated with the passage of any of the measures. Approval of both sales tax propositions would simply extend the existing sales taxes for capital projects and economic development, and approval of the G.O. Bond issue, which is repaid through property tax, would remain at a constant mill levy as well.
“All three measures continue long‑standing programs that residents are already supporting today,” Bailey said. “Our goal is to keep the mill levy stable at around 15, ensuring there is no increase in property taxes while still meeting the community’s capital and economic development needs.”
Final Session of Town Hall Series Set Feb. 3
Bartlesville residents have one more opportunity to learn more about three funding measures that will appear on the Feb. 10 ballot. The City will host the final session of its town hall series designed to give voters clear, accessible information and answer questions about the proposals.
City staff will hold an evening meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Bartlesville Public Library in Meeting Room A on the second floor of the library, 600 S. Johnstone Ave. The meeting is open to everyone. Additional presentations are underway with civic groups, employers and community organizations.
“At the end of the day, these decisions belong to the people who live here,” Bailey said. “I encourage everyone to learn about the proposals, ask questions and make a plan to vote on Feb. 10. When more residents participate, we make choices that reflect the whole community.”
How to vote
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.) Bartlesville residents can vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 at their local polling place.
Sample ballots are available at www.cityofbartlesville.org.
For more information, contact 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, change your address or party affiliation and more.
Additional resources
Comprehensive information about the election — including project descriptions, financial details, voting information, and FAQs — is available at www.cityofbartlesville.org.
To learn more, download a flyer or PowerPoint presentation with election information, or watch a recorded staff presentation here.