Election 2026: FAQ, Projects

Where does the money come from?

Bond programs are funded by property taxes; however, the 2026 bond won’t raise property taxes. The average rate, 15 mills, will remain at the same service level. About 12.4% percent of your property tax goes to the City of Bartlesville, and the rest goes to schools, the county and other government entities. For example, the owner of a $130,000 house pays about $20 monthly for the City’s portion of the property tax. The City uses the money to pay for bonds.

During a General Obligation (G.O.) Bond election, voters decide whether to fund major infrastructure projects across the city. G.O. bonds are municipal bonds that allow state and local governments to raise money for projects that may not generate a direct revenue stream – like building and rebuilding streets, bridges, sidewalks and more. This type of bond is one of the City’s most important tools to maintain and expand its infrastructure and relies on property taxes for funding, and Bartlesville’s strong credit rating means it can issue bonds at low interest rates for a sustainable and efficient funding source.

Property taxes finance G.O. bonds, which voters approve for specific capital projects. It is a common misconception that property taxes help pay for the City’s core services. Although this is true in many states, cities and towns in Oklahoma are not allowed to levy property taxes for day-to-day operations.

Learn more about how the City is funded HERE and HERE.

Why aren’t new water/sewer lines included in the project list?

The Utilities Department is fully funded by ratepayer revenues for the utility services provided to customers. Because of this, water and sewer line projects are not included in general obligation bond programs. Instead, water and sewer projects are incorporated into its capital program and are planned investments that are part of the rate plans approved by City Council.

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.

Why are some projects duplicated in multiple elections?

This is an erroneous statement that has been repeated several times on multiple social media platforms. The City has never proposed funding for the same project more than once. Some projects are done in phases, however, so that may be confusing to some. For example, G.O. Bond funding was used to renovate Price Fields several years ago in two separate phases, and another Price Fields project is proposed for funding in 2026 as well. The previous funding was used to improve the fields, drainage issues, roads and parking lots, and the proposed funding for 2026 is for artificial turf at four of the fields. The Boots Hollow Golf Club is another example of a multi-phased project that may have appeared to have similar language to voters.

Additionally, different sections of the same street may appear to be a duplicate, as well as Pathfinder Parkway improvements. None of these are duplicate projects.

Does this fund every infrastructure need in Bartlesville?

No. It’s impossible to address every need across Bartlesville’s 22 square miles with any single bond program or sales tax initiative. That’s why resident feedback, planning studies and other tools are essential for identifying priorities to meet neighborhood and community needs.

When will construction begin and end?

Construction on some of the projects could start in 2026, but most of the projects will begin over the next seven years. This is because bond funds are released to the City in “traunches” over several years and is not available to the City in a lump sum. CIP sales tax is generated over time and is also not available all at once.

City staff will compile a proposed projects schedule based on the projected bond sales and sales tax revenue over a five-year period. This list will then be reviewed and approved each fiscal year by the City Council. These projects are discussed during meetings that are open to the public and are publicized each year in the City newsletter, City Beat, and on the City website, www.cityofbartlesville.org.

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, including:

• For G.O. Bond elections, the funding is issued in traunches over the duration of the bond term. Therefore, 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.
• The design phase for most City projects is six months to one year.
• There is not enough City staff to facilitate all of the approved projects at one time.

More information on this is available HERE.

Do the project budgets include projected cost inflation?

Yes.

 

Key dates & voting deadlines

 

The Projects

General Obligation (G.O.) Bond projects

Proposition 1: Public Safety

70% projects (Required Disclosure)

Fire Apparatus Replacement — $1,550,000

This funding will be used to replace aging fire apparatus that are approaching their end of useful/safe operating lifespan. The City has an apparatus replacement policy that guides the Fire Department in when to start planning for apparatus replacement and when an apparatus should be replaced. The department currently has a 2002 and a 2006 model apparatus that will be the highest priorities for replacement. The funding will allow the Fire Department to prioritize which apparatus gets replaced first based on safety, age, repair costs, mileage, hours, and general overall condition.

70% Total: $1,550,000
70% Required Disclosure: $1,550,000

Public Safety Total: $1,550,000

 

Proposition 2: Streets

“Mill and Overlay” is a term used to describe rehabilitation of an asphalt street.  The top two inches of asphalt is milled off (removed) and then two inches of new asphalt are “overlaid” on top of the remaining existing asphalt.

“Concrete Panel Replacement” is a term used to describe rehabilitation of a concrete street. Concrete streets have “panels” separated by defined joints in the concrete pavement. These “panels” can be removed and replaced. The concrete can also be cut to create new “panels” to allow flexibility in how much concrete is actually replaced.

“Asphalt Reconstruction” is how we are explaining that we are taking an existing street in poor condition and completely reconstructing the pavement. In the case of the projects proposed in the 2026 G.O. Bond, the existing pavement is concrete that is too damaged to justify a Concrete Panel Replacement. The intent with the reconstruction is to saw cut the pavement to isolate the curb and gutter and leave that in place. Then we will remove the concrete pavement and reconstruct with an asphalt pavement section. This will be identical to what was recently completed on Yale Drive between Adams Blvd and Frank Phillips Blvd. Going back with asphalt is less expensive than replacing with concrete.

“EOP” is defined as the “End of Project,” which is used for streets that end in a dead end or cul-de-sac.

70% Projects

Quail Drive & Cherokee Hills — $875,000

This project is for a concrete panel replacement on Quail Drive between Evergreen Drive and Cherokee Hills Drive, as well as on Cherokee Hills Drive from Quail Drive to Oakdale Drive.

Elm Avenue and Hickory Avenue (18th Street to 13th Street) — $615,000

This includes a mill and overlay on Elm and Hickory streets from 13th Street to 18th Street.

East Drive/Park Lane/Crescent Drive — $645,000

This includes a mill and overlay on East Drive from Bow Drive to Douglas Lane, including East Court and East Place.  Also included are Park Lane from Manor Drive to Arbor Drive and Crescent Drive from Park Lane to Arbor Drive.

Delaware/Second Street/Third Street — $875,000

This project is a mill and overlay on Delaware Ave from Fifth Street to Hensley Boulevard.  Also included are Second Street from Delaware Avenue to Wyandotte Avenue, Third Street from Wyandotte Avenue to Comanche Avenue, and Mill Street from Shawnee Avenue to Wyandotte Avenue.

Chickasaw/Creek/Choctaw — $750,000

This project is a mill and overlay on Chickasaw Avenue from Hensley Boulevard to Adams Boulevard. Also included are Creek Avenue from Tuxedo Boulevard to Adams Boulevard and Choctaw Avenue from Third Street to EOP north of Hensley Boulevard.

Fourth Street (Cherokee to Comanche) — $950,000

This project is a mill and overlay of Fourth Street from Cherokee Avenue to Comanche Avenue.

Fairview/Morgan/Lester/Wayside/Marling — $845,000

This project is a mill and overlay of Fairview Road, Morgan Avenue, Lester Avenue, and Wayside Drive from Washington Boulevard to Marling Street. Also included is Marling Street from Wayside Drive to Limestone Road.

Dartmouth Drive (Frank Phillips to Yale) Asphalt Reconstruction — $600,000

This will provide funding for an asphalt reconstruction on Dartmouth Drive between Frank Phillips Boulevard and Yale Avenue.

Cornell Drive (Frank Phillips to Yale) — $550,000

This will fund an asphalt reconstruction on Cornell Drive between Frank Phillips Boulevard and Yale Avenue.

Lindenwood/Mistletoe — $1,025,000

This will fund an asphalt reconstruction on Lindenwood Drive between Mistletoe Lane and Aledo Drive and Mistletoe Lane from Larchmont Drive to Highland Drive.

Wisconsin/Shannon/Cummings/Fenway/Nebraska Court — $940,000

This will provide funding for a mill and overlay on Fenway Avenue, Cummings Avenue, and Shannon Drive from Nebraska Street to Wisconsin Avenue. Also included are Wisconsin Avenue from Fenway Avenue to Cummings Avenue and Nebraska Court from Nebraska Street to EOP.

Howard/State Street Mill/Overlay — $325,000

This will provide funding for a mill and overlay on Howard Avenue from State Street to Kentucky Street and on State Street from Morningside Avenue to Howard Avenue.

Polaris Drive (Silver Lake to Skyline Place) — $750,000

This will fund a concrete panel replacement on Polaris Drive between Silver Lake Road and Skyline Place.

70% Total: $9,745,000
70% Required Disclosure: $9,170,000

30% Projects

Kensington/Cambridge Court/Chapel Hill Court — $515,000

This is a mill and overlay on Kensington Way from Kensington Court to just east of Camelot Drive. Also included are Kensington Court, Cambridge Court from Williamsburg Street to Dorchester Drive, and Chapel Hill Court west of Cambridge Court.

Fremont/Hilltop/Woodville/Toledo — $490,000

This is a mill and overlay on Fremont Road from Nowata Road to Toledo Road, including Hilltop Drive from Nowata Road to Toledo Road, Woodville Road from Fremont Road to Hilltop Drive, and Toledo Road from Washington Boulevard to Hilltop Drive.

Rockwood/Roselawn/Howard — $450,000

This is a mill and overlay on Rockwood Avenue from Indiana Street to Interurban Drive, including Roselawn Avenue from Roselawn Place to Interurban Drive and Howard Ave from Interurban Drive to Tuxedo Boulevard.

Beck Drive (Robin to Silver Lake Road) — $375,000

This is for an asphalt reconstruction on Beck Drive between Robin Avenue and Silver Lake Road

Oak/Hickory/Elm/Eighth Street/Ninth Street — $975,000

This is a mill and overlay of Oak Avenue from Sixth Street to 11th Street, including Elm Avenue from Sixth Street to 10th Street, Eighth Street and Ninth Street from Virginia Avenue to Oak Avenue, and asphalt reconstruction of Hickory Avenue from Sixth Street to Ninth Street.

Preventative Maintenance Streets — $550,000

This is part of an ongoing program that calls for the City to invest annually in preventative street maintenance. These streets are selected based on the Pavement Condition Index, which identifies streets that are in need of maintenance before serious problems arise. The PCI is an industry standard and is used by most municipalities to keep streets from falling into severe states of disrepair, as it is much more costly to taxpayers to repair streets at this stage. The majority of the funds for this program are proposed as part of the ½-cent CIP Sales Tax extension, with $550,000 proposed as part of the General Obligation Bond package. Preventive maintenance street projects are recommended by the Street & Traffic Committee each year and approved by City Council as part of the fiscal year capital budget.

Streets Total: $13.1 million

 

Proposition 3: Parks & Recreation

70% Projects

Price Fields artificial turf — $1,200,000

The Parks Board identified artificial turf as a necessary addition at the Price Fields Sports Complex, the City-owned baseball and softball fields. The turf would be applied to four of the baseball fields at the complex in order to allow local play during rain events and to encourage more frequent and larger tournaments to be held in Bartlesville. This, in turn, would benefit local businesses and generate sales tax dollars.

Park safety lighting & security — $400,000

The Parks Board has prioritized lighting within parks and park parking lots to improve safety within the parks. The project scope will be defined by City staff with direction from the Parks Board.

Park playground equipment replacement — $300,000

The Parks Board has prioritized replacement of aging park playground equipment. Playground equipment at parks will be evaluated and prioritized by City staff with direction from the Parks Board to define the project scope.

Park drip irrigation — $225,000

This will fund drip irrigation systems for numerous trees located in the City’s park system. This is necessary to maintain and extend the life of these trees, particularly in dryer summer months and during prolonged drought conditions.

70% Total: $2,125,000
70% Required Disclosure: $1,995,000

30% Projects

Park restroom renovations — $400,000

Many park restrooms are aged and in need of restoration. The Parks Board has prioritized improving the condition of existing restrooms in parks. Park restrooms will be evaluated and prioritized form improvements by City staff with direction from the Parks Board.

Park amenity upgrades — $300,000

Park amenity upgrades focus on improving existing park features to enhance comfort, accessibility, safety and overall user experience. These upgrades may include updated playground equipment, benches, shade structures and landscaping — helping ensure parks remain welcoming, functional and enjoyable for residents of all ages.

Cooper Dog Park irrigation — $25,000

The Parks Board has prioritized adding irrigation to Cooper Dog Park based on requests from users at the park. It is currently difficult to keep grass viable during the higher use summer months and irrigation would help facilitate better grass growth and minimize exposed soil within the dog park.

Parks & Recreation Total: $2,850,000

 

1/2-cent Capital Improvement Project Sales Tax Projects

(Note: The proposed 1/2-cent CIP sales tax projects are listed here as 70% and 30% projects to simplify the process for voters. There is no legal requirement for this for 1/2-cent CIP sales tax projects.)

Municipal Buildings & Equipment

70% Projects

Aerial lift truck — $300,000

This will fund replacement of an existing lift truck utilized by the Building Maintenance Department. The existing truck is over 30 years old and is routinely out of service due to equipment failures and creates safety issues.

Storm siren upgrade — $800,000

The current City-owned storm siren system utilizes outdated technology and requires replacement to ensure reliability. A portion of this funding would be used to assess newer siren system options, the optimal number of sirens needed and placement using newer technology than is available with the current system. The majority of the funding will be used to purchase and install the new sirens.

General Fund Vehicle Replacement ($300,000 per year) — $1,500,000

This is part of an ongoing program to replace aging General Fund vehicles, or those that are not part of the Police or Fire system.

Community Center lighting upgrade — $800,000

The auditorium lighting system at the community center is out of date and incompatible with current industry standard technology. Upgrading to new technology will open up opportunities for new shows that currently cannot be attracted due to the limitations of the existing system. These funds will be coupled with grants and private funding initiatives to bring the system up to current standards.

Community Center chiller replacement — $500,000

This will fund replacement of the 33-year-old back up chiller at The Center that is currently inoperable. The new chiller will be used as the primary chiller and the current 17-year-old primary chiller will be moved to use as a backup. The chillers currently cannot function adequately during the warm months.

Replace core servers — $800,000

This funding will allow for replacement of the main system that supports citywide software and ensures reliable, secure operations. These generally need to be replaced every five years due to the rapid changes in technology infrastructure.

Information Technology infrastructure upgrades — $400,000

This funding will be used to make improvements to the city’s technology foundation, including wireless networks, switches, security cameras, and phone systems, as well as access control for buildings.

Dump trucks with snow equipment — $600,000

This funding is needed to purchase two dump trucks for the City’s Public Works Department. These trucks will replace two of the department’s oldest dump trucks over a seven-year period. It will also allow for the purchase of additional equipment used to treat and plow City streets, bridges and overpasses during storm events.

Tractors (2) — $280,000

These tractors will replace two existing tractors that are utilized for daily by the Parks Department for right-of-way mowing. The existing tractors are older models and are underpowered to handle steep slopes and heavy grass.

70% Total: $5,180,000

30% Projects

Community Center HVAC contactors, controls & air compressor (pneumatics) — $92,500

These funds will replace the air compressor for the HVAC pneumatics as well as electrical contactors and various other components of the HVAC control system. The equipment is original to the building and has become a maintenance burden.

Community Center Community Hall Projector — $30,000

Community Hall at The Center is used regularly for events. The existing projector is end of life and insufficient for the space. These funds will be used to upgrade to a laser projector with a 20,000-hour life expectancy that is much brighter than the current projector that requires replacement of bulbs every 2,000 hours.

Annual PC replacement/software (15 years) — $300,000

This funding will provide for regular updates to city computers to maintain security, compatibility, and efficient service to the public.

Library elevator modernization — $300,000

Bartlesville Public Library has two elevators, which are original to the building, that are in various states of disrepair. These 30-year-old elevators can no longer be restored because the required parts are no longer available, and a complete modernization is necessary to ensure public and staff safety. This funding would replace one elevator. Funding for the second elevator will be sought at a later date.

Tractor boom and mower — $200,000

This equipment will replace an older tractor and boom mower that are essential for mowing areas that cannot be maintained with conventional mowers.

Golf course equipment — $300,000

This item includes the replacement of the Boots Hollow Golf Club’s 2016 fairway mower, which, at 9 years old, has surpassed its optimal service life. Over the past year, the existing equipment has incurred more than $7,000 in repair costs, and the mower was out of service for several months. Its declining reliability and increasing maintenance expenses make replacement the most efficient and cost-effective option moving forward.

This funding will also allow for the retirement of the club’s current secondary sprayer, a 1996 model that is well beyond its useful life, to be replaced with a modern GPS-controlled sprayer. The new unit will reduce labor hours, improve application precision, and significantly decrease chemical usage. The club’s existing 2014 sprayer would then move into the secondary/backup role. Maintaining a reliable backup sprayer is essential to ensure uninterrupted turf treatments, especially on greens where timing and consistency are critical.

Golf course equipment storage facility — $115,000

The Boots Hollow Golf Club’s existing maintenance building was originally constructed in the late 1960s. The current structure has extensive rust damage and multiple roof leaks, and no longer meets the club’s operation space requirements. Because it is undersized for the club’s equipment inventory, several pieces of essential equipment are stored outdoors year-round, leading to unnecessary wear and reduced service life. A new facility is necessary to protect assets, improve efficiency, and support long-term maintenance operations.

Golf course greens fans — $45,000

This funding would be used to purchase three oscillating greens fans that would assist in creating better airflow for the green complexes on Holes No. 3, No. 8, and No. 14. These areas of the course where greens are located, having minimal airflow, which causes the greens turfgrass to struggle during the hot summer months. These fans will help keep the greens healthy with abundant airflow and reduce stressed and weakened turfgrass during the summer months. The fans will help provide excellent putting surfaces for these greens.

Municipal Buildings & Equipment Total: $7,362,500

 

Public Safety Buildings & Equipment

70% Projects

Annual Police vehicle replacement (10 vehicles) — $1,960,000

Police vehicles are an essential frontline tool that support patrol operations, rapid emergency response and community safety initiatives. Reliable and mission-ready transportation is critical for ensuring officers can respond quickly, transport necessary equipment and maintain a visible presence throughout the community. Investing in these vehicles enhances both officer and public safety, reduces costly downtime from mechanical failures, and improves overall operational efficiency. Additionally, replacing aging, high-maintenance units with newer, more efficient models provides long-term cost savings and extends the fleet’s lifecycle through a planned, phased replacement strategy. This investment ensures that our department remains effective, responsive, and fiscally responsible in serving the community’s needs. This is part of an ongoing program that aims to replace aging vehicles over several years.

Annual Police vehicle equipment — $1,067,500

This funding will pay for the full outfitting of new police vehicles with the specialized equipment necessary for safe, effective, and modern law enforcement operations. Outfitting a patrol vehicle goes far beyond basic transportation — it requires the integration of emergency lighting, sirens and switch systems to ensure public safety during emergency response. Vehicles must also be equipped with prisoner partitions and cargo barriers for officer safety and secure transport, police consoles for efficient equipment management, and locking weapons racks for patrol rifles and shotguns to ensure secure access to critical tools. Today’s policing requires the integration of advanced technology, including radars, in-car computers with docking stations, printers, driver’s license barcode scanners, fingerprint readers, and 800 MHz radios to maintain seamless communication with dispatch and other agencies. Professional installation ensures that all emergency equipment operates reliably, keeps officers and the public safe, and meets legal and departmental standards. This is an ongoing program that works in conjunction with the vehicle replacement program.

70% Total: $3,027,500

30% Projects

Police & Fire tablets (75 tablets) — $475,000

This funding will used to purchase new tablets for police officers and select fire units to improve response times, communication, and access to real-time information.

Police body camera replacement (72 cameras) — $60,000

This would upgrade the entire department to the Axon body-worn camera system, a modern, high-quality tool designed to capture clear, reliable audio and video during law enforcement interactions. Upgrading to this system will address the limitations of our outdated cameras, which no longer provide the performance, storage integration or reliability needed in today’s policing environment. The Axon cameras will improve evidence collection, increase transparency, and enhance officer accountability and community trust. They also integrate seamlessly with evidence management systems, reducing administrative burden and ensuring secure, efficient handling of digital evidence.

Police taser replacement (60 tasers) — $60,000

This request is for the TASER 10, the newest generation of less-lethal technology that offers greater range, accuracy and flexibility than the obsolete X2 models. Upgrading to this system will enhance officer and public safety, reduce injuries, and improve the effectiveness of de-escalation efforts. This investment ensures the department maintains modern, reliable tools that support best practices in law enforcement.

Call Works 911 call handling system — $190,000

This software will replace the existing Emergency 911 Call handling system, which is outdated and technologically unable to meet the growing demands on E-911 dispatchers going into the next five to seven years. The system will interface with existing phone systems, display mapping and other allow E-911 dispatchers to easily and quickly access locations of those in need of help and coordinate the appropriate emergency response.

Public Safety Buildings & Equipment Total: $3,812,500

 

Streets & Drainage

70% Projects

Preventative Maintenance Street Projects — $5,050,000

This is part of an ongoing program that calls for the City to invest annually in preventative street maintenance. These streets are selected based on the Pavement Condition Index, which identifies streets that are in need of maintenance before serious problems arise. The PCI is an industry standard and is used by most municipalities to keep streets from falling into severe states of disrepair, as it is much more costly to taxpayers to repair streets at this stage. Preventive maintenance street projects are recommended by the Street & Traffic Committee each year and approved by City Council as part of the fiscal year capital budget.

70% Total: $5,050,000

30% Projects

Materials for drainage improvements (25,000 per year) — $125,000

The City’s Street Department maintains the public drainage systems within the City of Bartlesville. These funds are utilized as needs arise to replace and repair existing storm sewer infrastructure.

Streets & Drainage Total: $5,175,000

 

Parks & Recreation

70% Projects

Pathfinder Parkway improvements — $400,000

The Parks Board has prioritized funding to continue to improve Pathfinder Parkway. Funds can be used for pavement rehabilitation, drainage improvements, or any other improvements identified along Pathfinder Parkway. City Staff will identify specific improvements with direction from the Parks Board.

Pathfinder bridge deck replacement — $150,000

The timber bridge deck on Pathfinder over the Caney River was last replaced in 2013. The timbers are near the end of their useful life and need to be replaced.

70% Total: $550,000

30% Projects

Park and Pool amenities — $50,000

Equipment such as benches, tables, water fountains, shade canopies, etc. are always aging and in need of replacement. These funds will be used to replace existing end of life equipment and add amenities as needed.

Park wayfinding signage — $50,000

The Parks Board has prioritized a need for improved and consistent signage in the parks.  Progress has been made with new park entry signs at the larger parks and at Pathfinder trailheads.  These funds will be used to construct similar signage at smaller parks.

Parks & Recreation Total: $650,000

 

Sample ballots

Ballots may be viewed here when available.