Bartlesville voters will consider the renewal of the City’s franchise agreement with ONE Gas, Inc. (Oklahoma Natural Gas) at a special election on Aug. 25. The measure stems from a Council‑approved ordinance and proclamation adopted in June, which placed the question on the ballot for voter consideration.
If approved, the ordinance would continue ONG’s 25‑year, non‑exclusive authorization to use city streets and rights of way to install, operate and maintain natural gas pipelines and related equipment within Bartlesville. ONG would be required to file a written acceptance after the election before the franchise becomes effective.
“This is a long-standing agreement between the City and ONG that must be approved by voters every 25 years,” said City of Bartlesville Chief Financial Officer/City Clerk Jason Muninger. “The agreement, which is similar to agreements we have with other local utilities, allows ONG to use City streets, alleys and rights of way to install, repair and maintain natural gas pipelines and related equipment in Bartlesville. It also requires ONG to collect a franchise fee to the City for that access, which is allocated to the General Fund and used to fund general operations of the City.”
The proposed renewal maintains the City’s existing 3 percent franchise fee on natural gas sales within city limits. City staff estimate that this fee generates approximately $365,000–$410,000 per year, though revenue can vary with weather and market conditions. The fee is paid monthly by ONG and replaces other franchise or occupation taxes for the company. The ordinance also preserves the City’s ability — through separate Council action — to adopt a volumetric fee on transported gas in the future.
For residents, approval of the franchise would not change how natural gas service is delivered or billed. The ordinance focuses on the company’s use of public ways, construction and restoration standards, safety compliance, and the City’s authority to collect the franchise fee. ONG must continue to follow state and federal pipeline safety rules, provide at least 48 hours’ notice before planned non‑emergency excavations, and restore streets and sidewalks to City standards after work.
Voting dates
In-person early voting will be held 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 20-21 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Washington County Election Board.
The Election Board is located on the fourth floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. in downtown Bartlesville.
Bartlesville residents can also vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 25 at their local polling place.
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 register to vote, confirm your voter registration, view sample ballots, find your polling place, change your address or party affiliation and more. Follow the Washington County Election Board on Facebook for local updates.