Please explain where the dollars (for the upcoming General Obligation Bond) are coming from. Property tax, sales taxes or placed on property and transferable lean till bond is paid in full.
Per Chief Financial Officer/City Clerk Jason Muninger:
These particular bonds are General Obligation Bonds, and this authorization is for $17.6 million, which will be sold in multi-year intervals. The way these work is we will sell them based on our self-imposed millage levy. The City likes to keep its property tax levy unofficially at 15 mils, so we only issue in the upcoming year an amount that doesn’t rise above that threshold.Year No. 1 will be for $2.1 million, Year No. 2 will be 2.5 million, Year No. 3 will be for $3 million, and Year No. 4 will be 9.9 Million. As these are sold by the year, their debt service then goes on the tax roll through Washington County. It will then be paid in by all the property owners within the City of Bartlesville city limits. There is no lien put in place unless you were to not pay your property tax to the county treasurer. The beneficiary of the bonds is the residents and visitors of the community. These bond proceeds are for roads, parks, and City-owned buildings and infrastructure.
Pickleball update
I would love to know when construction will begin on the new Pickleball Courts at Sooner Park. Patiently waiting for three years now.
Engineering staff are still waiting for design plans to be finalized for this project but anticipate that will occur this month. Once that’s complete, Engineering staff will advertise bids for construction, which, if everything goes according to plan, could start in late summer or early fall.
Sidewalk scoop
Does the city pay for the sidewalk repair or is that at the homeowners expense?
Per Community Development Director Larry Curtis:
In our locality, the responsibility for maintaining the sidewalk falls upon the abutting property owner. This means that if your property shares a boundary with a sidewalk, it is your responsibility to ensure its proper upkeep, including regular maintenance and addressing any repairs that may be needed.
Sidewalk maintenance is crucial not only for the appearance of our neighborhood but also for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. Well-maintained sidewalks enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of our community and provide a safe path for pedestrians, including residents, visitors, and passersby of all ages.
Keeping sidewalks in good condition ensures that individuals can traverse them without obstacles or hazards, promoting accessibility for everyone, including children, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, a properly maintained sidewalk contributes to the overall value and desirability of our properties.
What’s going in there?
What is being built on the south side of the Homeland Store on Madison?
According to the Community Development Department, a non-specific retail space is being constructed at this location. The builder is Futonix, a Tulsa construction company.
I noticed dirt work going on just east of Discount Tires. Do you know what’s going in there?
It’s a Tidal Wave Car Wash. We told you about it here.