Population shifts in Bartlesville neighborhoods have the City Council pondering whether boundary changes are needed in the city’s five wards.
During a regularly scheduled meeting held earlier this month, Vice Mayor Dale Copeland raised the issue of possible changes to the existing ward maps, saying population growth in wards 2 and 5 has prompted the need to look at whether new boundaries should be drawn. However, re-distribution of the boundaries would include at least minor changes in all five wards, Copeland said.
“I think all wards would change somewhat, but nothing radical,” Copeland said.
Copeland and some City staff members have been working with Washington County Election Board officials to determine whether changes are needed, using the most current Census reports and considering demographic and geographic elements. Copeland said growth in the south end of the city has caused “a bit of an imbalance” in the southern-most wards, including Ward 2 — which has grown substantially in recent years — and Ward 5.
Copeland, who represents Ward 5 on the council, is hopeful that citizens will weigh in on the issue before the council considers taking possible action in the near future.
“We all have a stake in this,” he said.
The issue is set for discussion and possible action during a workshop meeting Jan. 19. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave., and is open to the public.
Citizens who wish to express support or concerns about the proposed changes may contact their ward representative (see maps for contact information) or the Community Development Department at 918-338-4238.
To view a current map of the city’s five wards, see 2000 current wards. To view the map reflecting the proposed redistricting, see Proposed ward redistricting map. To find your representative, see City Councilors.
For more information, call 918-338-4282 or 918-338-4132.