In a unanimous vote on Monday, the City Council set Oct. 10 as Election Day for the proposed 2023 General Obligation Bond Issue. That’s when voters will be asked to consider approval of $17.6 million in project funding — the vast majority of it for streets.
The projects were recommended by City staff based on input from the City’s citizen-driven boards and committees, council input and requests from citizens. The council helped refine the list during a meeting held in June, and, on Monday, made it official by setting the election date and approving an ordinance outlining the propositions for voter consideration.
Projects to be considered by voters include multiple street project, a new No. 2 fire station, Pathfinder Parkway improvements, security lighting in City-owned parks, Douglass Park shade structure, the second half of the Adams Golf Course greens rebuild, Hudson Lake restrooms, and trail lights and drainage improvements at Jo Allyn Lower Park. To see a full list of the projects, see 2023 GO Bond Projects.
GO bond funding is one of the few options municipalities in Oklahoma have for funding capital projects. The City typically holds GO bond elections every three to five years.
“This funding enables us to fund the projects that citizens expect us to do,” said City Manager Mike Bailey. “It pays for street projects, public safety vehicles and equipment, park projects, improvements to our facilities and upgrades to the software and other tools we need to provide services to our residents and the people who visit our great city.”
Funding for G.O. Bonds is provided through the ad valorem (property) tax, which is capped at 15 mils to ensure there is no tax increase for Bartlesville residents.
“The City’s mil levy will remain at 15 as existing bonds expire, so there is no tax increase associated with the G.O. Bond proposal,” Bailey said.
Voters will be asked to consider four ballot propositions on Oct. 10:
Proposition 1 — Public Safety Buildings and Facilities Projects ($2,412,000)
Proposition 2 — Municipal Buildings and Facilities Projects (696,000)
Proposition 3 — Streets and Bridges Projects ($12,278,000)
Proposition 4 — Parks and Recreational Facilities Projects ($2,214,000)
If approved by voters, the $17.6 million bond issue will include funding for the projects over a four-year time period.
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