Council Changes Course, Approves Five-Year Plan

The Tulsa City Council reversed its course on a plan fix Tulsa's streets.  Councilors narrowly approved a 12-year, $2 billion package last week.  The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports they reconsidered that vote Thursday night and came up with a different plan.

The city council's scuffle over street repairs has lasted for months.  They've voted, revoted, and voted again.  Now, they've opted for the shorter five year plan, but the debate may not be over.

The city councilors and the mayor have hit detours and potholes of their own.  By a five to four vote, the city council green-lighted the 12-year plan last week.  But, then the mayor, the police department, the fire department, and the NAACP came out against it.

"The $2 billion plan is good for streets, but not good for the city's finances," said Mayor Kathy Taylor.

Tulsa City Councilor Dennis Troyer led the call on the council to reconsider the vote and take another look at the five-year plan.

A vote to send the whole thing back to committee failed.

But, when it came to the five year plan versus the 12 year plan, the council was still divided.

City Councilor Bill Martinson continued to argue that in the long run the five-year plan would not fix the streets and would end up costing more than the 12 year plan.

In the end, the vote was once again five to four.  But, this time, the five year plan came out on top.         

Now, it seems like the five year plan should be heading to the mayor's desk.  But, that may not be the case.  The Tulsa City Council was one vote shy of approving the emergency clause.  And, it's not clear if that could hold up the whole process.

Related Story:

08/27/2008  Council To Reconsider Street Deal