Bartlesville Voters To Decide On Bond Issue For ‘Much-Needed’ Upgrades

Bartlesville voters will decide on several things in Tuesday’s election including a bond issue and a half cent sales tax. The city said none of the issues would increase taxes but would replace taxes that are expiring.  

If residents approve the GO bond and half cent sales tax Tuesday, the city said the money will fund several projects across town.  

"The majority of the funding will go toward streets," Water and Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen said. "So we have roughly about $13 million worth of street improvements planned with these two revenue streams."

Lauritsen said four bridges will be repaired, including three on Tuxedo Boulevard and another near the airport.  

At the police department, officers are looking forward to a major upgrade to their radio system.  

"We'll be able to communicate with other agencies, and it's gonna improve our communications locally,” Captain Jay Hastings said.  

Hastings said the department would also buy eight new cars with new equipment inside. The department would also get new body cameras and tasers. Dispatchers would have brand new chairs.  

"They do make special chairs for dispatchers. They're comfortable, they're heavy duty and they're made to last,” Hastings said.  

At Sooner Park, there are plans for basketball courts and new restrooms. Lauritsen said the Pathfinder trail system would see upgrades after flooding damaged parts of the trail.

He said money would also be used to repair roofs on city buildings, update heating and air conditioning and replace 50-year-old windows.  

"It is really kinda, vanilla, in that sense, but it's infrastructure that the citizens own, and it's in need of repair, and sometimes replacement of components,” Lauritsen said.  

At the fire department, Station 2 plans to replace a 1974 firetruck.  

"A lot of things are 30 plus years or older, and just in need of repair,” Lauritsen said.  

The city said the money from the GO Bond would be used for the next three years. The money from the sales tax would last for the next five years. 

To view the City of Bartlesville’s FAQ on the issues, click here.