Frequently Asked Questions

What was this election about, when was it, and who could vote?

Registered voters who resided within the city limits of Bartlesville had the opportunity to decide funding for several proposed community projects and other improvements during a General Obligation Bond election on March 6, 2018.

Click here for information on polling places, voter registration, early voting, absentee ballots, etc.

How much will this cost?

Voters approved projects in four categories: Streets, Storm Drainage, Facilities and Equipment and Parks and Recreation. The projects total $16.5 million, which includes the cost to issue the bonds (COI).

How much are these projects by category?

The funding breaks down to $8,260,000 in park and recreational improvements, $5,120,000 for street repairs, $1,995,000 million for facility and equipment upgrades and $1,125,000 for storm drainage projects.

Where will the money come from?

General Obligation bonds are funded through ad valorem, or property taxes, which are paid by Bartlesville property owners.

Did approval of this bond issue increase my taxes?

NO. Approval of these projects did NOT result in an increase in taxes. The City’s millage levy will remain at 15, which will have no impact on ad valorem taxes.

How were the projects decided?

Citizen input was crucial in determining what was included in each proposal. At any given time, the City of Bartlesville has a working list of capital needs that total over $100 million, reflecting ongoing and new priorities of its citizens. When it is time for a bond issue, city staff and citizen committees narrow the list and then the City Council is tasked with determining the bond amount and deciding which projects will be put before voters in an election.

What are “70 percent” and “30 percent” projects?

Oklahoma law requires that 70 percent of the projects in each category be specified on the ballot for a GO bond election. The remaining 30 percent are “discretionary” and are not placed on the ballot. Discretionary projects are not legally required for completion; however, the City of Bartlesville has completed all projects identified as “30 percent projects” in the past.

Would the Price Tower Green project reduce parking?

No, the design actually adds 50 parking spots to the area. Parking will be added to the Community Center’s parking lot along with new parking along Dewey Avenue where it intersects Silas. Additionally, all the parallel parking in the area would be converted to angled parking.