FAQ

The City will hold its General Obligation Bond Election, commonly referred to “G.O. bond issue,” on Oct. 10, 2023. Registered voters who are eligible and who reside within the city limits of Bartlesville will be able to vote in this election. Please remember to bring identification such as a driver’s license or voter ID card. 

• • ONLINE VOTER TOOL

• Friday, September 15 is the last day you can register to vote in the election.

• Monday, September 25 is last day you can request an ABSENTEE BALLOT (we urge you to request it earlier and mail it in with two stamps by September 26 if possible). Absentee ballots must be received by mail at the county election board on or before 7 p.m. on election day, October 10.

• EARLY VOTING is Thursday and Friday, October 5 and 6, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the County Election Board on the fourth floor of City Hall at 401 S. Johnstone Avenue.

• ELECTION DAY is Tuesday, October 10 with local polling places open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

No. Approval of these projects will not result in an increase in taxes. G.O. bonds are funded through ad valorem, or property taxes, which are paid by Bartlesville property owners. The City’s mil levy would remain at 15 with approval of the bond Issue, which would have no impact on ad valorem taxes.

VVoters will consider projects proposed for G.O. Bond funding in four categories: Public Safety Buildings and Equipment, Municipal Buildings and Equipment, Streets and Bridges, and Parks and Recreation. G.O. Bond projects total $17.6 million, which includes the “cost to issue” the bonds (COI), and will be issued over a period of four years.

At any given time, the City of Bartlesville has a working list of capital needs that total over $100 million. 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. This process was recently completed, and now it’s time for the voters to decide. 

The funding is broken into four categories, which voters will see as separate ballot proposals:

• Proposition 1: Public safety buildings and equipment — $2,412,000

• Proposition 2: Municipal buildings and equipment — $696,000

• Proposition 3: Streets and bridges — $12,278,000

• Proposition 4: Parks and recreation — $2,214,000

Oklahoma law requires that 70 percent of the projects in each category be specified in the ordinance calling for a G.O. bond election. The law also requires that these projects be completed with the bond funds. The remaining 30 percent are “discretionary” and do not have to be specified in the ordinance, nor is completion required. However, the City of Bartlesville has completed all projects identified as “30 percent projects” in the past. 

The Water Resources Committee is in the process of evaluating the recent drought and the Water Shortage Ordinance, which is essentially the plan that was implemented in an effort to preserve water supply until a major rain event or until other provisions can be made. Significant rainfall in July filled Hulah Lake, removing the need for immediate action; however, City officials continue to pursue water options for Bartlesville for the future. The committee will study this issue and make recommendations to the City Council regarding future options, at which time decisions regarding expenditures and funding will be determined. It is likely the City will utilize low interest loans, to be repaid with Water Capital Fees, to meet the infrastructure needs required at that time.