The Broken Arrow City Council meeting on August 19, 2025, focused on the results of a recent survey regarding the South Broken Arrow Library project and updates on the upcoming 2026 general obligation bond package.
Aaron McCulloch, the city's communications director, presented the findings from a survey conducted from July 28 to August 19, which garnered a record 4,212 responses. The survey aimed to gauge community support for a potential city contribution to the library's expansion, which is estimated to cost $12 million. Currently, the Tulsa City County Library has raised approximately $6.65 million, leaving a funding gap of $5.3 million.
The survey revealed that 90% of respondents favored some level of city contribution, with 58% supporting the maximum option of $5 million. McCulloch noted that many respondents emphasized the importance of libraries for education and community engagement, while some expressed concerns about the necessity of a new facility given the rise of digital resources.
In addition to the library discussion, the council also addressed the upcoming public forums related to the 2026 general obligation bond package. Three forums are scheduled for August 28, September 3, and September 25, where residents can provide input on various propositions, including the potential partnership with the library. The council aims to finalize project proposals without increasing the current tax rate.
Overall, the meeting highlighted strong community interest in enhancing local library services and the importance of public engagement in city planning initiatives.