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Broken Arrow officials outline $400 million bond planning process; council to review propositions this spring
Summary
City staff previewed the 2026 general obligation bond package, outlined community engagement and timelines, and provided cost examples for major projects. Council members were told bond books will be delivered by month-end and public forums will follow.
City officials told the Broken Arrow City Council they will deliver materials about a proposed general obligation bond package later this month and begin public discussions this spring, outlining a timeline and cost examples meant to prepare council and residents for decisions ahead.
City Manager Michael Spurgeon said bond books containing proposed projects will be provided to council members by the end of the month and that the governing body should expect several meetings in June to review propositions, followed by public hearings around Labor Day and further outreach through the fall.
Spurgeon described the likely scale of the package as roughly $400 million and sketched the kinds of capital needs the bonds are intended to cover, including transportation, public safety, parks and recreation, stormwater and city facilities. He said the administration expects multiple propositions and that partners — including the library system, the chamber and school district representatives — will take part in public education and steering committees.
During the presentation staff provided representative cost examples: widening a mile of roadway from two lanes to three lanes was described at about $7 million; widening from two lanes to five lanes at about $10 million; reconstructing a complex intersection at $3 million to $4 million; and constructing a new fire station in the $9 million to $11 million range. Spurgeon told council these are 2025 cost estimates and that the city does not have enough pay-as-you-go revenue to handle major projects without bond financing.
Spurgeon said the administration will ask council for guidance after members review the bond books; the plan includes community-engagement meetings and written communications to explain why bonds are necessary for capital maintenance and growth. He urged transparency and education to prepare voters for ballots that may include multiple propositions.
Council members asked about timing and outreach; staff said they will return with a schedule for public meetings and noted they will avoid advocating votes but will provide factual public education about the package.
