Tahlequah survey committee compiles 14 ballot project candidates, plans prioritization survey and cost estimates

Michelle, a member of the Tahlequah survey committee, told the committee the group had compiled input from Polco and community meetings and narrowed roughly 450 responses into a draft list of 14 priority projects to consider for a future ballot.

The committee’s draft list, presented by Michelle, includes: an event center (which could bundle public and performance space and possibly a city hall); hospital improvements (listed as "NHS"); a new fire station; funding for the animal shelter; trail expansions; improvements to RiverLink's golf course; Tahlequah Public Library; lighting improvements across city parks; a Southside Aquatic Facility; an amphitheater; a senior citizens building; cemetery improvements; streets; and homelessness efforts. Michelle emphasized the list is not ranked and that some entries represent multiple subprojects.

The committee plans to use a prioritization survey — described as a drag‑and‑drop tool Karen is developing — to let residents rank projects and identify a likely top five. "From there, then we would consider moving on to the next step of costing out everything from that," a committee member said; the group agreed to begin soliciting cost estimates from architects and landscapers the following week and aimed for a roughly four‑month timeline to produce budgeted options.

Committee members discussed boundaries between capital projects and ongoing services. Several members noted homelessness appeared frequently in open responses but often without a specific capital proposal. "You know, that's what we hear, Address the homelessness. Well, we've gotta have a specific solution to put money towards. Otherwise, we can't create a budget for what we're trying to do," one committee member said, summarizing the meeting’s concern that a non‑specific request does not translate into a capital line item for a bond or sales tax.

Participants also debated whether to pause or qualify the next survey because many street complaints referenced Muskogee Avenue. One member warned that if the survey is rerun while Muskogee work remains incomplete, responses could be skewed toward that single street. The committee instead agreed to note which streets are scheduled under the planning commission’s five‑year street plan when the survey is released and to allow respondents to suggest other streets.

The group discussed including a question on whether a portion of proceeds should be made permanent for the general fund. "That might be a question on the next survey: prioritize these projects and yes or no — would you support making that a portion permanent?" one participant suggested.

Members framed many items as quality‑of‑life projects intended to help retain and attract families to Tahlequah. They also noted the list omitted some long‑term infrastructure needs (for example, sewer work) and ideas mentioned by residents (such as support for the university), which the committee said could be considered in the future but were not included in the current draft.

On small/beautification projects, a participant raised replacing a wooden Redfern statue in North Park with a bronze version; committee members suggested that could be folded into lighting or beautification work.

The committee committed to a second round of public outreach — re‑engaging groups previously contacted, using email and social media, and attending meetings — to broaden participation in the prioritization survey. Members noted roughly 450 combined online and in‑person responses is significant for a community of this size but that broader outreach remains important.

The committee set its next meeting for Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m. and adjourned. No formal votes were taken at the session because there was not a quorum.

Sources: Meeting transcript of the Tahlequah survey committee, committee statements and Q&A.