Broken Arrow previews $415 million bond package; council says propositions 1–7 would not raise property tax rate

City of Broken Arrow communications staff and Councilor David Pickle summarized a proposed $415 million capital-improvements bond package that officials say was shaped by extensive public input and would not increase the property tax rate for propositions 1–7.

"It's no new taxes. It does not raise the tax base, with this bond," Councilor David Pickle said, describing how an initial concept of about $1.2 billion was scaled back during the process that began in 2023. Pickle said the city reduced the package to $415 million based on public forums, surveys and other citizen feedback.

Pickle and city staff said about half of the package—roughly $205 million, as described by city communications—would go to streets and roads, with a bit more than 17 percent directed to public safety. Because of those allocations, Pickle said roads and public safety together account for nearly 70 percent of the proposed spending.

The package is divided into propositions. Propositions 1 through 7, officials said, are structured to avoid raising the property tax rate. A separate proposal, proposition 8, would temporarily add a half-cent sales-tax increase for up to five years to fund sports-facility upgrades intended to generate tournament revenue.

City staff urged residents to review the list of recommended projects on the City of Broken Arrow website and submit feedback via an online form. Pickle said the council will consider accepting staff recommendations at its Dec. 16 meeting; if accepted, the council would prepare a resolution to call an April election to place the propositions before voters.

The presentation emphasized the multi-year development process and recurring public engagement. No final vote to place the propositions on the ballot took place during the rewind segment; council consideration was scheduled for a later meeting.