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Bartlesville council adopts FY 2026–27 budget, includes utility rate assumptions and adds one police officer
Summary
The council approved the fiscal‑year budget, which incorporates assumed utility rate changes that staff estimates would raise the average water customer bill by about 13.4% (roughly $15/month). An amended resolution adding funding for one additional police officer was also approved.
The Bartlesville City Council adopted the FY 2026–27 budget on May 4 after a public hearing and extended discussion about utility rates, employee pay adjustments and public‑safety staffing.
Jason (staff presenter) told the council the budget presentation included a projected utility increase: "What was presented to you showed about a 13.4% increase to the average utility customer," he said, estimating an average increase of approximately $15 per month for a customer using about 6,000 gallons. Staff emphasized the increase reflects higher chemical and materials costs and an aging metering system that requires replacement.
Council members asked about mitigation for residents on fixed incomes; staff said the consultant presenting rate options in June will propose shifting some costs from base charges to volumetric charges to protect low‑consumption households, since the base includes the first 2,000 gallons for most single‑occupant or retired households. The council also discussed meter‑reading reliability, automated meters that sometimes require manual reads, and the AMI project budget timing.
On personnel costs, the budget includes a 2.5% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a 2.5% merit pool for staff. The council considered whether to fund an additional police officer; after discussion the council adopted an amended resolution to accept the budget and include funding to add one officer (an estimated recurring cost of roughly $81,000 including benefits). Council members noted the position would be recurring and would affect future budgets.
Vote: Council adopted the budget and the amendment to add one officer. A roll call in the meeting shows the motion to adopt the alternative resolution and accept the budget passed with recorded ayes from Vice Mayor Dorsey, Mr. Sherrick, Mr. East, Mr. Kirkpatrick and Mayor Curran.
