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Bartlesville
Posted: May 12, 2025 9:44 AMUpdated: May 12, 2025 9:44 AM
“City Matters” May 12, 2025
Tom Davis
Appearing on KWON's CITY MATTERS program, Bartlesville City Manager Mike Bailey, City Engineer Michah Siemers and City Development Director Larry Curtis reviewed last week's city county meeting and looked to new developments.
City Manager Mike Bailey provided some quick reminders such as the Fallen Officer Memorial scheduled for May 14 to honor the fallen officers of Washington County. This takes place at the memorial site between the Central Fire Station and Police Station on Johnstone followed by an open house and refreshments at the Police Station.
Bailey said the City pools (Frontier & Sooner), operated by the YMCA, will open May 24, but the splash pads may open earlier depending on weather.
According to Bailey, the final phase of hydrant flushing is happening in the area north of Frank Phillips between Highway 75 and Caney River.
City Council Meeting Highlights Included:
- Budget adoption
- Contracts with Bartlesville Development Authority & Visit Bartlesville
- Review of the Comprehensive Plan
Bailey said the City Budget (2025–26) is a two-part structure: Operating Budget and Capital Budget. The budget includes standard pay raises for all city employees, the addition of 4 firefighters to reduce overtime and match city growth with funding for AI implementation exploration to reduce costs and improve service and money set aside for upcoming “Bartlesville Next” Strategic Plan.
As for the Capital Budget Projects, which are funded by voter-approved GO bonds- half-cent sales tax for capital improvements, Baileyand CIty Engineer Michah Seimers provided some highlights.
Projects include:
- $1.2M for street preservation (specific streets TBD).
- City Hall carpet replacement.
- $950,000 for a new fire truck with foam capabilities to support the airport (ARFF vehicle).
City Development Director Larry Curtis talked about Code Enforcement & Community Projects. Curtis reminded everyone to keep your grass below 12 inches to avoid code enforcement.
He also announced that the Keep Bartlesville Beautiful Committee is revamping downtown planters starting this week.
Lastly, Curtis announced that the Pathfinder Park installation to commemorate the historic interurban rail line will begin soon weather permitting.
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