By Ian Nikkel, FOX23.com News Staff
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Residents in Broken Arrow are heading to the polls on Tuesday to vote on a series of General Obligation bond propositions city leaders say have been years in the making.
City officials say the vote represents the culmination of more than two and a half years of planning, outreach, and community input, resulting in eight separate propositions aimed at improving infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.
Propositions 1–4 focus on growth and public safety
The first four propositions target major areas across the city:
- Proposition 1 focuses on transportation improvements, including widening roads and upgrading intersections to accommodate the city’s growth.
- Proposition 2 centers on public safety, with plans for new fire stations, upgraded equipment, and improvements to the animal shelter and training facilities.
- Proposition 3 aims to enhance quality of life through a new community center and upgrades to park playground equipment.
- Proposition 4 includes expansions to several public facilities, such as the senior center, museum, and other city buildings.
City Manager Michael Spurgeon says investments in public safety are key to maintaining the city’s reputation.
“Broken Arrow is recognized as one of the safest cities in Oklahoma, and that’s because of our commitment to public safety,” said Spurgeon. “This proposition includes new fire stations, equipment and training space to make sure our first responders can do their jobs effectively.”
Propositions 5–7 address infrastructure and community resources
The next group of propositions shifts focus to infrastructure and public services:
- Propositions 5 and 6 would fund stormwater and drainage improvements to help reduce flooding and address aging infrastructure.
- Proposition 7 partners with the Tulsa City-County Library system to expand the south Broken Arrow library, nearly doubling its size.
Proposition 8 draws attention over temporary tax
The final proposition is receiving the most attention from voters.
Proposition 8 would fund upgrades to seven sports complexes across the city through a temporary half-cent sales tax.
According to city leaders, the measure was shaped by community feedback.
“We surveyed the community, received over 3,000 responses, and more than 60 percent said they would support a temporary sales tax to fund those improvements,” Spurgeon said.
If approved, the tax would begin July 1 and last up to five years, though officials say it could expire earlier depending on revenue. City leaders also emphasize the tax is intended to end once the projects are funded, something some residents have questioned.
Voters can find a full breakdown of each proposition by clicking here.
