By Fox23.com News Staff
GREEN COUNTRY, Okla. — Throughout election day on April 7, residents across Green Country are being asked to vote on local propositions set to impact their communities.
We have outlined some of the propositions and bonds being put before voters in several major cities across the area.
Broken Arrow
In Broken Arrow, voters are being asked to consider eight General Obligation bond propositions.
The first four propositions are centered on growth and public safety, focusing on street maintenance, updates to fire stations, upgraded community centers and expansions to public facilities like museums and senior centers.
Propositions five through seven are focused on infrastructure updates, mainly addressing stormwater and drainage improvements and an expansion to the Tulsa City-County Library system.
Proposition eight is set to fund upgrades to seven sports complexes in the city, but would do so through a temporary half-cent sales tax increase.
To view a full breakdown of each proposition, click here.
You can watch Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon discuss the bond propositions in depth below.
McAlester
In McAlester, voters are being asked to consider three different questions.
The main item proposes a 1% sales tax that would be dedicated to improving streets and infrastructure in the city.
According to McAlester Mayor Justin Few, the City would be able to raise its spending on roads from $1.5 million a year to $4.5 million if the increased sales tax is approved.
Voters are also being asked to consider two changes to McAlester’s city charter.
The second change would expand the amount of money the City of McAlester is able to borrow without putting it to a public vote.
Currently, the limit is set for $1 million, but some city leaders argue the number hasn’t kept up with inflation, citing examples of new fire trucks costing upwards of $3 million and a recent water plant pump failure that cost $2.3 million to repair.
Pryor
In Pryor, voters are being asked to consider a $98 million bond vote set to fund facility maintenance and infrastructure at Pryor Public Schools.
According to the district, the funds would help the district build a new 7th and 8th grade center, fund phase two of its Tiger Stadium Project and address general facility upgrades.
Tulsa
In Tulsa, citizens are being asked to vote on a $609 million bond for Tulsa Public Schools.
The district said the funds are separated into four propositions addressing needs in the following categories:
- $200 million – Infrastructure materials, fine arts and athletics
- $276 million – Building improvements and safety upgrades
- $104 million – Technology needs
- $27 million – Transportation
Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson has also discussed how the passage of the bond vote would also allow the district to bring back valuable programs, such as driver’s education.
To view a full breakdown of each proposition, click here.
You can watch Dr. Johnson discuss the bond propositions in depth below.
Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson discussed some of the questions surrounding the upcoming April 7th bond package vote.
