Mayor outlines why GO Bond is needed

Broken Arrow voters gathered for the first Public Education Bond meeting on March 2 to learn about the $468 million package of propositions, which, if approved, will fund city improvements through eight different propositions.

The meeting also explained why general obligation bonds are essential for improvements to streets, public safety, parks and recreation, public facilities, stormwater runoff mitigation, drainage infrastructure, and a partnership with the library system.

"It was very interesting because I didn't understand how the tax structure worked and how it affects our taxes or whether it affects our taxes," said Linda Russell, who has lived in Broken Arrow since 1984. "I asked enough questions, and they were all very well-versed on how to answer that for me, so it was great."

Regarding sales taxes, Mayor Debra Wimpee said, "Oklahoma is the only state whose municipalities are run on sales tax revenue. We don't have many tools in our toolbox to fund major improvements, such as street widening, public safety, or quality-of-life projects. The bond package gets to do that for us, which is amazing."

City Manager Michael Spurgeon said the 2026 General Obligation Bond projects were shaped by feedback from thousands of Broken Arrow residents. Over two years, the city ran six surveys, each with thousands of responses.

"We asked the public about roadways, pedestrian paths, parks, safety, the South Broken Arrow Library, and sports facilities," Spurgeon said.

City leaders also met with community partners such as the Broken Arrow Chamber, the Economic Development Corporation, Public Schools, and others.

"We had a citizen steering committee and held public forums last summer to gather input," Spurgeon said.

The city used this community feedback to decide which bond projects were most important.

"We narrowed things down to the amount, $415 million, that we could afford to keep the [property] tax rate the same," Spurgeon said. "So, my point of telling everyone this is that it was not something that was driven by the Council and me in a smoke-filled room. This was decided by the citizens, and with their input."

Spurgeon said that even as Broken Arrow grows, both residents and the City Council want to keep the city's small-town atmosphere.

"We're creating gathering opportunities, and this package supports that," Spurgeon said. "It furthers the Council's goal to unite people and preserve our small-town feel."

For example, Spurgeon pointed out that the Christmas Tree Lighting event at the Rose District Plaza grew from 500 people in 2015 to almost 11,000 in 2025.

"They want places for people to gather, and the Museum Broken Arrow, Arts@302, the Military History Center, the Broken Arrow Senior Center, the Veterans' Center, and the Rose District Plaza provide that."

Resident Ami Bucher agreed and said, "This bond covers everything because it helps to maintain what we have in terms of buildings, roads, and things like that. But it also provides places for people to gather to help maintain that sense of community that people love and value in Broken Arrow."

At the meeting, people could visit stations to learn about each proposition and talk with City Councilors, user groups, and staff. About half of the $415 million bond package will go to roadway and street projects, with public safety as the next biggest area.

The City Manager reminded everyone that each proposition will be voted on separately.

"There are eight propositions; you must vote eight times," Spurgeon said. "It's not winner takes all. You'll likely need to turn the page, as three or four propositions may be on the back of the ballot."

Forty-year resident Bonnie Glidewell encouraged fellow residents to come out to one of the remaining Public Education Meetings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• Thursday, March 12, at Ridge Christian Church, 4010 W. New Orleans St.
• Thursday, March 26, at Battle Creek Golf Club, 3200 N. Battle Creek Dr.
• Thursday, April 2, Connect Church, 401 W. New Orleans St.

"I would encourage people to go to these meetings and then obviously, get out and vote," Glidewell said. "That is one thing, as Americans, we can do. If nothing else, if you feel like you don't have a say, you do."