Broken Arrow officials announced the early priorities for the $415 million General Obligation (GO) bond program that voters approved earlier this year, outlining how the funding will be phased over the next decade and beyond. The plan matters to residents because it determines which streets, parks and public facilities will see improvements and how property‑tax dollars will be allocated.
Assistant City Manager Kenneth Schwab explained that the city’s net assessed valuation has risen from $750 million in 2015 to $1.1 billion in 2022 and $1.3 billion in 2024, helped by $11 million in new commercial and industrial value added in the most recent year. Because Oklahoma does not allow sales taxes for capital projects, the city relies on bond proceeds and property‑tax millage to fund the improvements.
Projected bond‑sale proceeds show $16.7 million available for fiscal year 2027, followed by $20 million to $28 million each year through 2033. The amounts are expected to rise to $32.5 million in 2034 and $48 million in 2039 as debt from earlier bond projects is retired, Schwab said.
In December, the first sale under the 2026 bond election will occur. Four bids were submitted for a $2 million Series 2026C bond that will fund a $1.1 million storm‑water project and $844,000 in drainage projects. Robert W. Baird submitted the lowest bid, quoted at 4.1337% and ultimately winning at 4.2155%.
The $16.7 million slated for 2027 includes construction of South Main Street improvements, upgrades at the intersection of 91st Street and 1st Place, and a renovation of the Central Park Community Center with a regional detention pond for the North Elm Economic Development Area. Design work will begin on Omaha Street widening from Aspen Avenue to Elm Place, and new pickleball and volleyball courts are planned for Nienhuis Park, Rose District Plaza and an addition for The Museum Broken Arrow. Land‑acquisition and utility‑relocation efforts will focus on Omaha Street widening, New Orleans Street widening (Garnett to Olive), the Tucson Street and Olive Avenue intersection, a Military History Museum, a new dog park and a vehicle storage building.
Looking ahead, 2028 could see construction of the Nienhuis sport courts, Country Aire Splash Pad, Rose District Plaza and improvements to Hillside Drive and 20th Street. Design will start on the vehicle storage building and a senior‑center addition, while land‑acquisition work may begin for Fire Station 1, the senior‑center addition and Rose District Plaza. In 2029, the city projects building Tucson Street from Olive to Aspen and upgrading the Tucson‑Olive intersection. The 2031 construction slate includes the Houston Street and Evans Road intersection, Fire Station 1, Jackson Park upgrades, a Veterans Center expansion and a new South Broken Arrow Library.
Millage rates for city operations place Broken Arrow at 16.48 mills, lower than Tulsa (21.92) and Bixby (20.25) but higher than Oklahoma City (15.16). Finance Director Cindy Arnold noted the city does a “great job with our mills” and that the bulk of the tax revenue supports schools, libraries, health services and other public entities.
What’s next: The December 2026 bond sale will fund the first storm‑water and drainage projects, and the city will begin design work on the listed 2027 projects in early 2025. Residents can follow upcoming council meetings for updates on project timelines and any adjustments to the bond‑funded schedule.
Sources: basentinel.com
