Broken Arrow City Council and staff have identified the initial projects to be funded by the $415 million General Obligation (GO) bond that voters approved earlier this year. The bond program, financed through property‑tax mill levies, will support a mix of construction, design and land‑acquisition efforts over the next decade.
Funding outlook and tax impact
Because Broken Arrow’s net assessed valuation has risen from $750 million in 2015 to $1.3 billion in 2024, the city expects a steady stream of revenue from property taxes to service the bond. Assistant City Manager Kenneth Schwab noted Oklahoma is the only state that does not permit sales‑tax dollars for capital improvements, making the GO bond essential for large‑scale projects.
Projected bond proceeds start at $16.7 million for fiscal year 2027 and grow to $20‑$28 million annually through 2033, reaching $32.5 million in 2034 and $48 million by 2039 as earlier debt retires.
First‑year projects
For the 2027 fiscal year, the city plans to begin work on several key items:
- Construction: South Main Street upgrades, intersection improvements at 91st Street and 1st Place, a renovation of the Central Park Community Center, and a regional detention pond for the North Elm Economic Development Area.
- Design: Widening Omaha Street from Aspen Avenue to Elm Place, and adding pickleball and volleyball courts at Nienhuis Park, Rose District Plaza, and an expansion for The Museum Broken Arrow.
- Land acquisition/ROW/utility relocation: Omaha Street widening, New Orleans Street widening (Garnett to Olive), the Tucson Street and Olive Avenue intersection, a new dog park, a vehicle storage building, and the Military History Museum site.
Mid‑term outlook
By 2028, construction could start on the Nienhuis sport courts, Country Aire Splash Pad, Rose District Plaza, and improvements to Hillside Drive and 20th Street. Design work is slated for a vehicle storage building and a senior‑center addition, while land‑acquisition efforts may focus on Fire Station 1, the senior‑center addition and Rose District Plaza.
In 2029, the city expects to construct Tucson Street from Olive to Aspen and improve the Tucson‑Olive intersection. The 2031 schedule projects a major construction year, including upgrades at the Houston Street and Evans Road intersection, construction of Fire Station 1, enhancements to Jackson Park, an expansion of the Veterans Center, and a new South Broken Arrow Library.
Bond sale details
The first bond sale under the 2026 election is set for December. Four bids were received for a $2 million Series 2026C issue that will fund a $1.1 million storm‑water project and $844 000 in drainage work. Robert W. Baird’s bid of 4.2155 % was the lowest. Municipal Financial Services’ Jon Wolff emphasized the importance of meeting mill‑levy targets while keeping principal payments manageable.
Community support and tax comparison
Schwab highlighted the nearly 70 percent voter approval for the bond, noting that sales‑tax revenue alone cannot fund capital improvements for a city of Broken Arrow’s size. He said, “Bonds are really the only mechanism that we can do.”
For context, Broken Arrow’s mill rate for city operations is 16.48, lower than Tulsa (21.92) but higher than Oklahoma City (15.16). The city’s overall tax burden includes contributions to public schools and other entities, with Broken Arrow Public Schools receiving 69.44 mills and Union Public Schools 72.08 mills.
Looking ahead
City officials stress that priorities may shift if council composition changes, but the current plan reflects community input and a commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship. The bond program aims to enhance transportation corridors, recreational amenities and essential infrastructure while keeping the tax impact manageable for residents.
Original reporting: Broken Arrow Sentinel — read the source article.
