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City of Bartlesville
Posted: Jan 12, 2026 10:44 AMUpdated: Jan 12, 2026 10:45 AM
CITY MATTERS: Explaining the Feb 10 Ballot Measures Part 1 - CIP
Tom Davis
On Feb.10, voters will decide whether to continue three programs that fund capital improvements and economic development which are the1/4-cent Economic Development Sales Tax, the 1/2-cent Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Sales Tax, and the2026 General Obligation Bond.
Appearing on KWON's CITY MATTERS program on Monday, Bartlesville City Manager Mike Bailey and CIty Engineer Michah Siemers emphasized that all three proposals represent ongoing programs rather than new taxes.
Both Bailey and Siemers stressed that there is no tax increase associated with the passage of any of the measures. Approval of both sales tax propositions would simply extend the existing sales taxes for capital projects and economic development, and approval of the G.O. Bond issue, which are repaid through property tax, would remain at a constant mil levy as well.
Bailey announced that over the next 3 episodes of CITY MATTERS, he and Siemers would break down each of the three issues. On Monday, Siemers gave an overview of the coninuation of the 1/2 Cent Capital Improvement Sale Tax.
Siemers said, "The 1/2-Cent CIP tax is an existing sales tax that also helps fund street repairs, equipment, facility upgrades and other projects as needed. February’s vote would extend the tax, not increase it. If approved, CIP sales tax revenues are expected to generate approximately $17 million over 5 years for essential city projects."
Projects include vehicle replacement and equipment, a storm siren system upgrade, preventative street maintenance projects, a Community Center lighting upgrade, and Pathfinder Parkway improvements.
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