Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Broken Arrow public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in taxes budget with high priority
2026 General Obligation Bond Sales
The city sold $26.5 million of its voter-approved bonds at interest rates just above 4%, kicking off spending on roads, parks, the Rose District plaza and museum design, and land purchases for future fire and public-safety projects. Staff explained the program may stretch from ten to twelve years because of state property tax limits.
Sales Tax Revenue Note financing for municipal services building
The Authority is borrowing up to $29.99 million against sales tax revenue to fund the new municipal services building before interest rates rise. Securing financing now protects the project from cost increases.
Airbnb lodging tax collection
Board members pushed again on collecting lodging taxes from short-term rentals like Airbnb. Staff said the effort stalled when the legal department turned over, and it's back on the to-do list — one member called it urgent, estimating it's the equivalent of a whole hotel's worth of tax revenue.
Proposed Manual of Fees
Sewer rates would jump 8% and solid waste $1.50, adding about $5.96 to a typical 7,300-gallon monthly bill. The city manager said the increase is half of what was originally planned because he held off on hiring 5–8 extra utility workers. Residents pay the same rates; most new fees hit non-residents and developers.
Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Plan
The Economic Development Authority reviewed the proposed financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year to guide local economic programs.
Rooster Days city sponsorship structure
The board told the Chamber the $20,000 Rooster Days sponsorship should come through the tourism board going forward, and the amount or form (cash vs. services) could change next year. Chamber staff warned the festival barely breaks even and losing sponsorship could endanger the 95-year-old event.