City-County emergency management split and FY 2026-27 Emergency Operations budget
Summary
Several councilors objected to the roughly $200,000 cost of standing up a separate city emergency management office after the split from Tulsa County, saying they never saw data justifying it and questioning whether the partnership could be restored. Staff said the mayor and a county commissioner made the decision last year and options to reverse it are limited for FY 2027.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $200,000 more per year than the prior shared arrangement, with vehicle, equipment and staffing costs continuing into FY 2028.
The city gains a dedicated certified emergency manager, though members questioned whether service improves.
Taxpayers bear duplicative costs, and community partners like pool programs and teen services compete for the same dollars; county relations may suffer.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Council Budget & Special Projects Committee - Jun 17, 2026
Several councilors objected to the roughly $200,000 cost of standing up a separate city emergency management office after the split from Tulsa County, saying they never saw data justifying it and questioning whether the partnership could be restored. Staff said the mayor and a county commissioner made the decision last year and options to reverse it are limited for FY 2027.
Council Public Works Committee - May 13, 2026
Tulsa and Tulsa County have dissolved their joint emergency management agency (TEMA), and the city is standing up its own department at $425,000 for FY 2026-27 — up from a $263,000 county obligation. Councilors questioned whether duplicating services is efficient and noted the cost climbs toward $465,000 with a deputy director in FY 2028. The dissolution agreement was signed the morning of the meeting, leaving councilors feeling the decision was already made.
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