Broken Arrow City Council Meeting - June 10, 2026

The Broken Arrow City Council met on June 10, 2026, at 9:45 AM for a regular meeting that included a consent agenda, several presentations, a public hearing on the proposed FY2026-2027 budget, discussion on multiple items, and preview and adoption of ordinances. The meeting also included subsequent sessions of the Broken Arrow Municipal Authority and the Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items I and K after pulling them for discussion. Item I was a resolution creating the Life Ride Fund (Medical Service Program Fund) as a committed fund balance, intended for full transparency and dedicated to the EMS program. City staff clarified that the fund is specifically for the program, contrary to online misinformation. Item K was a risk management services agreement with Aero Group, approved subject to amendment on the indemnification clause.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Keith Hayes, a resident, spoke during the consideration of Item I. He expressed opposition to the mandatory Life Ride fee imposed on utility customers without a vote of the people, arguing that it removes citizen choice and is enforced through the utility billing system. He stated that he is not questioning the city's authority to provide ambulance services, but rather the lack of consent. He urged the council to work with citizens rather than face potential litigation. The city attorney advised against further legal discussion due to threats of litigation, but noted three responses to the Attorney General's office outlining the legal basis for the fee. The mayor offered to work with Hayes off-line.
• No public comments were made during the citizens' opportunity to address council or during the public hearing on the budget.

Discussion Items

• Presentation and Award to Councilmember Lisa Ford (Item 7A): Councilmember Ford was recognized for 25 years of combined service as a city employee (20 years in the police department) and council member. She received a certificate and a pin.
• Proclamation and Key to the City to Jeff and Bonnie Brown (Item 7B): Councilmember Ford presented a proclamation honoring Jeff and Bonnie Brown, founders of the Patriot Guard Riders, which began in Broken Arrow in 2005. The organization now has nearly 400,000 volunteers. The city awarded them the key to the city.
• Senior Center Update (Item 7C): Annie reported on behalf of the Broken Arrow Senior Center. Key statistics: membership has grown to 3,762 (up from 2,651 in December 2025), daily attendance averages 600-700 across two buildings, and total programming hours exceed 35,000 per month. The lunch program serves over 1,900 meals per month, and volunteers contributed 22,593 hours in 2025. The center is "busting at the seams" and grateful for the recent bond passage.
• Road Closure at Aspen and Jasper (Item 7D): Charlie Bright, Director of Engineering, presented a planned road closure on the west side of the intersection due to sandy soil causing road collapse during construction. The closure is expected to last one to two weeks, starting as soon as possible.
• Public Hearing on Proposed FY2026-2027 Budget (Item 7E): City Manager Spurgeon presented the proposed $487 million budget, with 40% for operations and 60% for capital. The general fund is proposed at $158.5 million, with a 3% increase. Sales tax revenue is projected to grow by 1.5%. The budget includes $5.5 million for street maintenance and $187.7 million for the utility authority (BAMA). The city manager noted challenges including flat sales tax, rising costs, and over-dependence on sales tax. The impact of recent state legislation on property tax percentages will extend bond sales from 10 to approximately 14 years, delaying some projects.
• Acceptance of Donated Benches (Item 9A): Senator Glesby presented a request from the Daughters of the American Revolution to donate two American 250 benches for Veterans Park. The council approved acceptance.
• Patriot Guard Riders Monument (Item 9B): Councilmember Ford and Dan (a PGR representative) requested approval to move forward with installing a monument in Veterans Park recognizing the Patriot Guard Riders, at no cost to the city. The council directed staff to work with the organization on design and placement, with final approval to come back to council.
• 25-Year Time Capsule (Item 9C): Ryan Bayes presented a proposal to install a time capsule in Veterans Park as part of the city's America 250 celebration. The capsule will be sealed and opened in 25 years (America's 275th anniversary). The council approved the placement.
• Film Incentive Rebate (Item 9D): Tourism Manager Michaela Barton presented a request for a $50,264.14 film incentive rebate for the film "Live Like That," which used Broken Arrow hotels (665 nights) and hired local citizens, spending over $204,000 in local labor. Estimated economic impact: $429,000–$572,000. The council approved the rebate.
• Reappointment to Planning Commission (Item 9E): The council reappointed Mindy Payne to a three-year term on the Planning Commission, ending May 1, 2029.
• Citizens Engagement Academy (Item 9F): The council approved the implementation of a two-part educational program (six weeks in fall, six weeks in spring) to improve civic literacy and resident involvement.
• PSO Franchise Fee for Sewer Line (Item 9G): The council approved using PSO economic development funds to extend a sanitary sewer line to BAMA-owned property at the northeast corner of an intersection, which will also open up sewer access to all four quadrants, supporting future commercial growth.
• Preview of Ordinance Amending Solicitation Rules (Item 10A): The council previewed an ordinance establishing a voluntary no-knock list for residents to opt out of door-to-door commercial solicitation. A survey of 2,898 respondents showed 93% support for such a list. The ordinance sets fines up to $500, license suspension/revocation, and clarifies definitions of peddlers vs. canvassers. The council voted to bring it back for final adoption.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda items I and K (with amendments), acceptance of DAR benches, Patriot Guard Riders monument (direction to proceed), time capsule placement, film incentive rebate ($50,264.14), reappointment of Mindy Payne, Citizens Engagement Academy, PSO sewer line project, and various ordinance adoptions (rezoning BAZ 2565-2025, closure of easements).
• Votes: All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Councilmember Ford present except as noted. Roll call votes were recorded for each item.
• Public Hearing on Budget: Opened and closed with no public comments. Final adoption scheduled for June 15, 2026.
• Ordinance Preview: The solicitation ordinance (no-knock list) was previewed and set for final adoption in two weeks.
• Executive Session: The council briefly recessed for an executive session (not detailed in the transcript).