Bixby voters approved all four propositions in the city's $77.5 million bond package on Aug. 25, according to NewsOn6 election-night results. The package funds a new south-side fire station, road widenings, park upgrades and a wastewater system expansion.

What the money buys

Proposition 1 (Public Safety) funds Bixby's third fire station, to be built on the city's south side, where rapid growth has strained emergency response times. It also pays for the city's first municipally owned animal shelter and a backup Emergency Operations Center for 911 dispatch and all-hazard coordination.

Interim City Manager and Police Chief Todd Blish told News On 6 that a centralized EOC will improve disaster preparedness. Blish estimated a basic animal shelter could cost between $1 million and $2 million, according to the Tulsa Beacon. Bixby has cycled through three outside shelter vendors in four years.

The city's bond page notes the new fire station could also help lower homeowner insurance rates for nearby residents.

Proposition 2 (Roads) widens 101st Street from Memorial Drive to Mingo Road to five lanes and Mingo Road from 111th to 131st streets to three lanes. It also resurfaces Harvard Avenue (141st to 151st streets), 161st Street (Sheridan Road to Yale Avenue) and Sheridan Road (161st to 171st streets).

Proposition 3 (Parks) funds paved parking to replace grass overflow areas and additional field lighting at Bentley Park Sports Complex.

Proposition 4 (Wastewater) addresses Bixby's treatment facility, which is nearing capacity. The city estimates the project could cut the load on the existing system by 30 to 55 percent. Before the vote, Public Works Director Dylan Warner told KJRH that "the connection option would be roughly three times cheaper than expanding the facility."

Leadership backdrop

The bond election followed months of upheaval at Bixby City Hall. Former City Manager Joey Wiedel was suspended after a May arrest, Mayor Brad Girard resigned days later and Assistant City Manager Kim Coody's employment ended in June. The City Council appointed Bobby Schultz mayor in July. Blish has served dual roles as police chief and interim city manager throughout.

The city held three public meetings on the bond proposals between July and August before the vote.

Bond issuance dates and project construction timelines have not been announced.