Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Tulsa Public Works Committee meeting focused primarily on utility rate increases for FY2026-2027, with stormwater rates increasing 7%, refuse rates increasing 4%, and combined water/sewer rates increasing approximately $3.90 monthly. A new 20-year Oklahoma Natural Gas franchise agreement at 4% of gross receipts was discussed, with voter approval scheduled for August 25, 2026. The committee also reviewed significant upcoming water infrastructure projects totaling $400 million over five years to address capacity issues in South and East Tulsa.
Key Decisions (4)
Oklahoma Natural Gas 20-Year Franchise Agreement Discussion
Committee discussed ordinance granting ONG a 20-year franchise at 4% of gross receipts, with funds going to Public Ways Fund for right-of-way maintenance. Includes updated ADA compliance requirements for work in right-of-way and improved coordination timelines for facility relocation. Requires voter approval at special election August 25, 2026.
FY27 Refuse Rate Increase of 4%
TARE approved 4% rate increase for refuse collection despite new hauling contract costs increasing approximately $3 million annually. New Solutions awarded 10-year hauling contract effective October 1, 2026. Extra refuse stickers increasing from $0.50 to $2.00 each. Backyard service consolidated to single $20 rate. Twice-weekly collection eliminated. Bulky waste pickup increasing from $10 to $20.
FY27 Stormwater Rate Increase of 7%
Stormwater fund rate increase of 7% approved, bringing residential monthly bill to $14.65. Increase supports year 8 of 12-year Black and Beach study implementation, adding staff and four trucks for surface asset operations and water quality enhancements. Five-year capital plan totals $80.9 million.
FY27 Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments
Water fund rate increase changed from planned 4% to 6%; sewer fund decreased from planned 5% to 3%. Combined monthly increase approximately $3.90. Water side requires $400 million in capital over five years for major expansion projects including AB Jewel treatment plant expansion and large transmission lines to serve South and East Tulsa growth.
Development Activity (5)
AB Jewel Water Treatment Plant Expansion
Expansion of treatment capacity originally planned for 2006 (30 MGD) and 2020 (15 MGD) but deferred due to lack of demand. Now needed to address pressure issues in South Tulsa and support growth in East Tulsa and Northwest Service Area.
43rd and Sheridan Stormwater Improvements
FEMA BRIC grant match project for flood mitigation in area prone to severe flooding. Project phased to proceed with or without federal BRIC grant funding. Design phase funded.
Hager Creek Storm Sewer
Significant stormwater infrastructure project included in FY27-28 capital plan.
Stormwater Maintenance Building Expansion
Facility expansion to support increased stormwater operations and maintenance activities.
USDA Fertilizer Grant Composting Project
Project mixing biosolids with green waste to create compost soil amendment, funded through USDA fertilizer grant.
Market Signals (6)
Infrastructure
Water system capacity constraints in South Tulsa are driving $400 million in water infrastructure investment over five years, indicating significant growth pressure in that area.
Housing Demand
Infill development is creating stormwater capacity issues in established neighborhoods like Brookside and West Tulsa, with lot splits doubling and tripling housing density on former large lots.
Commercial Demand
East Tulsa and Northwest Service Area identified as growth opportunities requiring strategic infrastructure investment to support development.
Infrastructure
Construction costs for water line replacement have increased from $20 per inch-foot in 2018 to nearly $50 currently, significantly exceeding general inflation rates.
Sentiment
City pursuing 25-30 year financing terms instead of previous 15-year notes due to scale of required infrastructure investments, indicating long-term growth expectations.
Other
FEMA reimbursement of approximately $12 million for Father's Day storm damage remains outstanding, plus 12.5% state match, creating budget uncertainty.