Development News for Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Agreement Reached to Close Out Phase One of Film Academy Development

The City Council approved an agreement to close out phase one of a development agreement between the City, Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority (BRTA), and Buffalo Rome for the former Bartlesville Christian Church building. Phase one focused on renovating the facility for a film academy, with $1 million invested. Buffalo Rome has completed phase one but is no longer proceeding with phase two (sound stage construction) due to market saturation. The agreement releases the remaining $1 million in funding back to the city and BRTA.

City Council Approves Collective Bargaining Agreement with Police Union

The City Council approved an agreement between the City of Bartlesville and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 117, for fiscal year 2026-2027. The agreement includes a 2.5% COLA plus step/merit increases, amounting to a 5% raise for police officers, aligning with increases for other city employees. It also features updated longevity incentives to bring officers to parity with peer cities and mutually beneficial updates to contractual provisions.

Downtown Paving and Landscaping Project Awarded Despite Budget Overrun

The City Council discussed and approved the bid for the downtown Central Business District Paving Rehabilitation and Landscape Phase 3 project. The base bid was awarded to KSL Dirt Works for $1,249,553.03, which is over the available budget. The council decided to award the base bid only, with plans to find additional funding for the alternates. Potential cost-saving measures through value engineering were also discussed.

Phase One of Film Academy Development Closed Out; Phase Two Canceled

The City Council discussed and approved an agreement between the City of Bartlesville, BRTA, and Buffalo Rome to close out phase one of a development agreement for the former Bartlesville Christian Church building. Buffalo Rome completed phase one, renovating the building for a film academy, but will not proceed with phase two (sound stage construction) due to market saturation. The remaining $1 million in funding will be returned to the city and BRTA.