The Bartlesville City Council meeting held on August 4, 2025, focused on the results of a recent survey regarding community priorities and future water supply options. The meeting began with a presentation highlighting key findings from the survey, which gauged resident support for various initiatives.

The survey revealed strong backing for securing Bartlesville's water supply, with approximately 90% of respondents supporting measures for the next 50 years and 80% for the next 100 years. However, there was notable resistance to increasing water bills, with nearly 40% of residents opposing such a change.

In addition to water supply concerns, the survey assessed community priorities for the next five years. The top priorities identified included reducing homelessness (93% support), enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure such as streets and walking trails, addressing childcare shortages, and increasing access to affordable housing. Other priorities, while still receiving support, ranked lower and included expanding the transportation network and programming for adult sports.

The presentation concluded with six key takeaways from the survey: recognition of government performance, perceptions of safety as a community strength, opportunities for economic growth, a need for improved health and wellness resources, ease of mobility within the community, and a desire for enhanced educational programs.

Following the presentation, council members engaged in a discussion about the survey methodology, particularly regarding how responses were weighted to ensure accurate representation of the community. The meeting concluded with a focus on next steps for addressing the identified priorities and further discussions on the implications of the survey results for city planning and resource allocation.