Tulsa City Council Budget & Special Projects Committee

The Tulsa City Council Budget & Special Projects Committee met on September 23, 2026, to discuss several budget amendments and a significant ordinance proposal related to public safety oversight. The committee approved budget reallocations including $750,000 within the 2023 temporary sales tax fund for River Parks projects and supplemental appropriations of approximately $9,556 from a state grant for tree planting aimed at erosion control. The primary focus of the meeting was a detailed discussion on an ordinance to establish an independent Office of Independent Review and Oversight of Public Safety, including the creation of a civilian oversight board and a director position. The ordinance aims to enhance transparency and accountability across all public safety departments, not just police, and includes provisions for confidentiality, reporting, and community engagement. Council members debated the scope, authority, and implementation timeline of the ordinance, with some expressing concerns about its effectiveness and the need for collaboration and input from the new police chief. The discussion also touched on comparisons with Oklahoma City's model and the legal constraints related to disciplinary powers and subpoena authority. The committee agreed to postpone a vote to allow further collaboration and input from stakeholders, including the police chief, with plans to revisit the ordinance in mid-October. No final votes on the ordinance were taken during this meeting.