Tulsa mayor proposes new $1.117 billion budget

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols is proposing a $1.117 billion budget for the City of Tulsa in Fiscal Year 2026.

Nichols presented the budget to the City Council on Wednesday, saying the budget takes into account "intense financial headwinds," with sales tax revenue projected to continue to drop. Nichols said, "People are pulling back their spending because this is a cautious time."

Previous Story: City sales tax collections down $6.3 million statewide, Tulsa sees largest decrease among cities

Mayor Nichols said the proposed budget protects current staffing levels, but eliminates some empty positions, and includes a $4.2 million reduction to the non-sworn workforce. Nichols said a surge of new employees - 267 over three years - increased costs but also added services, which he said would continue.

The budget has funding for one Fire Academy with 24 cadets, and two police academies with 55 cadets.

The proposed budget will be debated and potentially modified by the City Council before the new budget year takes effect on July 1.