Despite exceeding its original 2025 budget by $15.2 million, the City of Tulsa remains fully funded, according to a new report from City Auditor Nathan Pickard.
The special project, requested by the mayor and city council, reviewed revenues, expenses and local sales tax rates. Pickard said total unbudgeted needs, including Fire Department compensation, reached $21 million. However, reserves and reallocated funds kept the budget balanced.
Packard also addressed a local news report that framed the finding as overspending, saying the city remains on sound fiscal footing.
Tulsa maintains a stable AA credit rating and continues to build its fund balance, which began at roughly $23 million in 2019 and grows by about $5 million per year. Officials noted, however, that the upcoming end of federal COVID-19 funding, rising homelessness costs and heavy reliance on sales tax revenue could pressure future budgets.
This story was informed by Heidi Goodnough’s Documenter notes from the Sept. 25 Audit Committee of the City of Tulsa meeting. If you’re interested in becoming a Documenter, visit us at tulsaflyer.org/documenters.
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