Greetings,

City employees are the key to our success as an organization, and the services we provide are essential to Tulsa residents. From braving freezing weather to repairing water pipes, solving crimes, responding quickly to emergency calls, or meeting with citizens to discuss plans, policies and actions, all of our City of Tulsa employees deserve our appreciation.

City employees took compensation reductions and furlough days for two consecutive years, as we dealt with historic budget reductions and cost-cutting measures, but their loyalty and commitment to our community did not waver.

The City Councilors and I are in agreement that compensation should be restored by rolling back the remaining two furlough days for this fiscal year. Councilor Christiansen has led this initiative for the Council, and will propose a budget amendment this week for approval at the regular meeting. Once it is approved, staff will begin to work through the details to restore pay retroactive to Jan. 1. I applaud the Councilors for their support, and I hope every Tulsan will join us in thanking our dedicated City employees for their service and capacity to continue providing quality services given the tight budget restraints.

Best regards,
Mayor Dewey Bartlett