City Manager: Projects, infrastructure continue to move forward

As we close the first quarter of 2026, I want to share an update with our residents about the work happening across the City of Guthrie. Our goal each day is simple: provide reliable services, invest in our infrastructure, and continue improving the quality of life for the people who call Guthrie home.

We began the year with the annual State of the City presentation hosted by the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce. During that event, we shared many of the accomplishments achieved by #TeamGuthrie in 2025 and discussed priorities for the year ahead. We also introduced the City’s first Annual Report, which highlights the work being done across all departments. Residents can view the report at the bottom of this page: https://www.cityofguthrie.com/citymanager

Our organizational theme for 2026 is “Attitude of Gratitude.” This theme reflects our commitment to focusing on the positive momentum happening in our community and recognizing the important role our employees play in serving Guthrie’s residents. With just over 140 full-time employees and an annual budget of approximately $75 million, our team works every day to ensure city services remain dependable and responsive.

This quarter we also recognized the retirement of two long-serving public safety professionals. Sgt. Mike LaNoy retired from the Guthrie Police Department after 21 years of service, and Captain Sean Reihs retired from the Guthrie Fire Department after 25 years of service to our community. Their dedication helped keep Guthrie safe for many years, and we thank them for their commitment. Congratulations are also in order for Ben Cunningham, who recently earned his Paramedic license and will continue serving our community through emergency medical response.

Although we experienced limited winter weather this year, our city teams remained prepared. During the winter storm event, staff from Public Works, Police, Fire, Communications, and other City departments worked around the clock to keep roads accessible and ensure emergency services remained available. Their work helps keep our community safe during challenging conditions.

Now, an update on many of the infrastructure projects taking place across the City.

At the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport, the parallel taxiway project is nearing completion following a six-week runway closure needed to realign the taxiway on the south end of the airport. During this closure, repairs were also made to remove the runway “dip,” improving safety and providing a smoother experience for pilots and passengers traveling to and from Guthrie.

Accessibility improvements at 1st Street and Oklahoma Avenue were completed in mid-February as part of the City’s ongoing ADA infrastructure upgrades to help align our streets and sidewalks with recommendations from the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Westside Booster Pump Station replacement project has also been completed, strengthening the reliability of the City’s water system for residents on the west side of town. A ribbon cutting for this project is scheduled for Monday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Planning is also moving forward for Guthrie Fire & EMS Station No. 2, which will help improve emergency response coverage for our growing community. Design work is nearing completion, and we anticipate a groundbreaking ceremony in the fall of 2026.

The City Council recently rejected bids for Owen Field Phase 1A after the lowest responsive bids totaled approximately $6.5 million, which exceeded expectations. The project team is currently reviewing value-engineering (design) adjustments, and the project will be rebid a third and final time in May.

Community partners are also helping move projects forward. The Friends of the Highland Park Pool continue working to raise additional funds that could allow the construction of a larger pool than originally planned under the CIP #2 budget. Staff is working to schedule a City Council workshop on April 7, 2026 to review their progress and discuss potential next steps.

These improvements would not be possible without the Capital Improvement Sales Tax extension, which was overwhelmingly approved by Guthrie voters in 2024. That investment is allowing the City to move forward with critical infrastructure, public safety, and recreation projects that will benefit residents for many years.

Looking ahead, City staff is also working on the design and planning of a new Airport Terminal at the Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport. This project is being funded primarily through federal and state partnerships secured by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice and ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies. Once completed, the terminal will serve as a welcoming gateway for visitors and travelers coming to Guthrie.

Another project in development is the Police and Fire Training Facility, a partnership with Meridian Technology Center’s Guthrie Campus. This facility will provide training opportunities for public safety agencies in Guthrie, Logan County, and across Oklahoma, helping ensure that emergency responders remain well-prepared to serve their communities. The facility will also serve as a backup communications site for emergency services.

Finally, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice recently visited Guthrie to present a $1.4 million federal grant to support upgrades to the City’s Emergency Command Center. The funding was secured through a grant written by Chief of Police Don Sweger. The Guthrie Dispatch Center currently serves 15 police, fire, and EMS agencies throughout Guthrie and Logan County, and these upgrades will help ensure reliable emergency communications for our region.

The City of Guthrie also continues to have several career opportunities available. If you are interested in serving your community and becoming a member of #TeamGuthrie, please visit the City’s website to learn more.

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about the work happening across our city. I’d be remiss if I didn’t emphasize the quality staff that is #TeamGuthrie. We have the best team in Oklahoma, and It is my honor to serve Guthrie. If you have questions or would like to learn more about any of these projects, please feel free to contact me at efaulkner@cityofguthrie.com or 405-282-0496.