OKC is committed to serving all people. City employees, including police officers and firefighters, focus on their core responsibilities to provide essential services. City employees do not ask about immigration status when providing services. This ensures everyone can:• Access City services• Call for help in emergencies• Report crimes and cooperate with OKCPD• Live and work in the community
CITY MANAGER FEBRUARY 1, 1950 TO JANUARY 11, 1955
After hearing of his selection over the radio, Ross Taylor left his office in Enid to become the new City Manager of Oklahoma City on February 1, 1950.
Taylor allotted much time to residents’ needs. Recognizing the importance of the worker, he met monthly with leaders of the City’s local labor unions to ensure satisfaction and peace among constituents. As a trained engineer, Taylor’s opposition to sanitary sewers made of concrete pipe was more fervent than others. Once in office, he immediately addressed the issue, reforming the sewers for resident safety.
One of Taylor’s most memorable acts was the passing of a $31 million bond issue for building projects in 1952. Under this bond, the City was granted the money that built the State Fairgrounds, a new downtown library, the first terminal building at the airport, and four to five new fire stations. It also allotted for the reconstruction of Classen Boulevard and completion of the East Side sewage plant.