'Give Us That Voice Back': Some Berryhill Community Members In Tulsa County Consider Incorporation

The community of Berryhill, located west of Tulsa in Tulsa County, is considering incorporation. Though never officially recognized as a town, a group of residents aims to change that.

"We're getting squeezed out by Sand Springs and Tulsa. They're on both sides of us," said James McMullin.

Berryhill has a school district and a fire department but falls under Tulsa County jurisdiction for everything else. McMullin believes the people living in Berryhill should determine the direction of the community, not commissioners.

"So, this will give us that voice back," McMullin said.

James McMullin is a member of the Berryhill Township group, working with an attorney to navigate the process of creating a township. The group is hosting a meeting Thursday:

"The meeting will take place on August 8, 2024, at 6:00 PM at New Home Free Will Baptist Church, located at 3110 S 65th W Ave, Tulsa, OK 74107."

McMullin hopes they can start the process to get this on the February ballot.

"It starts with a land survey, establishing our boundaries and so forth, and what's available to us that we can still incorporate with, and then we get a petition together with all our registered voters and residents. Then we present that to the county commissioner," McMullin explained.

Not everyone in Berryhill supports this grassroots effort. In fact, many people tell us they haven't heard about the effort.

"We're just a great community. And, you know, I don't think it's necessary," said Trish Franklin. "It's quiet, and everybody seems to enjoy the whole rural part of it, you know, just a little country area."