The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners met for their regular meeting on Monday, hearing several key updates from Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore regarding the ongoing disaster recovery initiatives across the county.

Director Moore announced that Okmulgee County has received a federal declaration for a major disaster and approval for a temporary debris site at Morris Cemetery. This follows the recent tornadoes that have impacted the area. He detailed ongoing recovery efforts, including collaborations with FEMA, the Muscogee Nation, and other organizations to establish a disaster recovery station within the county.

Moore also revealed the approval of $200,000 in grant funding through FEMA for new storm sirens to be installed in strategic locations, including Morris, Twin Hills, Preston, and Wilson School areas.

Additionally, Director Moore introduced Raenada Mason, Public Information Officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration, who is working with FEMA and Emergency Management to inform county residents about disaster recovery options, including loans for homeowners and renters impacted by the disaster.

In other business, the board reversed a decision from last week, appointing District Three Commissioner Michael Wallace to the EODD board. Commissioner Erik Zoellner, previously appointed, cited a scheduling conflict with his pastoral duties as the reason for his inability to serve.

Commissioner Zoellner also announced under new business that the roof on the old District One barn had been replaced by Taylor Construction, funded by Use Tax dollars.

Also approved at the meeting:

– Minutes from the previous meeting

– Claims, including a 324A claim for the Bristlecone Rd. project

– A cash fund request of appropriations

– Officer’s reports for March and April from both the Sheriff’s Office and Election Board Office

– Blanket purchase orders for District One (Cintas, $800), District Two (Cintas, $700; RPI, $1,000), and District Three (Yellowhouse for grader repairs, $50,574.94)

– One employment acknowledgment for District Three (one employment ceased)

– A resolution to use the Use Tax (purpose not disclosed during the meeting)

– Transfer of appropriations to cover payroll for elected officials, explained by County Clerk Tonya Day as a transfer from the general capital outlay to individual departments to cover employee payroll