During their regular meeting on Monday, the Okmulgee Board of County Commissioners discussed several items regarding the use of Use Tax funds for county employees and other matters.

First, they approved a resolution to “write off” a loan to the Emergency 911 Operation Center that was made back in 2021. Commissioner Erik Zoellner explained that the recommendation came from State Auditor Kerri Carter, who suggested that the time had elapsed for the 911 Center to repay the $1,500 loan.

Next, the commissioners approved the use of Use Tax funds to pay district road foreman salaries. Zoellner stated that this move was a necessary response to a nearly 43% increase in road expenses. He also suggested “longevity stipends” for county employees for FY24/25, which were also approved. These one-time payments will be based on an employee’s-current start date, according to Treasurer Lindsay Bunch.

In other financial matters, the board approved a resolution reimbursing Election Board expenses, a bond resolution to cover the treasurer’s deputies, another resolution authorizing the treasurer to invest funds (specific investment not stated in the meeting), and the designation of county depository banks. Later, the board approved juvenile detention agreements with three entities: Western Plains Youth & Family Services, Eastern Oklahoma Youth Services, and Creek County. ADA Greg Stidham noted increasing difficulty in finding appropriate placements for juveniles.

The board also approved last week’s meeting minutes, the April and May reports from the Sheriff ’s Office, the employment of one District Three employee, submitted utility permits with both East Central Electric and OneGas, and the payment of claims.

Additional approvals include bids for road materials over six months, a utility & encroachment affidavit regarding storm damage from at least two years ago, and blanket purchase orders for: General Government Cookson Hills Publishers for $1,500 and District Two – Cintas for $700.

In a somber bit of new business, Undersheriff Smokey Patchin thanked county leaders for assisting with the cleanup and burial of some dogs and other trash that had been dumped in the county late last week.