During Monday’s meeting, the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners reversed their previous decision concerning the county’s property and liability insurance payment. Commissioner Erik Zoellner introduced the motion to modify the previously agreed-upon full insurance premium payment and instead pay just six months of the premium.
Two weeks ago, they agreed to renew the county’s property and liability insurance with a full payment of $383,402. Commissioner Zoellner said that since that check had not yet been sent, discussions with an external insurance provider revealed that this option could provide cost savings despite being projected to cost an additional $5,000 upfront.
Additional approvals included the minutes from the previous meeting and the payment of claims, including one 324A claim for the Bristlecone Road project.
Approved blanket purchase orders include: District One: S&H Auto for $1,000; Cintas for $800. District Two: RPI for $1,000; Cintas for $700; Cookson Hills for $1,500; Dildine Lawncare for $600. Emergency Management: Dildine Lawncare for $400; Comdata for $1,000.
One utility permit from District Two (RW2) was also approved.
The board declared several air conditioners from the courthouse as surplus and approved their disposal or donation.
The board voted to solicit bids for the remodeling of courtroom number two. The proposal, made by Judge Pandee Ramirez, includes moving the judge’s bench and jury box to allow for more security and space efficiency, with the project estimated to cost $28,000.
An agreement regarding the fire sales tax was approved, clarifying the responsibilities of local fire departments for the maintenance and insurance of vehicles and equipment purchased with those funds. ADA Carman Rainbilt reviewed the agreement.
The board also approved the rental of additional office space for the district attorney’s office, with the new space intended to accommodate their growing needs, following an increased workload.
Later, the board heard both the weekly inventory and emergency management reports.
First, Executive Assistant for the Board of County Commissioners Jamie Steph provided her inventory status report, citing no changes aside from locating the submitted inventory list for the Schulter Fire Department, which was stuck to the back of another document.
Then, Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore provided updates on ongoing FEMA-related recovery efforts from recent tornadoes, including the completion of debris burning at the county site and inspections of infrastructure repairs. Moore also highlighted progress on the new storage building project, expected to be completed by August 8. His full report can also be found in this edition.
Lastly, Sheriff Eddy Rice brought attention to ongoing water pressure issues affecting the Twin Hills area. He explained that residents have been experiencing unusually low water pressure, which has raised concerns about the adequacy of water supply, especially during emergencies.
