The Morris City Council and Public Works Authority met on Monday for the first meeting of 2025. The council approved the minutes from the Dec. 11 meeting and payment of claims before moving on to department reports and other business.

For the month of December, Fire Chief Tim Stewart reported one EMS assist, one structure fire, and one miscellaneous call for the city. On the rural side, responses included one motor vehicle accident, two EMS assists, one appliance fire, three grass fires, and two miscellaneous calls.

Police Chief Kenneth Boyd reported that the department had approximately 150 contacts in December, including service calls, traffic stops, and agency assists. Of these, nine citations were issued, five of which were tribal citations forwarded to the Muscogee Nation Attorney General’s Office.

Changes within the department included the resignation of Officer Brandon, whose last day was Jan. 4. Reserve Officer Larry Porter was promoted to a full-time position, and Reserve Officer Michael Rilko began reserve academy training in Kellyville on Jan. 7, with completion anticipated in July 2025. Officer Hacker was promoted to the role of assistant chief.

Ethan Christiansen from Morris Public Works reported four sewer line repairs, five water leaks, and 26 locates for the month.

In other business, the council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority (OCCJA) for jail services and passed a resolution authorizing OMAG to either distribute escrow funds or apply them to future premiums.

Also, Charla Newport-Sadler was added as an authorizing agent for the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund (OKMRF), ensuring backup for existing processes.

Following an executive session, the council approved the appointments of Officers Larry Porter and Michael Rilko to the Morris Police Department.

The MPWA then approved a $3 fee increase for all customers to fund critical water system upgrades. Mayor Joe Berryhill explained that the increase, effective with the March billing cycle, is the first substantial adjustment in many years. Rising costs, aging infrastructure, and the need for new digital water meters prompted the decision. The funds will support ongoing projects like hydro analysis and the replacement of outdated meters.

At the meeting’s end, Councilman Jerom Dugas announced his intent to resign, pending a formal letter. The councilman stated that February’s regular meeting would be his last, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Mayor Berryhill thanked him for his service, noting Dugas’s commitment to the City of Morris during his time there.