The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners covered a wide range of county business during their regular Monday meeting, held Aug. 25 at the courthouse conference room. From emergency equipment upgrades to fairgrounds repairs and new fire facilities, commissioners worked through a packed agenda.
The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of minutes from the Aug. 18 session.
Public comment was invited, though no major issues were raised. Commissioners approved officers’ reports, blanket purchase orders, employee forms and several private property agreements – including one for District 2 with Robert Admire.
— Key Actions
• Ambulance Purchase – Commissioners approved the Emergency Medical Service’s request to purchase a new ambulance, a move intended to bol- ster emergency response in the county.
• Fairgrounds Repairs – Discussion focused on a leaking roof at the fairgrounds office and damaged rain gutters. The board noted the need for additional bids, as initial repair costs were near $10,000.
• Disaster Response Trailer Lights – A resolution was approved to use Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) money to purchase emergency warning lights for the county’s disaster response trailer.
• District #1 Equipment Agreements – The board approved both purchase and lease agreements with YellowHouse Machinery for District 1, ensuring the district has access to needed heavy equipment.
• Fire Department Facility Bid – Commissioners opened and awarded Bid #3 for a new building for the Wilson Fire Department. Bid #4 for concrete box culverts was also opened and awarded.
• Claims & Fund Transfers – Some transfers and rollovers of remaining funds were tabled until later in September, pending additional invoices from the previous fiscal year.
— Emergency Management Report
Emergency Management officials briefed the board on multiple updates, including:
• The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) assumed the investigation into the Patty Matthews case.
• Coordination with the National Weather Service regarding expected heavy rainfall in Beggs and Morris.
• Hazard Mitigation grant preparations.
• Ongoing upgrades at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), including technology improvements and facility updates.
Additionally, the board approved an emergency purchase of a replacement printer for dispatch, ensuring no disruption in operations.
— Executive Session
The commissioners entered executive session to discuss ongoing litigation between the Board of County Commissioners and the Emergency Medical Service, a public trust case (CV-2023-155). No public action was reported following the closed session.
The meeting adjourned after completion of all agenda items.
