At its regular monthly meeting, the Beggs City Council voted to amend city ordinances related to mobile homes and recreational vehicles, and appointed Kathy Shelby as interim city clerk, alongside conducting standard city business.
One ordinance amendment, recommended by the Beggs Planning and Zoning Commission, revised Chapter 150, Section 150.03 to allow for the replacement of a destroyed mobile home and clarified language throughout for consistency. Another amendment was made to Chapter 75, Section 75.24, which now specifically addresses recreational vehicles that can be towed or driven. These updates are intended to better accommodate individuals temporarily residing in RVs while constructing permanent housing. Ordinances are available to view on the City’s website at https:// Beggs.municipalimpact. com under the Government tab by selecting Code Compliance, then Ordinances.
In other action, the council approved measures required to authorize indebtedness for the Beggs emergency medical service trust in order to purchase a new ambulance. The cost of the vehicle is $275,000 and will be financed through Mabrey Bank over a 72-month period at a 5.5% annual interest rate. Mayor Roger Merrill clarified that the City of Beggs is not responsible for paying any portion of the cost but must approve the purchase because it is a partner in the trust assuming the debt.
Following the resignation of longtime City Clerk Doris Tharp, councilmembers unanimously appointed Kathy Shelby as interim city clerk. She will serve until the position is filled by election in April 2026.
The meeting continued with reports from department heads. Police Chief John Palacio noted that things have been “moving along pretty nicely” in recent weeks. He reported that radios mentioned during the August meeting had been donated, though they are not yet operational. “But it’s saving the city a great deal of money,” he added.
Palacio recognized Officer Cody Burton as “Officer of the Month” after Burton stopped a vehicle on Main Street and discovered the driver in possession of a stolen Glock 17 with a bullet in the chamber. Chief Palacios assisted Burton at the scene, as the officer was conducting the stop solo.
Palacio also mentioned several “pretty significant” arrests made by the department and said they are “actively pursuing” a group responsible for a string of burglaries in recent months. Encouragingly, he reported there have been no burglaries in the last two months since he took over as chief.
The department’s activity report included:
• 5 Medical Calls
• 6 Motorist-Assist Calls
• 5 Suspicious Incidents • 3 Trespassing Calls
• 6 Welfare Checks
• 16 Information Calls
• 1 Accident
• 3 Alarms
• 3 Investigations
• 1 Domestic
• 9 Police-Assist
• 3 Fire-Related Calls
• 1 Civil Call • 3 Arrests “We’re moving along, I think, pretty nicely, and shaping this up the way it should be,” Palacio concluded.
Fire Chief Matt Cooperider reported that August had been one of the department’s quietest months, which is typical for this time of year. The fire department responded to four calls within city limits, six rural assists, and six controlled burns. Cooperider reminded citizens that controlled burns require permits and that the appropriate law enforcement agency is called if an unauthorized burn is discovered. “We can’t write tickets, so that would be a police-type thing,” he explained.
During the comments portion of the meeting, Mayor Merrill highlighted the addition of three new life-size cartoon characters displayed on the west side of Muriel Fahrion’s studio on Main Street. He suggested the figures would likely be featured during the city’s Trunkor- Treat Halloween festivities for photo opportunities.
He also announced that the city website now accepts credit card payments online, and that City Hall office hours have been temporarily abbreviated to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
— Beggs Public Works Authority Meeting Highlights Immediately following the city council meeting, the Beggs Public Works Authority (BPWA) convened for a brief session.
BPWA Manager Taylor Hackney reported that monthly water loss was down 2% compared to the previous month. He noted that a new pump for the Main Street lift station is now functional, meaning all lift stations across the city are currently operating as intended. Additionally, Hackney shared that algae found in the city’s drinking water is being addressed.
Ward 1 Councilman Justin Jones commended Hackney for his efforts to reduce water loss.
Hackney also confirmed that replacement parts had arrived for a leaky fire hydrant located at the top of the hill.
With no further business, Councilman Jones made a motion to adjourn. Ward 2 Councilman Rick Roberts seconded the motion, and the meeting was adjourned.
