The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners convened Monday for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Commissioners Michael Wallace, Steve Ward and Ernie Ferreira addressed a full slate of items ranging from road improvements and utility permits to public safety contracts and budget concerns.
Two members of the public addressed the commissioners at the start of the meeting.
• Mickey Baldwin introduced Okmulgee Bridges, a new chapter of the nationally recognized “Bridges Out of Poverty” program. Baldwin said the group hopes to provide workshops and 20-week classes designed to help families transition out of poverty. The first workshop is scheduled for Oct. 25 at Green Country Technology Center, followed by a Nov. 8 session at Mabrey Bank.
• Sophia Harris, speaking on behalf of Winchester Gardens, a European-inspired wedding and event venue under development in District 1, requested that N. 230 Road be paved. Harris explained that the unpaved dirt road will be unable to handle the hundreds of vehicles expected at the venue’s large events. She argued that improving the road would not only support tourism and local business but also ensure safe access for residents, school buses, and emergency services.
— Routine County Business
Commissioners approved minutes from the previous meeting, a series of officers’ reports, blanket purchase orders, employee forms and multiple utility permits across districts.
Other business items included:
• Approval of a disaster recovery plan for the Treasurer’s Office.
• An agreement with OG&E for installation of a security light in District 1.
• Confirmation that the county may move forward with implementing a P-Card system – a program originally authorized by resolution in 2021 – to address issues with hotel and travel expenses for county employees.
• Approval of a lease-purchase agreement for a tractor with boom mower in District 2.
Commissioners discussed Bid #6 for construction of a new Wilson Fire Department building. After reviewing the bids, the board agreed to reject them, citing budgetary concerns. The commissioners indicated that the project may need to be rebid or restructured at a later date.
— Dispatch agreement sparks concern over aging radio system A major portion of the meeting centered on dispatch agreements with the City of Okmulgee and Okmulgee County EMS. Sheriff ’s Office representatives presented a financial analysis showing that the current $12,000 per month payments from both entities are insufficient to cover operational costs.
The Sheriff ’s Office explained that the county’s radio system is more than 25 years old and that parts are no longer manufactured. Repairs rely on salvaging used components from other agencies. In recent weeks, both county and city radios failed, temporarily disrupting emergency communications.
Sheriff ’s officials warned that without increased funding – potentially up to $16,000 per month – the system cannot be maintained. They stressed that failing radios could compromise public safety across the county.
Commissioners acknowledged the severity of the issue but emphasized their responsibility to residents first. After discussion, they approved moving forward with formal 90-day cancellation notices for the existing contracts. This step opens the door for renegotiation with the City of Okmulgee and EMS to secure higher contributions toward dispatch services and radio replacement.
– The Emergency Management Director’s report was delivered, and commissioners briefly heard from the county assessor’s office, which requested property access for statutory assessments.
