The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners worked through a full agenda during its Monday meeting.

Agenda items included approved officers’ reports and several blanket purchase orders for District 3.

They also signed off on an employee request – four hours of donated sick leave for employee Kristen Remy – and a submitted utility permit impacting Water District 6 in District 1.

— Emergency Management & Public Safety Items A key focus of the meeting involved Emergency Management’s ongoing development of its drone program. Emergency Management officials presented Standard Operating Guidelines for the small unmanned aerial system, noting compliance with federal and local regulations. The District Attorney’s office approved the document after one modification. Commissioners voted to adopt the guidelines.

The Sheriff ’s Office sought approval to apply for the annual JAG grant – this year requesting four radios. The application process occurs every year, and commissioners approved the request.

Auditor recommendations prompted commissioners to approve a disaster recovery plan for QuickBooks, strengthening financial security for county systems.

Two contracts were approved through ODOT’s County Equipment Revolving Fund. One is connected to Jim Frederick, and another involves purchasing a John Deere machine.

A request involving fire department purchases repeater installation and an annual paging-system premium – prompted discussion. County officials emphasized ensuring that all required meeting minutes and inventory documentation are properly filed before funds are released. Commissioners ultimately tabled the matter for one week while verifying compliance.

Payment of claims was also approved unanimously.

— Weather Monitoring & Volunteer Growth Emergency Management provided an update on recent rainfall across the county. Some areas received nearly six inches, while the southern region saw around two and a quarter inches. No flooding or severe weather was reported. Officials added that colder temperatures are expected soon, potentially dropping into the 30s by Friday.

The county continues to expand its emergency volunteer network. Two new volunteers joined last week, bringing the total to 22.

Compliance concerns were also raised regarding safety regulations affecting district operations. Officials said previous practices that were once compliant have since changed and are now out of compliance; district leaders are aware and addressing the issue.