The Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners began the 2026 calendar year by taking action to protect county road infrastructure, selecting leadership for the new year and receiving an extensive emergency management update addressing disaster recovery funding, wildfire activity and worsening drought conditions during its Jan. 5 regular meeting at the county courthouse.

One of the most notable actions taken was the board’s approval to restrict heavy truck traffic on specific county roads following reports of damage to newly paved surfaces. Commissioners also elected officers for the year and heard from Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore, who outlined ongoing flood recovery efforts and recent emergency responses across the county.

— Leadership elected for 2026

As part of the annual organizational process, commissioners elected officers for the 2026 calendar year. Commissioner Michael Wallace was selected as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, with Steve Ward to serve as vice-chairman.

— County moves to protect newly paved roads Commissioners unanimously approved the posting of “No Thru Truck” signs on portions of Main 247 Road near Campbell Chiropractic and on 280 Road after concerns were raised about heavy commercial traffic damaging recently completed asphalt work.

During discussion, commissioners noted that large 18-wheelers hauling heavy loads were using the roads as cut-throughs despite the availability of alternate routes.

“We got heavy, heavy 18-wheelers coming through there and turning up that new asphalt road just simply as a cut through when there’s another road right there that they can take,” one commissioner said. “They’re tearing it up, and there’s no reason for heavy trucks to be using it.”

It was clarified that the restriction would apply to through-traffic and would not prevent necessary local or county use. The board then approved the signage to help preserve the integrity of the roadways.

— EM update highlights flood recovery and fire risk

Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore delivered one of the most substantial reports of the meeting, detailing recent emergency responses, ongoing disaster recovery efforts, and current drought conditions affecting the county.

Moore reported that the county continues to work with the Federal Highway Administration on flood recovery projects in Districts 1 and 3, noting delays caused by personnel changes at the federal level.

“They have now replaced the person we were working with, so it’s the third person we’ve had to work with on this project,” Moore said. “This new guy had some questions, so we’re talking to him now. We’re still anticipating approval, hopefully in the next couple of weeks.”

Moore added that once final approvals are complete, reimbursement funding for the projects should be released.

“Your money should be coming anytime everything’s completed on it,” he said. “We’re just waiting on it to cycle through.”

In addition to recovery efforts, Moore reported an uptick in emergency responses due to dry conditions across the county.

“We responded to two structure fires and six grass fires throughout the county,” Moore said. “Until we get moisture, it’s going to continue. Everything is dormant right now, so it’s rough.”

Moore warned that nearly half of the county is now classified under moderate drought conditions, a situation he expects to worsen as spring approaches.

“Just under 50 percent of the county is in a moderate drought, and that’s going to continue to go up through the spring like it always does,” he said. “Anybody doing controlled burns needs to make sure conditions are right.”

He also noted that a prescribed burn planned by wildlife officials at the lake had been canceled due to updated wind forecasts.

“They had already prescribed it, but the wind forecast changed, so they canceled it,” Moore said.

— Routine approvals and personnel matters The board approved minutes from the Dec. 29, 2025, meeting and moved through a series of routine agenda items, including officers’ reports, blanket purchase orders, employee forms, utility permits, and private property agreements.

Commissioners approved a sick leave donation totaling 11 hours to assist an employee and acknowledged personnel updates involving newly hired full-time employees as well as another hire who did not begin employment.

The board also approved declarations to surplus and resolutions authorizing the disposal of damaged or obsolete equipment, including items from the sheriff ’s office such as a damaged laptop and radios.

Commissioners opened Invitation to Bid No. 10 for the hauling of road materials for a six-month period, initiating the process for upcoming road maintenance work.