The use of Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) funds was a primary topic of discussion during Monday’s meeting of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners on Monday. Following recent water-related emergencies in the county, the commissioners voted to use LATCF funds to purchase two new water buffaloes. The cost was not disclosed.

The Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) is a general revenue enhancement program that provides additional assistance to eligible revenue-sharing counties and eligible Tribal governments. Funds have been appropriated from the American Rescue Plan by the U.S. Treasury.

District 1 Commissioner Erik Zoellner later requested that $25,000 of the LATCF fund be reserved for potential improvements to county radio systems. He cited “significant safety issues” in Twin Hills and other northern areas of the county due to radio malfunctions, which have allegedly hindered district employees’ communication.

Sheriff Eddy Rice also reported radio issues, specifically with the south radio tower, and mentioned that discussions with the state are ongoing for possible solutions. While no immediate decisions were made, they are set to discuss it soon.

The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting, the July officers’ reports from the health department and county clerk, and utility and encroachment affidavits related to storm damage reimbursement.

Approved blanket purchase orders included Muscogee (Creek) Nation for x-rays and Amazon for supplies for the Health Department. They also approved submitted utility permits from RWD#1 and #6.

Christa Johnson, Assistant Site Director for CREOKS in Okmulgee, addressed the board regarding the 781 funds awarded to the county for mental health and substance abuse initiatives. The county needs to approve the application process for these funds and detail their intended use. The commissioners agreed to meet with CREOKS to apply for the grant and plan to include it on an upcoming agenda.

Additional approvals included reimbursement claims for the elections board secretary’s salary and the district attorney, as well as the allocation of both the Alcoholic Beverage and Motor Vehicle Taxes. Eddie Mohrmeyer was appointed as 1st Deputy for District 2, and William Byers was re-appointed to the Board of Directors for Deep Fork Community Action.

Before entering an executive session, the commissioners opened bids for hauling road materials over six months. No bids were awarded. OCEM Director Jeff Moore left the meeting to respond to an emergency but his weekly report can be found in this edition.