During a lengthy meeting on Tuesday morning, the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners discussed the termination of an existing audit engagement with the firm Ober and Littlefield, which was overseeing the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority (OCCJA) audit. This decision follows the move of 911 operations from Okmulgee County to the OCCJA in May 2020.

The engagement, initially established to assist in reviewing internal controls over revenue disbursement and payroll for the county’s 911 operations, was deemed unnecessary by both OCCJA Director Shannon Clark and OCCJA General Accountant John Easton.

“This letter of engagement has been out there for more than a year floating around, and the terms of the conditions of the letter are, in our opinion, moot at this point,” Clark stated, adding that after the OCCJA took over 911 operations, they conducted their own audit.

Easton elaborated on those findings, explaining, “Since May 2020, when the 911 operations were transferred from Okmulgee County to OCCJA, we conducted an independent assessment and uncovered misappropriations of assets, leading to arrests and prosecutions. The initial purpose of the engagement has been fulfilled.”

The board voted to approve the termination. Commissioner Erik Zoellner expressed his support for the decision, citing his disapproval of some media coverage regarding the 911 services transition.

“Our side has not been told,” Zoellner said, expressing that he and others were legally unable to speak out and defend themselves against coverage he felt “slammed this county repeatedly.”

Regarding the individual charged with a misdemeanor, Zoellner added, “I’m not District Attorney Carol Iski and she can charge however she wants to. The charges could have been filed as a felony. She gave her a break.”

Other items approved include the minutes from the April 25 session, a submitted utility permit for telecommunications work in District Three, as well as private property agreements for District One (training purposes) and District Three (trees and brush).

The commissioners also approved several employee appointments. District One welcomed a new full-time employee and one part-time employee. District 3 saw the appointment of one full-time employee, and another employee was approved to provide temporary support for the election board.

The following blanket purchase orders were also approved:

• District 1 – Cintas for $800, S&H Auto for $1,000 and Dollar General for $100.

The board also addressed one error, returning funds that were mistakenly taken out of the Highway Salary account instead of the CRT.

A new juvenile detention agreement with Craig County was approved, setting a rate of $25 per child per day, with the county providing transportation.

Later, Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore provided his weekly report, which consisted of more storm recovery assistance work across the county. The board also approved using the Use Tax Fund to purchase a storage building for Emergency Management. Commissioner Michael Wallace explained that putting the resources in one storage facility would help to make resources more accessible for the director in emergencies.

A financial project letter for Anchor Glass was approved. County Clerk Tonya Day said the District Attorney’s office had already reviewed the documentation, and Commissioner Erik Zoellner explained that there is no liability to the county.

The commissioners approved a $25,000 grant application for a stump grinder for District Two. An amendment to replace a damaged breaker box discovered by TRANE at the courthouse was also approved.

A significant portion of the discussion centered around Okmulgee Public School’s recent bond decision and the option of lease revenue financing.

Lease revenue financing – a method where the county would lease property to a financial entity and then lease it back – was explained as an alternative means to generate the necessary funds and allow the district to begin work sooner.

Despite representatives from the school explaining that there would be no liability to the county, the commissioners expressed concerns about the long-term financial implications. As a result, the matter was tabled for further information and consultation with the district attorney.