The Henryetta City Council and Municipal Authority convened for their regular meetings on Tuesday evening, approving several items related to financial matters and property abatements.

The meetings began with the approval of financial reports, meeting minutes, and claims for May 2024. Additionally, the council approved a payment of $40,023.88 to the Bank of Oklahoma for the 2015 note series monthly payment and a payment of $24,189.20 to AEP/PSO for continued services.

The council then approved Resolution No. 1308, endorsing the City of Henryetta’s budget for FY24-25 and granting budget amendment authority. They also approved the withdrawal of a partial lump sum pension payment from the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund for Laurie Smallwood.

The council moved on to approve the abatement of properties in the 300 block of E Beach, the 900 block of W Division, the 800 block of S 4th Street, and the 1000 block of Dollins. During the discussion about the property in the 800 block of S 4th Street, a representative from Secure Global Solutions requested more time to secure the property by boarding it up and making other improvements. City Manager David Bullard and other council members informed her that due to the property potentially being in a floodway, no new structures could be built there, which might impact future improvement plans. The representative stated she would research the floodway and explore other options.

Regarding the property in the 1000 block of Dollins, the property owner from Ada requested more time to address the issues. The council decided to abate the property but informed her that if she removed the structure beforehand, it would not affect her taxes. A similar arrangement was made for the property in the 800 block of S 4th Street.

In support of local recreational facilities, the council approved the Henryetta Economic Development Authority’s recommendations to fund the Beach House roof replacement at Nichols Park for $27,500 and the development of 16 campsites at Nichols Park for $32,000.

The council also approved the financial statements and independent auditor’s report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, with Mayor Michael Dickey noting “no significant findings” in the report. Additionally, the liability protection plan, property protection plan, and worker’s compensation plan with the Oklahoma Municipal Assurance Group for the fiscal year 2024-2025 were approved.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the city manager’s report, which included updates on the booster station project. Bullard highlighted significant progress made over the last week, with the installation of pumps and a generator. “We’re waiting for the electricians from Quiksilver to tie it in. So we’re coming to the end on that project,” Bullard reported.

Immediately following the City Council meeting, the Henryetta Municipal Authority met, approving the financial reports for May 2024, minutes from the May 2024 meeting, and claims for May 2024. A payment of $37,962.14 to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) for the monthly payment on ORF08-0015-DW was also approved. They also approved a sanitary sewer agreement between Casey’s Marketing Company and the City of Henryetta.

Both meetings concluded without any new business discussions and were adjourned after completing their respective agendas as council members and residents aawaited the incoming election results.