During Monday’s meeting of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners, District One Commissioner Erik Zoellner designated Ernie Ferreira as the first deputy for District One, granting the D1 foreman authority to act in Zoellner’s absence under certain circumstances. This decision was based on state statute 19 OK Stat § 180.65, which Zoellner attached to his proclamation, stating it was approved by the Attorney General and the District Attorney.

However, there was some disagreement regarding the conditions required for this to happen, with A.D.A Greg Stidham clarifying, “Before that first deputy has authority to act you have to be out of state or physically or mentally incapacitated.” Zoellner mentioned that he had been informed differently and would seek further clarification on those conditions.

The board then approved the minutes from the previous meeting, June reports from the Election Board, utility permits submitted by District One for RW2 and District Three for OneGas, two full-time employees for Districts One and Two respectively, and private property agreements from District Three for the removal of dams from a creek to help with flooding.

In financial matters, the board approved the treasurer’s annual financial statement, a 324A claim for the Bristlecone Road project, and two appropriation transfers. According to County Clerk Tonya Day, the transfers were to “move back” surplus funds after spending more in the last fiscal year than anticipated.

The allocation of the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Motor Vehicle Tax was also approved, along with the following blanket pur- chase orders:

• Health Department: Amazon for $3,000, Muscogee Nation (x-rays) for $500

• General Government: Cookson Hills Publishers Inc. for $1,500, Dildine Lawn Care for $600

• Emergency Management: Dildine Lawn Care for $400, Comdata for $1,000

• District One: Backhoe repairs for $19,224.07, Cintas for $800, S&H Auto for $1,000, Dollar General for $100

• District Two: AutoZone for $250, O’Reilly’s for $250, Cintas for $700, RPI for $1,000

• District Three: Cintas for $900, RPI for $500, O’Reilly’s for $600 Additionally, a bid for the hauling of road materials over six months was opened but no action was taken.

Later, the Sheriff ’s Office submitted applications for two grants which they’ve received in previous years: the Safe Oklahoma Grant for $70,000 and an East Central Electric grant for $6,000. Both applications were approved.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Okmulgee County EM Director Jeff Moore provided updates on tornado recovery efforts, FEMA meetings, and ongoing grant processes for emergency siren replacements.

Lastly, Executive Assistant for the Board of County Commissioners Jamie Steph provided the inventory status report, noting ongoing efforts to gather necessary certifications from