The Okmulgee County Commissioners held a brief regular meeting on Monday, beginning with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before proceeding with the agenda.

The items approved included the previous meeting minutes and the payment of claims. Approved blanket purchase orders included: District 1 – S&H Auto for $1,000, and Emergency Management – Comdata for $1,000.

The commissioners also ac- knowledged the employment status of three county employees: Jason Sanders, full-time with District 1, and Jimmy Hanley and Jimmy Baker, whose employment ceased with the Sheriff’s Office.

In addition, three submitted utility permits were approved regarding Rural Water District #7 (RWD#7), with two permits for District 1 and one for District 2. An invitation to bid was issued for a 2022 or newer 1-ton truck for the Preston Fire Department.

The commissioners also addressed the bidding process for improvements to Courtroom 2. An initial bid had been received, but, according to Judge Deborah Reheard, the contractor was unable to take on the work due to manpower issues. The commissioners agreed to maintain open bidding.

A discussion regarding a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Muscogee Nation was tabled, as well as talks regarding radio communication issues within the county.

The commissioners reviewed a list of items declared as surplus, including a laser printer from the commissioners’ office, a defibrillator from the courthouse, and a walk-in cooler from the county fairgrounds. County Clerk Tonya Day explained that the defibrillator and printer had been replaced and were no longer needed, but the status of the walkin cooler was unclear. This was followed by conflicting reports from county staff in attendance about its existence and condition. After some discussion, the commissioners voted to approve the declaration of the defibrillator and printer as surplus, subsequently approving a resolution to dispose of the items except for the walk-in cooler.

The commissioners then approved a property access agreement with Optimum for the OSU Extension office. It was explained that this agreement would provide Optimum access to run a communication line, allowing the Extension office to obtain internet service without the need for a perpetual contract.

Lastly, the board heard the weekly emergency management and inventory reports. Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore provided an update on the county’s tornado recovery efforts and said that meetings with FEMA are progressing, with 98% of the required documentation expected to be submitted by Sept. 6.

Assistant for the Board of County Commissioners Jamie Steph reported ongoing work to reconcile the inventory lists maintained by the commissioners’ office. Commissioner Erik Zoellner thanked her and Dave Shanahan for assisting with the reporting in the county’s efforts to comply with state audit requirements.