The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, addressing a range of topics concerning county business, including cybersecurity tips from a local specialist in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Following the opening prayer and pledge of allegiance, the commissioners heard a presentation from Doy Shipman of Shipman Consulting, which was recently named a 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion by the National Cybersecurity Awareness organization.

Shipman emphasized the importance of strong, unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, and vigilance against phishing scams. He shared local and personal examples of cybersecurity breaches that resulted in financial losses, highlighting the real-world consequences of such threats.

Shipman also offered free vulnerability scans to nonprofits, NGOs, and government organizations in the county. The commissioners thanked him for his presentation before moving on to other agenda items.

The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting, along with the September officer reports from the Sheriff’s Office, Health Department, and County Clerk.

The following blanket purchase orders were approved: District 1 – S&H Auto for $1,000; District 2 – Cintas for $700; District 3 – O’Reilly’s for $900; Emergency Management – Dildine Lawn Care for $400; General Government – Dildine Lawn Care for $600 and Cookson Hills for $1,500; Health Department – Amazon for $5,000 and MN for $500 (X-rays); Assessor – fuel (cost not stated).

Approved employee forms included one requisitioning and receiving officer form for District 1. Utility permits submitted by Ecolink and Beggs Telephone, both in District 1, were also approved.

Jerry Wilkins, owner of Journey’s End Land Group, discussed the completion of the Journey’s End plat, including the acquisition of necessary signatures and required language changes. The commissioners subsequently re-approved the plat.

During last week’s meeting, the board had approved the Journey’s End plat in District 1, pending review by the district attorney and a revision of language referencing a nonexistent planning commission.

The commissioners also approved reimbursement claims for the Election Board secretary’s salary and the District Attorney’s Office. They also allocated funds from the alcoholic beverage tax ($21,700) and the motor vehicle tax ($15,000).

The board approved a service agreement with OSU, a change order for the Dentonville Road project, and a claim payment to Mastercraft Marble and Granite.

For the Sheriff’s Office, the board approved a server package and an application for a 100% funded national public safety drone donation program, noting the benefits of the technology for patrol, tactical operations, and search-and-rescue missions.

Undersheriff Smokey Patchin reported that the server package, which costs approximately $6,000, would provide services to the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Fire Department. Patchin and Commissioner David Walker also praised Melissa Smalley, the office manager, and grant manager, for securing the 100% funded drone donation and other valuable resources for the department.

The board later approved an Emergency Management Performance grant and out-of-state travel to the Four Corners Emergency Management Conference.

During his report, EM Director Jeff Moore provided an update on the county’s emergency management activities, including floodplain management training, responses to a motor vehicle accident and a natural gas leak, and several house fires. He warned of ongoing dry conditions and the increased risk of outdoor burning, advising residents to burn only when necessary.

During the inventory status report, it was noted that some entities, such as the Court Clerk, Health Department, and Fair Board, were still working to complete their inventories. The commissioners discussed the possibility of sending letters to non-compliant entities to ensure compliance with inventory requirements.

Regarding the old Beggs Health Department building, the commissioners agreed to have the property appraised to determine its value and explore options for sale or lease.

Finally, the board approved a resolution to dispose of a radio tower stored by the Liberty Fire Department, which had lacked space for the equipment at the time. This move will allow the Liberty Fire Department to reclaim the equipment.

A discussion on the county-wide radio communication issue was tabled for another week.