The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners held their first session with District 1 Deputy Commissioner Ernie Ferreira representing in place of Commissioner Erik Zoellner, who recently announced his resignation. Governor Stitt has called for a special election on Feb. 11 to fill the seat.
The board heard public comments from Shelly Clawson, a resident concerned about a wind energy company seeking to install turbines in the area. Clawson raised concerns about what she views as the contentious use of eminent domain by the company. She questioned the protections available for property owners who refuse to sign agreements and asked what the county could do to safeguard local interests.
The board, along with Assistant District Attorney Greg Stidham, expressed a commitment to protecting the interests of county residents while observing ongoing legal challenges.
“The Board of Commissioners has very little authority over windmill companies. They’re not public utilities … they’re privately owned,” Stidham explained. He noted that while commissioners cannot prevent private property owners from signing agreements, they also cannot force participation on unwilling residents.
Stidham also raised concerns about the attempts to use eminent domain, stating he would be “curious as to whether it’s successful or not,” since eminent domain generally does not apply to private companies taking private property.
Another discussion arose during the weekly inventory report. The process of obtaining updated inventories is ongoing, but questions remain about the lack of detailed inventory records and proper bonding filings from some fire departments. There were additional issues with some fire departments failing to properly identify equipment with county asset numbers. These forms, required for expending county funds, are necessary to comply with state statutory requirements.
Dave Shanahan, speaking as a citizen, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the “vital” role of local fire departments. He added that the issues with inventory and compliance are not necessarily the fault of everyday firefighters but supported the board’s position that funding may need to be withheld until the departments meet statutory inventory and reporting requirements.
Other approvals included the minutes from the previous meeting and payment of claims for the Okmulgee County Governmental Building Authority.
Approved blanket purchase orders included: District 1 – S&H Auto; District 3 – Cintas, RPI, and O’Reilly’s. No dollar amounts were immediately provided.
The commissioners discussed an application for the Milligan family cemetery. County Clerk Tonya Day explained the approval process, which involves publishing the application in the local paper for two weeks, followed by a protest period before final approval. The board voted to begin the process.
Two separate items regarding the Bristlecone Road project were approved: the first was a 324A claim and the second involved utility relocation.
Later, the board discussed adding fire extinguishers to the courthouse and county fairgrounds, with Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore advocating for the implementation. The board approved the measure.
As for other courthouse improvements, Judge Deborah Reheard outlined updates on courtroom renovations. The board approved a $45,600 bid from Alex Munoz to enhance accessibility and restore the courtroom’s aesthetics. The project will include replacing wood doors and adding hand-painted details to preserve the space’s historical integrity.
The board also approved bids for road materials and hauling services, each for a sixmonth period, as well as a one-year bid for election ballots with Midwest Printing. A resolution to hold a Fair Board selection was also approved.
Sheriff Eddy Rice provided an update on county vehicle replacements, announcing plans to acquire four vehicles – instead of the previously planned two – using state grant funding. This will allow the department to retire older high-mileage vehicles.
Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore provided his weekly update, highlighting responses to structure fires, assisting with water repairs in Muskogee, and participating in community events.
