The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners held their final regular meeting of the year, taking time during and after the session to recognize outgoing Commissioner David Walker, who was supported by a number of county employees in attendance.

“I came in here to hopefully make a difference to the county,” Walker said, joking at one point that he had tried to serve for eight years before losing to Steve Ward, who will assume the role in the new year. Walker continued, “We’ve been making changes, and I’ve talked to Steve, and Steve’s going to take the ball and just keep running with it to make this place better.” Walker, who has served since 2020, oversaw several infrastructure projects during his term, including road, bridge and courthouse improvements.

Walker briefly addressed concerns about county roads and ARPA funds, explaining that the funds were redirected to courthouse improvements only after it was determined they could no longer be allocated for road repairs.

During the meeting, a member of American Legion Post 10 requested permission to use the courthouse on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. for donuts and coffee in honor of the military. These gatherings typically occur at the post’s location on W. 6th Street.

The board approved several routine agenda items, including minutes from the previous meeting, payment of claims, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CREOKS and one blanket purchase order for $1,000 to Comdata for fuel.

In other financial matters, the board approved a $45,600 payment to Janef Trim & Hardware for improvements to Courtroom 2. The funds, drawn from the Use Tax fund, are for courtroom improvements. Additionally, two bids related to hauling materials over a six-month period were approved.

The Milligan Family Cemetery, which had been discussed at a prior meeting, received final approval after the required legal publication ran in the newspaper and the allotted time for public protest passed without incident.

The commissioners also addressed the need to replace the aging automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at the courthouse. Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore presented a proposal to purchase five AEDs at a total cost of $8,369.50. The new equipment will be distributed across the courthouse and each of the county barns. The board approved.

In his weekly report, Director Moore updated the commissioners on rain-related flooding issues, efforts to provide sandbags to affected residents and ongoing discussions with FEMA regarding reimbursement for prior emergency responses. Moore reported that the county is on track to receive funds in the coming months.

The board concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to Commissioner Walker for his service and wishing him well in future endeavors.