The Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners met Monday morning in a regular session filled with public concerns, official proclamations and poststorm recovery updates.
During the designated public input period, a local resident raised concerns about large-scale transmission lines tied to wind and solar energy projects, expressing frustration over the lack of transparency. The speaker referenced the Cimarron Link project and questioned whether the county knew the exact routes, easement widths, or potential property impacts. She said her grandson is attempting to buy property but has no guidance on where infrastructure might be built.
Commissioners responded that no formal filings or permits for transmission lines have been submitted to the county.
“They have to come through Emergency Management, especially for anything related to floodplain development,” Commissioner Steve Ward said. “So far, we’ve had no contact.”
The board unanimously approved a proclamation declaring May 4-10 as Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE) Week. Jill Gibbons, Okmulgee County Extension Educator, delivered an impassioned tribute to the organization and the vital role its volunteers play.
“These ladies are the heart of the county,” Gibbons said. “They support the Extension Office, 4-H, and the community in countless ways. They are always there to help someone in need – whether it’s a neighbor, a student, or a stranger.”
Gibbons highlighted the group’s educational outreach and service work, noting, “They teach sewing, canning and lead wellness programs like ‘Stay Strong, Stay Healthy.’ Our 4-H kids could not get the same level of support and education without these women.”
Commissioners also proclaimed May 2025 as National Treatment Court Month in Okmulgee County. Christa Johnson, Assistant Site Director for CREOKS Behavioral Health Services, spoke on the program’s life-changing impact.
“Treatment courts give people with substance use and mental health disorders a second chance,” Johnson said. “They reduce crime, promote recovery and help families heal.”
Johnson thanked county leaders and community partners for supporting these alternative courts, which combine judicial supervision with addiction treatment and accountability.
— Action Items & Bids
The board took action on a wide range of routine and financial matters and approved:
• Officers Reports
• Blanket Purchase Orders: Health Department to Amazon, $5000 and Muscogee Nation for $500; General Government to Cookson Hills Publishers for Legal Publications, $1,500; District 1 to S&H Auto, $1,000; District 2 to Cintas for $700; District 3 to Autozone for $500 and Cintas for $700, Burnett’s for $100 and RPI for $500.
• Approved a resolution to purchase through Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing program that helps government entities save money through pre-negotiated contracts.
• Approved Invitation to Bid #9 for a 2023 or newer truck for the Treasurer’s Tax Deputy.
• Opened and awarded Bid #6 for remodeling the first-floor bathrooms of the courthouse. The contract was awarded after brief discussion.
• Approved a lease/purchase agreement for District 3
• Approved payment of claims across county departments.
— Emergency Management Update: Flood Recovery in Progress
Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore reported significant road and infrastructure damage throughout the county due to recent heavy rainfall and flooding. A state of emergency was declared last Thursday, with a special meeting on Friday to ratify the declaration.
“We lost a lot of culverts and roads, and crews are out working every day,” Moore said. “Please be patient – it’s going to take some time to get everything repaired.”
The Deep Fork River has crested and is now receding. Additional rainfall is expected mid-week, but Williams said he believes the county will be able to handle one to two more inches of rain without serious issues.
Moore also said the state is assessing damage in other counties, and once the threshold is met, federal assistance could follow.
The next regular meeting of the Okmulgee County Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, May 12, at the County Courthouse.
