The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners met Monday in their regular meeting to cover several agenda items including recognizing dedicated staff members for their continued service.
Commissioners took time to introduce and recognize newly designated first deputies for Districts 1 and 2. Joe Watts, named as District 1’s first deputy, was praised for his reliability and mechanical expertise.
“I just wanted to acknowledge him and for you guys to know who he is when I call, he comes,” Commissioner Ernie Ferreira said. “He does everything I ask him to do, and then some. He is an awesome mechanic … I just want to tell you, I appreciate everything you do.”
District 2 Commissioner Steve Ward recognized Laura Alpers as first deputy. She was recognized for her administrative work and support.
“She’s a great person to work with, and she’s been a blessing to our office and staff,” Ward said.
Watts has been employed with Okmulgee County for six years and Alpers for four years.
— Agenda Items Discussed
• Minutes from June 30 meeting – Approved
• Officers Reports – County Clerk and County Health Department for June
• Blanket Purchase Orders – Approved
• Employee Forms – Donation of 42 hours leave from Jeffrey Moore
• Utility Permits – None
• Private Property Agreements – District 1 with Charlie Williamson for ditch dirt -The board approved a resolution to use funds from the Use Tax to pay Castlecom $11,555.15 for county communications infrastructure and repairs that were made due to the lightning strike.
A lease/purchase agreement with YellowHouse Machinery, with cautionary notes made about maintenance and wear-and-tear responsibilities.
A 2020 grader was declared surplus as part of a standard five-year trade-in cycle. “After five years, they’ve usually got so many hours on them, it’s best to get rid of them,” Commissioner Ward explained. A 2012 grader and a 1994 GMC pickup, already off the inventory, were officially removed from the books based on audit recommendations.
The Board approved reimbursement claims for the District Attorney’s office and for the salary of the Election Board Secretary.
A correction related to the Resale Fund was discussed, involving a transfer error from the Resale to the General Fund. “They’re just correcting an error that was flagged in the audit,” noted County Clerk Lindsey – who had also sent an explanatory email to the board in advance.
District 2 received approval to proceed with a Lake Access Grant overlay project. The upcoming project will make repairs to Honeycreek Road in District 2.
In financial planning matters, the board voted to table action on both the county’s property and liability insurance and the workers’ compensation insurance.
Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore provided an update on recent weather monitoring, noting the team had tracked two systems last week but no severe events materialized. He also reported on:
• A followup meeting with Safety Plus, a management firm specializing in safety programs and staff training.
• A developing partnership with Verizon for backup communications infrastructure, with two new towers recently erected in Okmulgee.
• Participation in the Fourth of July fireworks events, with positive public turnout.
Moore also shared a personal milestone – he recently earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Project Management and is on track to complete a Master’s in Public Administration by October. Commissioners congratulated him and acknowledged his dedication.
“You’ve done all this while managing storms and emergencies, often staying up for days at a time,” said Commissioner Ward. “We appreciate everything you do for this county.”
The next meeting of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners is expected to be held on Monday, July 14, at 9 a.m.
