The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners focused on property management during their regular meeting on Monday, July 21, with a detailed discussion regarding parcels acquired by the county after the most recent Treasurer’s tax sale. District 2 Commissioner Steve Ward led the discussion, providing insight into the county’s responsibilities and reading directly from a memo provided by Assistant District Attorney Carmen Rainbolt.
“These properties that are not purchased at the county resale in June are being acquired by the county,” Ward said, reading Rainbolt’s statement aloud. “Our County Treasurer’s Office does a great job of trying to sell these properties to get some back on the tax rolls. However, certain properties have liens against them. Those liens come from mowing and demolition structures – it’s a cost that is burdened by the taxpayers.”
Ward emphasized that the ongoing maintenance of these lots continues to create a financial burden. “Once the county gets them, we have to place more cost up for bids, which is also handed out for taxpayers,” he said. “The lots I’m talking about are all in the city limits.”
He noted that the City of Okmulgee could help alleviate some of the cost pressures.
“The city could allow their maintenance department to maintain them and save thousands of dollars of tax money,” Ward read. “The goal is to get these properties back on the tax roll – not just for the tax income, but so people can own their own land and build a home … to have a place where they raise their family.”
Commissioners discussed the importance of returning these properties to private ownership, especially considering their location. “We’re dealing with 55 [properties] right now,” Ward confirmed. “I’m glad we’re dealing with the 55.”
Chairman Michael Wallace and District 1 Commissioner Ernie Ferreira agreed that the matter required continued cooperation between the county and the city to find viable solutions for these tax-delinquent properties. No formal vote was taken during the session, but the topic will be revisited as legal counsel provides further clarification.
— Emergency Management Report
Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore also addressed the board, providing updates on storm preparedness and inter- agency coordination. Moore outlined recent severe weather activity and stressed the importance of proactive planning as storm season continues.
— Other Business
In additional agenda items, commissioners:
• Approved private property agreements in District 2
• Declared surplus equipment and authorized disposal resolutions
• Approved annual contracts with the Okmulgee County Health Department;
• Transferred appropriations and paid routine claims
• Briefly discussed infrastructure improvements through potential bridge projects with the Muscogee Nation — Executive Session
The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss ongoing litigation involving the Board of County Commissioners and The Emergency Medical Service, a public trust (Case No. CV-2023-155). No action was taken upon returning to open session.
The Board will reconvene for its next regular meeting on Monday, July 28, at 9 a.m. in the County Courthouse at 314 W. 7th Street in Okmulgee.
