A full agenda led to wide-ranging discussions and several key decisions during the July 28 regular meeting of the Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioners approved various routine items early in the meeting, including:

• Blanket Purchase Orders for multiple departments

• Employee forms included donations of sick leave hours to Patrick Sweet from several county employees, as well as processing returned time from a previous donation to a now-deceased staff member. Also approved were receiving officers and requisitioning officers for various departments.

• Utility Permits were approved for all three county districts to perform rural water and electric work.

— Juvenile Detention & Emergency Dispatch Changes A new juvenile detention agreement was approved with Pittsburg County at a rate of $30 per day per juvenile. Commissioners also began preparations for a significant shift in how dispatch services will be managed. The plan involves: • A transfer of dispatch authority back to the County Commissioners from the Jail Trust.

• A subsequent transfer to the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office.

• In anticipation of that, the board approved a request to begin the employee onboarding process, including temporary salary reimbursement, despite formal control not yet being returned.

“This will help smooth the transition,” it was noted, given how long it can take to onboard personnel.

— EMS Ambulance Approval & Insurance Debate

The board also discussed a proposed ambulance purchase for Okmulgee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Although it has not yet gone out for bid, the commissioners approved the action so that the process could begin.

A particularly contentious topic was the county’s property and liability insurance coverage, where the current premium was criticized for requiring a $25,000 deductible – even on vehicles worth only slightly more than that. Commissioner Wallace described the situation as “insane,” advocating for alternative quotes.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel, but we need to talk to other providers,” he said. The board approved “Option 2” of their available insurance choices but agreed to continue searching for better coverage and possibly cancel the policy early under a short-rating provision if they find a superior provider.

— Sheriff’s Grant Application & ICE Memorandum

Commissioners also approved an application by the sheriff ’s office for the Sheriff ’s Funding Assistance Grant, which provides additional financial resources for rural departments.

Perhaps one of the most impactful decisions involved a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The agreement would allow county law enforcement to coordinate deportation actions against individuals involved in criminal activity at illegal marijuana grows.

The agreement would require county personnel to undergo eight hours of ICE training. While the goal is not mass enforcement, the commissioners emphasized the policy targets those committing criminal acts within the county.

— Treasurer’s Office Renovation & Emergency Management Report The board opened and awarded Bid #2 for renovations to the County Treasurer’s Office. Camo Restoration was awarded the project with a bid of $72,755, narrowly beating the second bid of $75,128.50.

Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore delivered a detailed report, highlighting: • Growth in the county’s volunteer emergency management team, now 19 strong.

• A tabletop training exercise to improve volunteer readiness.

• Four floodplain permits issued, with bridge replacement projects in the Muscogee Nation jurisdiction.

• Assistance to Morris with water leaks and Beggs with a missing person response.

• Filing of corrective safety actions with the state following a 2024 injury incident.

• Upcoming tours with the Federal Highway Administration and the state to inspect flood-damaged roads in all three districts, which may qualify for federal disaster relief funding.

Moore added that weather forecasts indicate possible storms and slightly cooler temperatures later in the week, giving hope for some relief amid the summer heat.