The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners took action on several major infrastructure and operational matters during their regular meeting Monday morning, including approving use tax funding for road repairs and a courthouse remodel, as well as advancing plans for future financial audits and opioid abatement efforts.
Meeting at the County Courthouse in Okmulgee, the commissioners approved reimbursement claims, personnel changes, purchase orders, and multiple funding allocations aimed at enhancing services across the county.
— Major road repair funded by Use Tax
A significant item on the agenda was the approval of $171,050 from the county’s Use Tax Fund to pay Adams Tank Services for emergency repairs to the Deep Fork River Bridge on Dentonville Road. The bridge, which borders two districts, had been at risk of collapse due to embankment erosion caused by recent flooding.
“We were almost to the point of shutting down that bridge,” District 2 Commissioner Steve Ward said. “It was an emergency situation, and we’re grateful to have it fixed before further damage occurred.”
Additionally, $19,222.86 was approved from the Use Tax Fund to DO Construction for electronics- related upgrades, and $75,500 was allocated to LeBlanc Construction for materials in the Treasurer’s Office remodel project.
— Office Updates & Remodels
The Election Board Office is also looking to undergo significant improvements. Election Board Secretary Ashley Carnes requested wall restoration, a new coat of paint, and flooring designed to accommodate the movement of heavy carts during elections.
Rather than traditional carpet or floating flooring, the proposed update includes a durable concrete finish similar to that used in the county jail’s kitchen. The commissioners discussed the need to bid out parts of the work and tabled one reimbursement item from the previous fiscal year related to bathroom remodeling.
— Opioid Abatement Program Update
During the meeting, officials gave a detailed report on ongoing and prospective funding from the state’s opioid abatement initiative. The current grant-funded programs – administered by agencies such as CREOKS, Family & Children’s Services (FCS) and the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority (OCCJA) – have shown positive results.
Highlights included:
• CREOKS completed trauma-informed jail programs such as MRT and “Seeking Safety,” with 14 inmates completing the latter.
• FCS served 26 incarcerated individuals with parenting and emotional regulation programs, with 94% showing improved relationships with their children and 95% improving emotional skills.
• OCCJA launched a new substance use education initiative for high-profile inmates and continued offering GED programs, despite facing some data software issues.
The county has also submitted a new application for additional opioid abatement funding. A final decision will be made at a state board meeting on Aug. 19.
“They were really favoring projects like ours,” the grant administrator said, noting that the county is hopeful to receive the full amount requested. She also added that only 16 school districts will be approved of the over 30 that were submitted.
— 911 transfer under review
Commissioners also reviewed a proposed resolution to transfer 911 services from OCCJA to the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office. Although the resolution was discussed, the board delayed a vote until a Thursday meeting with the sheriff could clarify remaining questions and make necessary adjustments.
“There’s plenty of time to finalize this,” Assistant District Attorney Carmen Rainbolt said. “It makes sense to wrap all of it up together after the meeting.”
— Financial Oversight for County Audits
The board approved two separate requests for the Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector’s Office to conduct financial audits for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Designated officials will oversee the preparation of federal and financial statements for each fiscal year to ensure compliance and transparency.
— Emergency Management Report
Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore updated the board on several recent activities:
• He joined representatives from the Federal Highway Administration and ODOT to inspect major roadways damaged in this spring’s floods. The most significant damage was noted in District 3, with repair costs potentially exceeding $500,000.
• His office is reviewing archived disaster files, some dating back to the 1980s, to dispose of outdated documents and ensure compliance with federal record-keeping standards.
• Moore also responded to a hazardous materials incident involving a tanker fire on U.S. 75 and State Highway 16. Although initially reported as a gasoline fire, the tanker was carrying hot asphalt oil. Tulsa Hazmat assisted, and there was no explosion risk.
Additionally, Moore and others attended the funeral of longtime county supporter Frank Nelson over the weekend.
— Other Business
In other actions, commissioners:
• Approved blanket purchase orders; and employee forms – District 1, Larry Ervin, employment ceased; and four new employees with the Okmulgee County Sheriff ’s Office.
• Approved reimbursement claims for the District Attorney and Election Board Secretary.
Following the regular meeting, the commissioners voted to enter into executive session to discuss ongoing legal matters involving the Board of County Commissioners and The Emergency Medical Service, A Public Trust.
The next meeting of the Okmulgee County Commissioners is scheduled for Aug. 11, at 9 a.m. in the County Courthouse.
