The Henryetta City Council and the Henryetta Municipal Authority met Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Civic Center to handle a full agenda that ranged from routine approvals to major infrastructure funding and community events.
Council approves payments, appointments The evening opened with approval of routine reports and claims for July, followed by payments of $40,023.88 toward 2015 notes and $683.68 for additional expenses.
In a notable move, the council voted to appoint Russell Kyle Brown as interim member of the Henryetta Hospital Authority, with Diana Carter named as an alternate. Dr. Flannery was also approved to join the hospital staff.
Parks & Community Fundraisers The council granted approval for the New Canadian Baptist Church to host a fundraising volleyball tournament at Nichols Park on Labor Day, Sept. 1.
A request from Hannah Berry with Dewar Public Schools to hold a five-day fundraiser at Nichols Park was also considered. After discussion about routes, traffic, and insurance, the event was rescheduled for Oct. 11. “She would like to have the park closed until they are completed, which would be around one or two,” one council member explained, before the group approved the event contingent on insurance coverage.
— Ordinances & Resolutions
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 1317, amending fines and costs in the city code, and declared an emergency for its implementation. Members also passed Resolution No. 1313, which increases bond amounts for traffic and non-traffic violations.
— Infrastructure, Ambulance & Street Work Attention turned to infrastructure as the council approved Contractor Elevation Project No. 279 for roadway improvements. Additional payments were approved, including $16,400 to Myers Engineering for Jim Hall Lake construction services.
The council also authorized the purchase of a new ambulance not to exceed $275,000, financed over 72 months at 5.5% interest.
In addition, City Manager David reported that bids will go out soon for asphalt overlays on city streets. Crews have already been manually laying asphalt on Ford Street and nearby areas. “It’s hard, back-breaking work, but people are recognizing the improvements,” the manager noted.
— Police Vehicles & Rural Grant Application With aging patrol cars straining the department, the council approved up to $80,000 for the purchase of new police vehicles. Officials noted that past reliance on used Kansas Highway Patrol vehicles has become unsustainable due to high repair costs.
The council also passed Resolution No. 1314, authorizing an application for financial assistance from the Rural Economic Action Plan (REAP) fund.
— City Manager’s Report
City Manager David delivered a detailed report, noting progress on equipment purchases, water line projects, and sewer system upgrades. He highlighted a promising $6.6 million earmark grant from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, which could cover significant sewer line replacements on the southwest side.
He also reported progress on the city’s new water tower property acquisition, noting, “The property owner has been really great to work with, and we’re looking to close this week.”
David commended city crews working in extreme heat: “It was 112 degrees with the heat index, and they stayed out there, got after it, and didn’t slow down. They were champions.”
— Council Member Comments One council member offered a candid explanation of city finances and responsibilities, emphasizing limited revenue sources. “The only revenue source we have is our sales tax revenue … and our water bills. There is no magic money coming from anywhere else,” the member said. They urged residents to shop locally to help keep funds in Henryetta, adding, “When people shop out of town, you’re helping another town fix theirs. You’re not helping us fix ours.”
Another member echoed support for local business growth, stressing that “competition makes it better for everybody.”
— Henryetta Municipal Authority
Following the council session, the Henryetta Municipal Authority approved its July financials and claims. Payments included $1,962.14 to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
The Authority also authorized up to $60,000 for a new semi-truck and compactor trailer for the sanitation department, funded through existing accounts.
With no new business, the meeting adjourned shortly afterward.
— Looking Ahead
With significant projects underway – from sewer line engineering to new public safety vehicles the council emphasized that Henryetta’s progress depends on careful planning, external grants and strong community support.
