The Okmulgee County Board of Commissioners met Monday morning for its regular session, covering a wide range of county business including personnel actions, utility permits, district equipment purchases, fire responses and ongoing discussions with BNSF regarding a potential gravel supply lease.
Commissioners quickly moved through several standard agenda items, approving officers’ reports (Election Board for October) and a slate of monthly purchasing requests which included fuel purchases for District 2 from Cintas and similar purchases for District 3 from Cintas and AutoZone.
Utility permits were reviewed and approved for work involving telecommunications and rural water improvements across Districts 1 and 3.
A contract for the purchase of a John Deere wheel loader was discussed, though commissioners noted they were still awaiting financial details related to the equipment. The board also voted to issue an invitation to bid for six months of raw materials.
— Personnel Changes Across Multiple Departments A long list of personnel actions was approved, reflecting both new hires and separations across county offices. In District 1, the board acknowledged the termination of one employee, the retirement of David Henshaw, employment cessation for Dakota Grigsby and full-time employment for both Bruce Marrs and Jordan Wilhite. In District 3, employment ceased for four employees. The Sheriff ’s Office added one new full-time employee, Mike Willis; and Danny Copper, employment ceased.
— EM reports busy week, fire activity
Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore presented an extensive report covering training, meetings and several fire responses across the county over the past week. Volunteers attended a Radio 101 training in McIntosh County, while Moore met with ONEOK representatives regarding their upcoming emergency drill related to the county’s extensive natural gas transmission lines.
Moore reported responses to three grass fires, the most significant of which burned approximately 150 acres west of Beggs near Harrell Road. The blaze destroyed an unoccupied building but no homes, and several fire departments assisted with containment. One fire was confirmed to have been caused by trash burning on a windy day, prompting Moore to remind the public that state law prohibits trash burning when pickup services are available.
He also noted potential rainfall later in the week – up to four inches depending on storm movement – which could help ease dangerous fire conditions.
Emergency action plans for Districts 1 and 2 are complete, with District 3 nearing finalization. Plans for the courthouse and sheriff ’s office will follow. Moore also confirmed that his office and volunteers continued working through the holiday.
— BNSF rock supply project moves forward
In new business, commissioners discussed ongoing negotiations with BNSF Railway regarding the potential leasing of county-accessed property near the rail spur in Beggs. The county hopes to secure the site as part of a longterm plan to acquire raw rock materials at more affordable prices.
County leadership confirmed the project is now in Phase Two of Three, with BNSF representatives becoming increasingly engaged and optimistic about reaching an agreement. Leasing the ground adjacent to the spur would allow the county to bring in rock shipments directly, cutting material costs and ensuring a reliable supply.
“Cheaper rock, cheaper raw materials, free win-win,” one commissioner noted during the discussion, emphasizing the project’s importance for all districts.
