With wildfire season already impacting Okmulgee County and new emergency alert systems on the horizon, the Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners tackled a packed agenda Monday morning that ranged from opioid grant adjustments to new law enforcement equipment and storm preparedness.
Meeting March 2 at the Okmulgee County Courthouse, commissioners opened with prayer before moving swiftly into a series of funding, infrastructure and public safety items.
— Opioid funding shift to expand AED access One of the more notable discussions centered on opioid settlement funding. Representatives explained that money previously allocated for AED kit training could be redirected toward purchasing additional kits, since qualified personnel are already available locally to conduct the training.
“We have someone on site who can do the training,” a representative explained, adding that reallocating the funds would allow the county to purchase more kits while staying within grant guidelines.
Commissioners approved the adjustment, expanding access to life-saving equipment without exceeding the program’s parameters.
— Sheriff’s Office: Drones, Vehicles & Highway Safety
Public safety dominated much of the meeting.
Commissioners approved an updated unmanned aerial policy for the Sheriff ’s Office, clearing the way for additional training and deployment of drone technology. The policy mirrors an existing framework already reviewed by the District Attorney, with minor language additions expanding use for patrol functions and tactical operations.
The board also considered three lease-purchase agreements for sheriff ’s vehicles and equipment, all through state bid pricing. While final paperwork was pending at the time of discussion, commissioners approved the request contingent upon completed documentation.
In addition, the Sheriff ’s Office received approval to apply for an Oklahoma Highway Safety Grant aimed at speed abatement and school zone enforcement. Officials noted several county schools sit directly along major highways, including Schulter, Morris and Twin Hills, increasing the need for targeted traffic enforcement.
— District Projects & Road Improvements District 1 received approval for a lease agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation for a chip spreader, along with action on an unpaved road grant.
Commissioners also moved forward with Invitation to Bid 11 to sell various surplus items from District 1 inventory.
Two utility permits were approved for Water District 21 to replace water lines in Districts 2 and 3.
— Financial Actions & Reports
Routine business included approval of blanket purchase orders, officers’ reports and employee forms, including acknowledgement of the retirement of a staff member from the Assessor’s Office.
Commissioners also approved reimbursement claims and an invoice for Special Data Research, opting to pay the full amount upfront to ensure reimbursement eligibility.
— Emergency Management: Wildfires & Storm Sirens Emergency Management reported a particularly active week, responding to multiple wildfires across the county. Officials noted that most of the fires were caused by landowners conducting burns that became uncontrolled or were left unattended.
The county remains in moderate drought conditions, though rain chances are in the forecast. Emergency officials also warned they are monitoring the potential for severe weather later this week.
Progress continues on the county’s storm siren project. Equipment has been ordered and is expected to arrive in early April, with installation anticipated shortly thereafter.
Additionally, a new mass notification system has been implemented, allowing residents to monitor road closures and emergency alerts online.
