The Okmulgee County Board of County Commissioners tackled a wide range of business Monday morning, with key discussion centering on updating purchasing card (P-Card) policies, approving a revised 911 agreement with county EMS, and ongoing emergency management efforts tied to drought conditions, wildfire activity and storm recovery.
The meeting, held March 30 at the Okmulgee County Courthouse, also included action on bids, surplus equipment and intergovernmental agreements, along with continued conversations about cost-saving measures for county operations.
— Agreements, policies highlight agenda Among the most discussed items was the adoption of the state’s P-Card Policies and Procedures Manual. Commissioners noted that a previously approved resolution was not sufficient without fully incorporating the state’s guidelines, prompting formal adoption of the complete manual.
In addition, the board approved a measure directing that any interest generated from P-Card usage be deposited into the county’s general fund, rather than distributed among individual departments. Officials cited the complexity of tracking departmental allocations as a primary reason for the decision.
Another key item included approval of an updated agreement between Okmulgee County 911 and Okmulgee County EMS. The revised contract includes changes to pricing and provides more flexibility for termination, allowing either party to end the agreement more easily than under previous terms.
Meanwhile, an agreement with Green Energy Solutions LLC was tabled for further review.
— Land agreement, surplus items approved Commissioners also approved a land agreement with the City of Henryetta, continuing cooperation between county and municipal entities.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a resolution to dispose of equipment, including an asphalt cutter from District 2 that had been sold to Texas County.
• Opened and awarded Bid #12 for the sale of various surplus items from District 2, with awards made per item to the highest bidders.
• Approved blanket purchase orders, employee forms, utility permits, private property agreements and payment of claims.
— EM Report: Fires, Drought & Storm Recovery Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore provided an update highlighting a busy week across the county.
According to the report, crews responded to 16 wildfire or grass fire incidents, as the county has now been elevated from moderate to severe drought conditions. Officials are monitoring the potential for severe weather later in the week, with hopes that forecasted rain could provide some relief.
Emergency personnel also responded to one structure fire and a traffic accident involving a tanker truck and SUV.
In addition, recovery efforts from recent storms remain ongoing, along with coordination on a storm siren project involving local municipalities.
— Ongoing Discussion: Employee Uniform Costs While not a formal agenda item, commissioners engaged in extended discussion during new business regarding the cost of employee uniforms – specifically contracts with uniform providers.
Officials explored the possibility of replacing uniform services with a stipend system, allowing employees to purchase their own work clothing. The proposal, still under review, could potentially reduce costs for the county while giving employees more flexibility.
Legal and policy considerations remain under evaluation before any action is taken.
