Allocation of Alcoholic Tax funds tabled

A representative from the EODD was at Monday’s meeting to remind the commissioners to submit their Rural Economic Action Plan for the year.

REAP grants fund a variety of projects that enhance economic development, promote intergovernmental cooperation, promote and enhance public health and safety, and/or implement regional or local plans, per the Oklahoma Economic Development Authority website.

EODD Director Ernie Moore, joined by Rural Fire Coordinator Ed Barton, told the board, “I’m just here to remind you guys that it’s time for the REAP applications to be filled out and turned in, and this year it’ll be District 3.”

Director E. Moore informed Commissioner Michael Wallace he could assist him with the application process if needed. He further explained that this rotational application process means that District 1 would submit it next year.

Moore also notified the commissioners that the new Community Block Grant Development (CBGD) representative would be Scott Harding, who replaces Kevin Wilson, who now works for Muskogee County.

There was a brief discussion between the commissioners, ADA Greg Stidham, and County Treasurer Lindsay Bunch regarding action on the allocation of Alcoholic Beverage Tax funds.

Commissioner Zoellner asked if “the formula to disperse the funds … is that set by us or set by the state?”

He cited some concerns regarding an “accidental thing that happened in that office” prior to Treasurer Bunch or any of the commissioners being in office.

Treasurer Bunch let him know that she would get back to him and the matter was then tabled until next week, so they could ensure that all the information presented was correct.

— Also at the meeting:

Commissioners also approved an engagement letter with Turner & Associates.

County Clerk Tonya Day told the commissioners that the Budget Board had discussed reaching out to CPAs to do the financial statements for the county. She said that after reaching out to Bill Turner of Turner & Associates, he gave an estimate of $2000, which the board considered very reasonable.

The commissioners approved payment to BearCom, in regard to some radio equipment. Commissioner Erik Zoellner thanked Commissioner Walker for “leading that and getting that taken care of.”

They also approved the Invitation to Bid#19 for two 2015, or newer, day cab trucks. Commissioner Wallace said that this would replace one previously sold to the auction.

Items approved were: Minutes of July 17 meeting Blanket Purchase Orders:

• ComData (fuel) for $1000

• District 3: Cintas for $700, O’Reilly’s for $600, RPI for $800.

Utility Permits:

• District 1: Two for Rural Water 6

• District 3: Rural Water 1 Private Property Agreements:

• One Agreement with John Clark for fill dirt.

Transfer of Appropriations:

There was the transfer of funds to the Sheriff ’s Office to cover repairs to some vehicles.

Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeff Moore reported that he met last week with OCEM volunteers “that we still have there to help us get everything back on track and where it needs to be.”

Interlocal agreements with the Town of Dewar and City of Morris had expired so Moore had those rewritten and submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for approval and get commissioner’s approval next week.

“We also got the volunteer policy manual that you all requested to be in place … So we’ll put that on next week’s agenda for you guys to review and sign off on as well,” Moore said.