Jacob Eck was elected mayor at Monday evening’s Waurika City Commissioner’s Meeting.
Kristi Winton is the new Office Clerk.
Michael Bryant Hired as New City Clerk and More Waurika City News
There were two big stories to come out of the May City Commissioner meeting for the city of Waurika.
The first was the hiring of former Jefferson County Sheriff Michael Bryant. He will bring administrative and law enforcement experience to the position which will be a plus as one of his duties will be city code enforcement.
Bryant is the longest serving sheriff in Jefferson County’s history. When he first took office as sheriff the department had just enough money to last 30 days and yet there were 90 days left in the fiscal year. When he left the department there was over $500,000.00 in the accounts.
He will begin his duties as city clerk on June 1st.
The other story of interest from Monday’s meeting was the recognition by the Oklahoma Water Resource Board for the city’s loan consolidation.
Charles de Coune, Leading Manager of the Financial Assistance Division of OWRB, presented the City Commissioners with a commemorative check symbolizing the $975,000.00 loan consolidation.
The loan will save the city 10 years of payments and over $240,000.00.
Other business included the hiring of Jeffrey Overton in the city’s Water Department. Scott spoke highly of him and said he is a willing and dedicated worker who will be an asset to the department. He is also willing to work in other departments when needed.
The city also began the process of closing an alley next to the Waurika Fire Department.
Purchase orders and claims for the City of Waurika was paid in the amount of $21,726.81.
The city will begin advising property owners near Lot 1 Block 26 of the Sycamore Addition in Waurika that Bobby Taylor is wanting to move a mobile home on the the premises.
The procedure will also be followed to notify property owners near 407 E. Iowa, Lots 15-18 of the Harper Addition in Waurika that Mary Harvey and Tyler Bowen want to move a manufactured home on the premises of 407 E. Iowa.
After the business for the city of Waurika was completed the commissioners entered the Waurika Public Works Authority meeting.
The council opened the 1 bid for the Waurika Golf Course from Michael Delaney. The commissioners voted to keep the bidding open for another 30 days. Delaney understood and said he just wants to keep the golf course open.
The commissioners approved the purchase of 12 new membranes for the Water Treatment Facility in the amount of $10,800.00. That’s around $300 less per membrane than they spent on a previous purchase.
Last but not least, the commissioners approved $39,456.54 in purchase orders and claims.
Adam Brinson Reflects on His time on the City Commission
Adam Brinson took office in April of 2019. Monday was his last official meeting as a commissioner.
When he started one of his goals was to keep from raising water rates. During the last three years the commission has only raised water rates one time and that was to keep up with the rate of inflation.
Since 2019 the citizens of Waurika passed a bond issue which allowed the Fire Department to purchase much needed safety equipment along with a ladder truck which will allow fire fighters to effectively access the roof tops of burning houses. Thankfully, their hasn’t been any house fires since the purchase of the truck. If a house fire does occur the department has the equipment they need to put it out quickly and safely.
Brinson says commissioners have worked hard to set aside enough money to survive emergencies. The accepted accounting goal is to have enough unrestricted cash to survive three years without any positive revenue. The city is well on its way to meet that goal. In the past there were times when the city had a hard time keeping its head above water.
He said some have asked him about the purchase of new police and city vehicles. He said the units purchased met state requirements and are safe. He also says the previous vehicles were costing more in repairs than they were worth, thus not being cost effective. For example, police vehicles are more expensive because of the required equipment which does not come standard.
The hiring of Kyote Dunn has been good for Waurika. Brinson says the commissioners interviewed many qualified candidates and thoughtfully considered each one before selecting Dunn. He says he has been impressed with Dunn’s diligence and professionalism.
Also, he says it has been encouraging to see how people have come together to improve Waurika.
A group of citizens wanted to use the Presbyterian church more often including the ministerial alliance. The problem was the lack of air conditioning. Thankfully an anonymous donations contributed to install the new units making it usable year around. Citizens can expect to see more functions take place in the beautiful Waurika landmark.
New parks and landscaping has been incredible. Craig Williams and his crew along with countless volunteers have done a tremendous job making Waurika look incredible. There are still more improvements to come as far as parks and recreation are concerned.
Waurika does not have a city council it has a city commission. Commissioners are not allowed to direct day to day operations. They don’t act individually, they act as one body. Brinson said he has learned much about city government while on the commission. The members along with citizens must all work together. He says citizens are encouraged to participate in public hearings and weekly meetings. If a citizen wants they can asked to be put on the agenda for the regular meeting or they can speak up during “citizen input” during any meeting. Those who attend meetings faithfully understand why and how decisions are made for the good of the community. No decisions are made without careful consideration.
Brinson is only leaving because of time restraints. He is now the pastor of two churches, here and in Ryan.
Brinson says it has been an honor to serve with the other commissioners. They have a great working relationship and each one is dedicated to doing what is right for Waurika.
Waurika Receives REAP Grant for 2018
The Waurika REAP grant of $45,000 will be used for erecting walls, installing trusses, and installing the roof of the building located near the old Solitaire Mobile Homes manufacturing facility. Original intended use was for housing Oklahoma
Department of Corrections inmates. We are exploring the opportunities for housing other inmates as completion nears. The City of Waurika has committed $25,000 cash match to make a total of $70,000 to complete the project.
Waurika City Commission Emergency Meeting
The Waurika Depot is in need of new coils in the air conditioning unites that service the large meeting area. The coils were installed in 2009 and have outlived their warranties.
The Waurika City Commissioners held an emergency meeting Tuesday evening at 5:00 pm to discuss and take action on having the coils replaced.
Climate Control of Duncan and Jamison Heating and air had both submitted proposals.
The commissioners voted to accept the proposal from Climate Control of Duncan, Oklahoma in the amount of $4,166.00. They currently service the air conditioners for the city and provide the needed service for them.
Although Jamison Heating and Air had submitted a proposal of $3,621.20, the commissioners accepted the proposal from Climate Control because of their experience and continued service on the city’s air conditioners.
The money will come from the Depot account and will not affect the city budget.
Waurika Chamber Banquet This Saturday
The Waurika Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual banquet on Saturday, February 24th at the Waurika High School Cafeteria beginning at 6:30 pm.
Tickets are on sale now for only $15.00 each and can be purchased at First Farmers Bank in Waurika.
Catering the food this year will be the Duncan Regional Hospital.
Bill Roberson and his band Southern Rain will be the featured guest providing entertainment for the evening. Joining them will be Missy Fry.
Questions Answered About Bond Election at Thursday Meeting
Several Citizens attended the meeting at the Waurika Depot Thursday evening to find out more information about Tuesday’s Bond Election.
The Bond Election will decide if citizen’s of Waurika want to pass the bond that will allow the Waurika Fire Department to purchase much needed fire equipment and vehicles.
Some of the items to be purchased will include a ladder truck, six storm shelters, battery backup sirens, a rescue truck, jaws of life.
There are several reasons for needing a ladder truck. One is the courthouse. If there was a fire in the courthouse we currently do not have a truck with a ladder that could reach the third floor. Also, there is about to be a major expansion at the Jefferson County Hospital that a ladder truck would be needed to fight any fire that may occur at that facility. The other reason is the safety of the volunteer fire fighters. Currently, they have to sometimes be on the roofs of houses that are on fire. The ladder truck would enable them to fight the fire without having to stand on the burning building’s roof.
The addition of the new storm shelters would be very beneficial. Currently, students at the high school can not use the locker rooms as a storm shelter because of the gas lines.
The new sirens will have a battery backup that will be essential if the power goes out during a storm or tornado.
Another benefit to the new trucks would be the possibility of lowing the cities insurance rating. If that happens, property insurance would go down. Waurika is currently at a class 5 and could possibly drop to a 4 or 3. The lower the rating, the lower the cost of property insurance.
Rick Smith, owner of Municipal Finance Services, was on hand to talk about the bond and how it will affect citizen’s property taxes.
He has worked with the City of Waurika for over 20 years. He helped facilitate the Bond approved in 2004 in the amount of $320,000.00. That bond is about to expire so the new bond will just replace the 2004 one. In other words the bond will not be an additional tax as much as it will be replacing the expiring one.
Smith said during his presentation that another bond was the best route for Waurika.
If the bond passes, tax payers shouldn’t see much difference in their property taxes.
Smith says that even though the new bond is for more money, $450,000.00, it should be approved at a lower interest rate.
What will it cost tax payers?
The example he gave was that if you owned a $60,000.00 home, it should only cost the tax payer around $35.00 – $45.00 per year. It may be higher in the first few years, but as the property values increase the tax actually goes down.
The new taxes wouldn’t be due until 2019.
Like the 2004 bond, this bond would also be on a 15 year plan.
The bonds will be bid on by various banks including those in Waurika. If one of the local banks win the bid, it would be beneficial to the community.
Nobody likes to think about fires, especially property and structure fires. However, if and when they happen it helps to be more than prepared and have the essential equipment needed to but the fires out quickly and safely.
Citywide Cleanup April 21st
We need groups to volunteer their time cleaning up residential areas including limb and debris removal tree trimming, mowing, etc. Any equipment such as trailers, mowers, weed eaters, etc would be a tremendous help. We will supply work gloves, trash bags, bottled water and work vests.
Earth Day is a perfect chance to get out and put a little love into your town!
During this time residents will be able to dump limbs behind the street barn and tires in front of the street barn located in the 800 block of Meridian.
CITY OF WAURIKA CODE ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
The City of Waurika recognizes the value of setting goals and developing priorities to reach our objectives. Waurika Code Enforcement plans to employ an aggressive and diversified code enforcement operation that brings clarity and unification to the community while emphasizing a consistent and systematic approach to enforcement to effectively remedy violations.
Code Enforcement Vision
A community where all residential and commercial properties are maintained in a fashion that emphasizes an aesthetically pleasing City, that encourages community pride, preserves neighborhood integrity, protects the public health and well-being, and maintains property values within the community.
Code Enforcement Mission
To conduct a comprehensive code enforcement effort that fosters voluntary compliance, effects prompt correction of noted violations, and that is consistent, fair and equitable in its application.
Top 5 Code Enf. Issues Facing the City of Waurika
- Failure to maintain grass and trees
- Excessive trash/debris in yard
- Dilapidated structures
- Littering/Illegal Dumping
- Failure to obtain building permits
Candidates File for Local Offices
The deadline for filing for office in this year’s elections was this past Friday afternoon at 5pm.
Four filed for seats on the Waurika City Commission.
Two of those candidates Jacob Eck and Henry Lara are seeking re-election. Eck and Lara both drew opponents.
Also filing for a seat on the Waurika City Commission are James Terry and Rickey Porterfield.
In the race for county commissioner Rickey Martin drew two opponents. Rickey will be running for re-election against Kenneth Blevins and Macey Lovett.
Bryce Bohot did not draw an opponent in his bid for re-election as a commissioner in District 1.
Nobody filed to run against Sandra Watkins for the office of County Assessor.
Emily Follis will also run unopposed for her re-election bid for the office of County Treasurer.
Jefferson County’s Associate District Judge, Dennis Gay, did not draw an opponent.
District Attorney, Jason Hicks, is also unopposed.
State Rep. Marcus McEntire will return to his seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Dist. 50, without having to face a challenger.
- Advertisement -