By Joy Hampton
July 1, 2009 — County commissioners approved the formation of a special committee this week to consider the needs, possible solutions and financing for a new Rogers County Courthouse. Eleven people will serve on the committee including one commissioner, members of the community, the sheriff and judicial representatives.
County Commissioner Kirt Thacker, Jim Smith, Larry Mallory, John Baker, Ted Jones, Craig Myers, Bill Higgins, Sheriff Scott Walton, Judge Dwayne Steidley, Claremore Police Chief Mickey Perry, and Judge Sheila Condren were named to the committee. They will meet for the first time on July 9 at 6 p.m. in Condren’s courtroom on the second floor of the Rogers County Courthouse.
The public is welcome to attend.
Commissioners also watched a presentation by BKL, Inc., a firm of engineers and architects who have been involved with the planning and building of a number of public buildings in Oklahoma, including Mayes and Craig County Courthouses. In business since 1946, BKL helps with master planning and funding issues including ballot resolutions, sales tax and bond sales packages, courts commission funding, and grants.
Commissioners have heard from other professionals on the courthouse issue and are considering putting a feasibility study out for bid, though under state law, they are not required to bid out professional services.
BKL said the Mayes County Courthouse had a $12.6 million dollar budget for the complete package.
“We didn’t use the entire amount for the project,” said BKL architect Billy Knowles.
In other county business commissioners:
•approved blanket purchase orders for Sheriff’s Jail to Froman Oil $300; Sheriff’s Civil Fees to Froman Oil $2,000
•approved requests for appropriations from use tax $48,686, unrestricted highway $288,321, cell phone usage $47,143, E-911 $14,372, and attendant care $1,695
•approved claims for attendant care $1,830
•approved continued participation in the Metropolitan Tulsa HOME consortium for three years
•listened to proposals by the Association of County Commissioners and Burrows Agency on property and liability insurance; the contract was awarded to Burrows Agency for coverage through Travelers
•approved reimbursement from Rogers County Sheriff’s Department for fuel usage at District 3 $1,261
•approved annual license and Maintenance Agreement with KellPro Software for County Clerk’s Office, Rogers County Sheriff, and Rogers County Commissioners Office
•approved Detention Services Agreement with Sequoyah Enterprises, Inc.
•removed Barney Howard as receiving agent for District 1 and appointed James Willis as receiving agent because Howard is needed to operate equipment
•acknowledged check from Grand Gateway Economic Development Association E-911 for April service fees $22,624
•acknowledged checks from CMC Recycling $37 for District 3 and $22 for District 2
•approved bid by Habitat for Humanity for about .17 acre or 7,569 square feet on property at 318 Choctaw; this property was deeded off to the county through the June resale for unpaid taxes; it will be advertised and sold at auction following publication
