By Joy Hampton
June 3, 2009 — A new agreement between county commissioners and the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office could save taxpayer dollars.
Monday, county commissioners finalized details of an arrangement with the Sheriff’s Office to provide fuel to county law enforcement vehicles at the various county district barns.
“I know we’re going to be saving a lot,” said Capt. Mike McElhaney. “They (county commissioners) get it at bulk prices.”
McElhaney said it is too early to project how much that savings will amount to in monthly dollars. Some fuel purchases will still be made through Froman Oil as needed.
First Deputy Marilynn Gibson of the county clerk’s office said purchase orders will need to be issued to allow payment between the departments. New, computerized fuel tanks allow county commissioners to track the fuel put into various vehicles.
“The main thing for us is convenience,” said McElhaney. “We have three places where we can fuel up in the county now.”
At times in the past deputies had to purchase fuel from gas stations and apply for reimbursement. That may still be required on out-of-county trips, though commissioners are checking with other counties to see if a mutual agreement can be reached for fuel purchases.
The Rogers County Assessor’s Office and Emergency Management Services will also be able to purchase fuel through Districts 1 ,2 and 3.
The D1 warehouse is located in Chelsea under the care of Commissioner Dan DeLozier. D2 in Oologah runs under Commissioner Mike Helm, and D3 in Claremore operates under the supervision of Commissioner Kirt Thacker.
The Sheriff’s Office also entered into an agreement for vehicle maintenance and repair services through outside contractor First Vehicle Services, Inc. which serves Claremore.
Commissioners approved that agreement Monday. Walton and city officials said the agreement will be mutually beneficial. Walton anticipates long-term savings, improved safety, and better vehicle performance as a result of the maintenance now available for county law enforcement vehicles.
Also approved by commissioners is an agreement with new phone provider, City Tele-Coin Company, Inc. for correctional communications services to allow inmates in county jail to make collect calls.
In other county business commissioners:
•approved renewal of cooperative agreement with U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS-Wildlife Services, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and the county for beaver removal as needed
•acknowledged receipt of check from Grand Gateway Economic Development Association for E-911 service fees $24,518 for March
•approved change of hearing date for opening of road in D1 to be known as S 4210; hearing to be held July 13
•referred citizens inquiring about a dog kennel in Pond Creek subdivision to authorities in the town of Verdigris
•approved claim for attendant care by Nick Epperson, $1695 to state
