Lincoln County commissioners this week voted to moving the OSU Extension Service from the Courthouse to a new space, approving paying the rental cost that includes utilities.
They also indicated they will explore the cost of having someone handle the move and if too costly will provide manpower from each of their districts.
The move is part of an overall plan in connection with the jail expansion and renovation that is in the final design stages.
District 3 Commissioner Lee Doolen who is also chairman of the commissioners said OSU will be moving across and down the street from the courthouse in an office building.
Commissioners also discussed emergency services in the county with some of those entities that are struggling due to the increased call volume.
An agenda item that was labeled “Lincoln County EMS crisis” was discussed at length with various possible solutions suggested. While commissioners took no action, they indicated they will set up a committee to discuss the various possibilities.
District 1 Commissioner Will Fine suggested possibly putting it on a ballot as an issue by itself.
A proposition for establishing an Emergency Medical Service District, and commonly referred to as a countywide ambulance service district, was put placed on the ballot and rejected by voters in July of 2021.
But it was pointed out that a second proposition for construction of a new $13.5 million county jail was also on the same ballot.
In the discussion during Monday’s meeting, it was mentioned that Lincoln County is a huge county.
One person attending the meeting told commissioners, “We’re receiving more and more calls all the time,” and another informed them their ambulance service had responded to 1,100 calls in June and that didn’t include those for fires.
Commissioners spent a brief time in executive session before returning to open meeting and voting to hire Rodney Barnett for the County Facilities maintenance position. He will begin work July 17.
In other business, the commissioners: Approved the closeout for the REAP grant for the Fallis Fire Department.
Approved an amendment to the Lincoln County Employee handbook regarding a 90-day probation period for new employees.
Adopted a resolution accepting an insurance check for a wrecked 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman four-door Crew Cab pickup.
ApprovedagreementswithCommunity Works Detention Services and with Eastern Oklahoma Youth Services.
Voted to accept the Lincoln County Treasurer Statutory report.
Approved an N.C.U.A. depository agreement with True Sky Federal Credit Union.
Took no action on a Medical Marijuana Businesses resolution.
Took no action on changing 911 funding due to OMMA change.
Approved an ACCO-Sig 2023-2024 Property and Liability quote for Lincoln County.
Approved the compilation engagement letter from Wilson, Dotson andAssociates to prepare the Lincoln County Estimate of Needs.
Agreed to a contract between the Lincoln County Health Department and Rural Wellness Stroud, Inc., doing business as Rural Wellness Stroud Hospital.
Adopted a donation resolution from the Court Clerk Cindy Kirby.
Approved an ODOT form for 850 Road on the Salt Creek project in District 1.
Approved discontinuing payments to the local equipment revolving fund for July and August. 2023.
Adopted a donation resolution to Emergency Management.
Voted 2-1 to approve a contract with DroneSense for Emergency Management.
Voting in favor were District 1 Commissioner Will Fine and District 3 Commissioner Lee Doolen. Against it was District 2 Commissioner Marlin Miller.
Voted to shut down the VHF repeater for the commissioners at a cost of $1,500 a year.