Commissioners move $3 million into interest bearing account

Sequoyah County Commissioners approved a resolution Monday to invest $3 million additional cash into an interest bearing account based on information provided by the Sequoyah County treasurer’s office.

Sequoyah County Treasurer Angela Gist informed the commissioners that due to the higher interest rates which increased recently, the county is able to earn more interest and the additional $3 million would generate extra monies for the county.

“We plan to invest a 24 month CD which can draw interest,” Jim Rogers, Dist. 3 Commissioner said. “Angela said the CD was generating $75 a month but now it’s at 4.15% which can generate $11,000 a month. We’re just trying to be smart and make good sound decisions for the county,” he said. “She does a great job for the county.”

Gist said the county would not use the money right away but would leave it in the account to generate the interest.

Rogers commended county officers for the “great job” they’ve done to improve the county’s finances and budget.

In other business, the commissioners approved an asphalt contract between District 3 and McKenzie Asphalt, LLC and Robinson Construction.

New business included an approval of the meeting dates for the commissioners. They reminded everyone the courthouse would be closed on Friday (Dec. 23, before and the Monday Dec. 26) after Christmas.

Commissioners also approved a request for a private cemetery from the (Max Smith) Family Cemetery contingent that all procedures are in place.

During citizens presentation, Mark Walters of Muldrow brought up questions he had concerning the countywide lodging tax proposed by Vian resident Kenyatta Wright, who also serves as director of the Greater Tenkiller Area Association (See related story on front page).

Jase Goodwin, OSU Extension Agent announced the East Central Oklahoma Pesticide Conference was to be held Wednesday at the Sequoyah County Fairgrounds building.