Commissioners approve expenditures … maybe

Sequoyah County Commissioners might spend $192,927 for a steel span bridge on North 4790 Road.

They may also pay thousands of dollars for inmate ambulance transportation from two years ago.

But before they write the checks, the commissioners will pursue further verification.

At their weekly meeting Monday, the commissioners opened a bid for building a bridge in District 1, but tabled awarding the contract until it is reviewed by engineer Monty Proctor, who is also program manager for the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges Fund for the Eastern Oklahoma Circuit Engineering District.

Meanwhile, the commissioners approved payment of a jail purchase order from fiscal year 2022 using fiscal year 2024 funds, contingent upon possible further negotiations. The cost for transporting inmates by ambulance from the county jail seven blocks to the hospital was more than $1,000, but it was suggested during the meeting that there is a more cost-effective alternative that could significantly reduce the amount owed. Commissioners will pursue this option before finalizing payment.

In addition, commissioners approved payment of another jail purchase order from fiscal year 2023 using fiscal year 2024 funds.

The commissioners also approved the transfer from District 3 capital outlay to District 2 capital outlay for half of a chip spreader payment for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation revolving fund.

In other business, a landowner agreement was approved for shale by and between Rocky Cranford and District 3, a source Commissioner Jim Rogers has previously used.

But no action was taken on an agreement to work on private property by and between Doug Chaney and District 2.