Muskogee reports $2M in downtown reinvestment and new business openings

The Muskogee City Council meeting on June 23, 2025, highlighted significant developments in the downtown area and reviewed the fiscal year 2022-2023 audit results.

During the meeting, the council received a report detailing over $2 million in private reinvestment in downtown Muskogee for 2024. The report noted the completion of seven building rehabilitations and the opening of five new businesses. Additionally, the downtown ambassador program, now in its third year, has proven successful, with ambassadors collecting over 57,000 pounds of trash and watering downtown plants with more than 40,000 gallons of water. The program's continuation is attributed to successful fundraising efforts, and the council expressed appreciation for the community's volunteer contributions.

The meeting also included a presentation by Violet Kuykendall, the audit partner from Hood and Associates, who discussed the fiscal year 2022-2023 audit. The audit revealed that the city’s financial statements were presented fairly, with total assets amounting to approximately $401 million and a net position of about $255 million. However, the audit identified two key findings related to internal controls. The first finding noted delays in producing timely financial statements, while the second highlighted issues with documentation for revenues generated at the civic center, indicating a need for improved record-keeping and accountability.

The council acknowledged the importance of these findings and emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to enhance the city's financial management and operational efficiency. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address the identified issues and continue fostering growth in the downtown area.