Council discusses appointment process following Hankins Booker's anticipated resignation

The City Council of Lawton convened on July 8, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the upcoming resignation of Councilwoman Hankins Booker and a cyber fraud incident involving the Lawton Economic Development Authority.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the resignation of Councilwoman Hankins Booker. Council members inquired about the timeline for accepting applications to fill her position. It was clarified that while no official resignation date had been provided, the council could begin accepting applications immediately. However, any action on those applications would be contingent upon the formal resignation, as a vacancy would not exist until then. Councilman Warren noted that once a resignation occurs, the council has a statutory obligation to fill the vacancy within 60 days. This timeframe was emphasized as a prudent guideline for the council's actions.

Further discussions revealed that there are state statutes related to municipal elections that the council is currently reviewing. Historical precedents were also referenced, particularly a past instance in 2015 when an election was held to fill a vacancy left by the passing of Councilman Haywood. This precedent suggests that the council may opt to hold an election for the new appointment rather than solely relying on an interim appointment.

The meeting then shifted focus to a cyber fraud incident involving the Lawton Economic Development Authority. Council members were briefed on a fraudulent email scheme that resulted in a wire transfer in February. The council discussed the implications of this incident and the necessary actions to address the situation.

In conclusion, the City Council's meeting highlighted the procedural steps required for filling a council vacancy and the ongoing challenges posed by cyber fraud. The council is expected to continue its discussions on these matters in future meetings, ensuring that both the appointment process and cybersecurity measures are adequately addressed.