City accepts lease arrangement for new public safety building; no financial obligation for Muskogee

The Muskogee City Council on July 14 approved Resolution No. 3044 (as presented in the council packet) accepting the terms of a lease between Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and the Muskogee County Public Safety Authority for a planned public safety building. City staff explained the authority (a public trust) will build the facility on property EMS purchased; the trust will be responsible for collecting pledged tax receipts and paying trust obligations.

City attorney/staff member Bodenhamer said EMS purchased the property and that the authority will build the building; EMS will lease space under a 25‑year lease with a nominal rent of $1 for the full term. She told council, “There is no liability on the city's behalf whatsoever and no financial obligation and no risk.”

Council approved the resolution by roll call. Staff characterized the action as ministerial: the city, as beneficiary of the trust, must accept the lease terms so the trust can proceed with construction.

Why it matters: the new facility will house public safety operations funded and managed through a public trust and county arrangements. City staff said the council’s acceptance imposes no financial obligation on the city but facilitates the authority’s ability to proceed with the public safety building project.

Background: the trust and county are administering tax collection and trust finance; the lease terms are between EMS and the trust and were presented for the city's acceptance only.