Atoka council votes to apply to Choctaw Nation for aid toward replacing damaged fire truck

The Atoka City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-07 authorizing staff to apply for Choctaw Nation grant funds to offset the cost of replacing a fire truck damaged in a recent accident.

City Manager Danny Dealey told council he had contacted the Choctaw Nation grant office and the tribe’s grant could cover “up to 40% of the amount over what our insurance pays us.” Dealey said staff have not finalized all estimates but that, based on preliminary numbers, the grant would substantially reduce the city’s net replacement cost; he said the award could bring the city’s remaining cost “almost” to about $200,000 (Dealey described that as an early estimate).

Dealey and other speakers also described that the police department requested witness information for the accident investigation; staff said they had not received additional information since the department requested witnesses be listed for insurer and investigative use.

Council approved the resolution to submit the application and directed staff to return with full paperwork and cost figures once estimates and applications were complete. The motion passed on a roll call with all councilors voting yes.