Wagoner County commissioners delay vote on downtown “junction” funding after title dispute surfaces

Wagoner County commissioners on Oct. 12 paused consideration of a proposed county contribution to a downtown Wagner “junction” economic development project after commissioners raised concerns that a separate land‑title error could expose county taxpayers to litigation costs.

Commissioner Kelly said he supports the junction project but told colleagues the county needs “clarity” before committing more funds, noting the county recently paid $343,000 to rehabilitate Wagner’s water tower and that total county participation with the city could top roughly $650,000. “I’m in absolute support of it. But I have a…little bit of an issue that I think we, as commissioners, and even the public need to be aware of,” Kelly said at the meeting.

The immediate concern is a separate property dispute in Wagner in which the county inadvertently accepted and then conveyed a small tract that later turned out to have a prior successful bid recorded. County officials said the deed issue likely resulted from a county error and that the district attorney’s office has asked the city of Wagner to assist in correcting clear title to the original owner. Commissioners said they worry the county — and therefore local taxpayers — could be responsible for legal fees if the matter results in litigation.

Mayor Dalton Wilkinson, who came to the meeting to speak for the city of Wagner, urged the commission not to withdraw support for the downtown project because of the title dispute. “The city of Wagner will not back down for sticking up for the citizens of Wagner and Wagoner County, and we will move forward to build our attention on to help the southeast side of Wagner with flooding,” Dalton said.

Developer/donor present at the meeting asked commissioners not to pull pledged money for the junction project, saying the private donor(s) and local supporters had committed funds to get downtown redevelopment started. “I’m begging you, don’t pull the money here,” a supporter said during public comment.

Commissioner Randy Stamps moved for an action recommending county participation, and Commissioner Kelly seconded the motion on the floor. After further discussion and requests for additional coordination between county and city attorneys, Stamps withdrew his motion and the second was withdrawn. The board recorded “no action” on the agenda item and said it would rework how the item appears on a future agenda to ensure clarity and allow additional information to be provided to the public.

Why it matters: Commissioners signaled broad support for downtown investment but prioritized protecting county taxpayers from potential exposure to legal or settlement costs tied to the separate land‑title issue. Commissioners asked city officials to meet with the district attorney and county staff to resolve title and clarify the city–county partnership before the board commits further funds.

What’s next: Commissioners said they will request documentation and a clearer accounting of county commitments to Wagner before taking a formal vote and encouraged city and county legal staff to meet promptly to attempt a negotiated resolution of the title question.