Delaware County commissioners approve routine business, two school repair contracts and juvenile detention rate increase

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners met July 1, 2025, and by unanimous roll call approved a slate of routine and procurement actions, including payment of county claims, two construction contracts for work on the former Delaware School and a contract amendment raising the per‑diem for juveniles housed at Craig County Detention Center to $35.

The board — Chairman David Poindexter and Commissioners Jake Callihan and David Beck — first confirmed the meeting notice complied with the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, approved the June 24, 2025 minutes and accepted monthly reports submitted by the Health Department, Treasurer and County Clerk. The board then approved payment of a bundled list of claims across county funds that included purchases for radios, office and jail supplies, highway parts, and fairgrounds work. All votes were recorded as Poindexter, Callihan and Beck voting yes.

On procurement, the board accepted Absolute Royalty Roofing's low bid of $85,000 to replace the former Delaware School roof and accepted Absolute Royalty Roofing and Construction's low bid of $35,000 to replace the school's floor. Chairman Poindexter noted the bids were opened last week and asked County Clerk Barbara Barnes to verify that the low bidder is properly licensed and bonded before the county proceeds.

The board approved a contract amendment with Craig County Detention Center raising the daily housing rate for juveniles to $35 per day. During the public comment period, resident Clyde Andress asked how many juveniles are housed and said he believes the state ought to pay for juvenile housing; the sheriff had left the meeting, and commissioners said Sheriff Ray Thomas would provide the requested count.

The board also approved a one‑year renewal with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for wildlife damage management in the amount of $3,400; wildlife supervisor Josh Randolph said staff will mitigate road damage by removing problem wildlife when necessary. The board approved an interfund transfer of $1,176 from Highway Motor Vehicle District #1 to Highway Sales Tax District #2 to cover the district's portion of a previously approved traffic cone order.

Human Resources Director Vicki Cossairt reported the county employed 130 people, listing two new starts, two offers declined, one employee shifting to part‑time and one termination; she said road districts remain short‑staffed. Chairman Poindexter also announced a low‑water bridge on 630 Road is closed for repair and will reopen Friday. The meeting opened at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 9:29 a.m.

Votes at a glance (all roll call votes unanimous: Poindexter, Callihan, Beck): - Agenda #1: Determination that meeting notice complied with the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act — approved. - Agenda #3: Approve minutes (June 24, 2025) — approved. - Agenda #4: Approve payment of claims (detailed list provided to clerk) — approved. - Agenda #5: Approve monthly reports (Health Department, Treasurer, County Clerk) — approved. - Agenda #6: Open citizen participation/comments — approved; Clyde Andress spoke regarding juvenile housing and road sign complaint. - Agenda #9: Accept Absolute Royalty Roofing bid $85,000 (former Delaware School roof), contingent on licensing/bonding verification — approved. - Agenda #10: Accept Absolute Royalty Roofing & Construction bid $35,000 (former Delaware School floor) — approved. - Agenda #11: Approve juvenile detention contract amendment (Craig County Detention Center) raising the rate to $35 per day — approved. - Agenda #12: Approve USDA wildlife damage management contract renewal, $3,400 — approved. - Agenda #13: Interfund transfer $1,176 (Hwy MVD #1 to Hwy Sales Tax #2) for traffic cones — approved. - Agenda #14: Adjourn — approved.

No items were tabled or postponed during the meeting.