Guthrie approves interlocal agreement with Meridian Technology Center for joint police and fire training facility

GUTHRIE, Okla. — The Guthrie City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enter an interlocal cooperation agreement with Meridian Technology Center to build a shared police, fire and emergency‑management training facility on Meridian’s South Campus.

City Manager Eddie Faulkner told the council the partnership grew out of a previously awarded 50/50 matching grant and staff proposals. “Meridian Technology Center and the City will both contribute up to $1.5 million toward the construction cost of the project,” Faulkner said, adding Meridian will manage design, engineering and construction while the city will review and approve plans.

The agreement, presented under the Interlocal Cooperation Act (Title 74 of the Oklahoma statutes), also contemplates that Meridian will insure the property and that each party will carry its own liability insurance. Faulkner said the city has committed an additional half‑million dollars in extra funds as those sums become available over a three‑year period beginning in fiscal year 2024.

Council members asked about timing and Faulkner said design work was under way and that the council would be informed when a groundbreaking date is set; he estimated mid‑to‑late spring or early summer as the earliest window. Chief Swagger had taken the first part of the project work and Meridian will coordinate facility access through its South Campus director, Faulkner said.

The motion to approve was made by a council member and seconded; the clerk recorded a unanimous vote approving the interlocal cooperation agreement.

The agreement creates a long‑term partnership intended to expand local training capacity; the city described the arrangement as a perpetual cooperative agreement subject to annual renewal practices standard to municipal contracts.