Commissioners vote 2–1 to call election on annexation into Oak Grove Fire District

The Wagoner County Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 16 to call an election on a petition to annex additional unincorporated territory into the Oak Grove Fire District.

Riley Shepherd, presenting the petition, told commissioners the expansion would allow Oak Grove to staff a 24‑hour paid firefighter model and construct a new station in the annexed area. Shepherd said the district had demonstrated coverage plans, discussed impacts with neighboring departments and expected initial mutual aid to continue: "This expansion ... allows us to go full time 24/7 paid firefighters," he said. Shepherd also said improving ISO coverage could reduce insurance costs for some property owners, though he acknowledged insurer decisions vary.

Commissioners debated operational and fiscal effects, including whether residents inside some city boundaries would remain eligible for municipal fire services and what property‑tax implications would follow. After discussion, Commissioner Haney moved to call an election on the petition; Commissioner Edwards seconded. The motion passed on a recorded vote of 2–1, with Haney and Edwards voting aye and Kelly voting no.

What’s next: If the election is called and passes, Shepherd said the district plans to begin staffing from an existing station and to pursue a lease‑purchase for land and construction of an additional station; the district expects to buy at least one additional tanker and to phase staffing to improve response times in the annexed area.