McAlester council approves final waterline change orders and fire equipment purchases

The McAlester City Council on Dec. 16 approved final change orders for two completed waterline projects and authorized several purchases and training for the fire department.

The council voted to authorize the mayor to sign change order number 5 for the Carl Albert waterline improvements and change order number 2 for the Stonewall rail crossing water system improvements, both presented by city staff as final reconciliations for projects that are finished. The agenda listed a deduction of $56,494.83 for the Carl Albert change order and $71,950 for the Stonewall change order; staff described the work as complete and recommended approval. Council approved both motions by roll call.

The council also approved purchases from Casco Industries: $3,774 for a set of bunker gear to outfit a new recruit and $548 for two ladder-truck safety belts with carabiner clips. A fire-department representative said the bunker gear is "made to fit" new recruits and the belts replace older equipment; both purchases were paid from the city's portion of the county quarter-cent excise tax for fire services and carried on voice/roll-call votes.

Separately, the council approved sending the fire chief and the fire marshal to motor-vehicle-fire-investigation training in Muskogee March 10–12, 2026, at a total cost of $1,400. Staff said the training is organized by the International Association of Arson Investigators and would support the department's primary arson-investigator capability.

Mayor Sue McAlester and city staff confirmed each motion by roll call. The clerk recorded unanimous 'yes' votes from those present.

Note on a discrepancy: during discussion one staff presenter referred to a smaller deduction amount for the Carl Albert project than the number shown on the agenda; minutes and staff invoices will need to be checked to confirm the final contract reconciliation.