Wagoner council accepts audits, approves contracts and several property actions in April 6 meeting

The Wagoner City Council on April 6 accepted the independent audits for the City and the Wagoner Economic Development Authority (WEDA), received presentations on ongoing capital projects and approved a series of routine contracts, pay applications and resolutions.

Audits and financials: Auditor Sarah Jackson, partner to Ralph Osborne, reported no findings that modified the independent auditors’ opinion for both WEDA and the City for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. The reports showed a modest increase in net position for governmental activities and detailed proprietary-fund performance for the Public Works Authority (PWA) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Council voted to accept both audits.

Contracts and pay applications: The council approved a contract with Central Contractors Inc. for Bollinger Subdivision street improvements in the amount of $189,240; pay application number 9 from Darris Contractors LLC for $208,283 for the wastewater treatment plant headworks; and invoice number 1463 from Drake Construction LLC for $49,800 for stormwater project sections. Council also approved a negative change order (credit) of $40,000 from Haines Equipment and a $3,500 change order for Civic Center painting to R and H Solutions LLC.

Fees and operations: Council approved an EMS rate-resolution to adjust billing practices to align with recent state reimbursement rules and to pursue additional insurance collections. The council also approved adjustments to water-park admission (changing youngest free age from under-5 to under-2) and agreed to keep overall season dates largely unchanged.

Personnel and acquisitions: The council approved probation-period completions for several staff members across EMS, police and public relations. The Wagoner Public Works Authority later approved the purchase of a 2026 Freightliner chip truck for $122,600.

Land-use and surplus property: Council approved surplus property sales including a split sale involving James Ivan Jennings and the Heffley Trust and the surplus declaration and sale of part of the Carnegie Library property to Amy McFarland; council also approved the final plat for Edby Estates (a previously zoned PUD). Some votes recorded abstentions and one 'no' vote on a surplus sale; all motions passed by recorded roll calls.

Public comment and protocol: The meeting included extended public comment. Steve Nicholas of Rogers Drug sought clarification after a councilmember’s social-media post suggested "dirty deals"; the councilmember apologized in the chamber and clarified her intent to question process, not to impugn the business. Council leaders emphasized the need for facts and direct concerns to be brought to council in public or formally through staff.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with procurement steps for projects where bids are anticipated and will complete required sale documentation and oversight for surplus property transactions. Council members requested updates on remediation plans and any grant awards tied to the Junction project.