County approves use of sales tax funds to purchase nearby parking lot

Payne County officials have approved using 3/8 cent sales tax funds to purchase a parking lot at 7th and Duck Street. The decision came during a recent budget board meeting where several policy updates were also discussed.

Driving the meeting: The need to officially designate funds for the parking lot purchase and address administrative policies.

• The 39-space parking lot located at 705 S. Duck St. is being sold by the First United Methodist Church of Stillwater to Payne County.
• After County Assessor and independent appraisals, the county negotiated a final purchase price of $375,000 for the 14,000 square foot property.

The county aims to enhance parking accessibility for both the public and county staff stationed at the administration building.

Looking ahead: County Commissioners are preparing for renovations on the third floor of the administration building.

• Pre-construction meetings are expected in about two weeks, with actual construction likely starting several weeks after that for the $1.3 million project funded by the America Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
• The third floor has been primarily used as storage since the building was constructed in 2003. Plans include a new office suite for the Payne County Treasurer, additional office space, a large conference room and shared storage.

New policies: The Budget Board approved a driver's license policy and an administrative leave policy.

• In the Administration Leave Policy, Payne County employees receive paid administrative leave during workplace closures due to emergencies like severe weather, natural disasters, power outages, or public health emergencies.  Essential employees may be required to work and receive overtime compensation. Eligibility for administrative leave will be determined by officials.
• Another county policy will require a valid drivers license for employment.

What's next: Commissioner Cavett will seek input from state auditors on a proposed grant administration plan before taking action.

• The plan aims to improve tracking and management of various grant funds received by the county.

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Payne County Commissioners give nod to Farm Bureau Week

Farm Bureau Week is set for Feb. 17-21, as proclaimed by the Payne County Board of Commissioners at their Monday meeting.

Commissioner Zach Cavett read the proclamation, highlighting the Payne County Farm Bureau's dedication to local farmers and ranchers since 1958. The organization boasts over 700 member families in the county.

In other news, the commissioners approved the courthouse lawn for Mid South bicycle event campers from March 13-16, 2025.

"From my knowledge, they usually clean up really well, as far as after their done," Cavett said. "There's no trash left and [Mid South] brings a lot of funds to the county."

The board also approved an $800 indigent cremation assistance request for a Yale resident, to be paid to Dighton-Marler Funeral Home. The first application under the new policy.

Can you hear me now? Commissioners heard a update regarding the county-wide radio system. A memorandum of understanding from Stillwater is expected soon and installation of antennas on the Perkins water tower is pending MOU completion with the City of Perkins.

Additional actions taken by the commissioners include:

• Acknowledging Payne County Fair Board election results for District 3, with Pecos Bridenstein receiving 50 votes and Justin Stejskal receiving 32.
• Opened bids for a security fence project at the county sheriff's training center near the Payne County Fairgrounds.

The meeting kicked off with an invocation by Commissioner Rhonda Markum, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.