County Commissioners eyeing purchase of downtown parking lot

On Monday Jan. 13, 2025, Payne County Commissioners will review a contract to purchase a parking lot situated at 705 S. Duck St. from the First United Methodist Church of Stillwater for a sum of $375,000.

The Payne County Assessor’s property record card shows a total market value of $355,710 for the parking lot. An independent assessment showed a similar value.
🅿️ At the Dec. 23, 2024 meeting, former District 2 Commissioner, Chris Reding mentioned the church would like to continuing using the parking lot for weekend services. District 1 Commissioner, Zach Cavett responded that the lot would become public property and a written agreement with the church wasn’t necessary.

Front facade of the Payne County Administration Building at dusk. — The late Payne County Commissioner, Gloria Hesser had the vision for an administration building that would allow for future growth of services to residents of Payne County. – Photo Credit: BKL Inc.

Third floor renovations coming to Payne County admin building thanks to ARPA funds

During Monday's monthly meeting of the Payne County Budget Board, members will discuss the preparations and construction dates for the $1.3 million renovation to the third floor of the Payne County Administration Building.

Catch up: The shell third floor has been mostly used for document storage since the building’s construction in 2001. Commissioner Cavett has suggested moving the Court Appointed Special Advocates offices to the third floor.

Budget Board members include all three County Commissioners, the County Clerk, County Treasurer, County Assessor and Sheriff.
The renovation will be paid for with the remaining funds Payne County received from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Budget Board will also discuss and possibly take action on a County Inclement Weather Closure Policy and a Bereavement Policy.

🌨️ The inclement weather policy says that the Board of County Commissioners has the authority to implement inclement weather closures, consulting with other officials and the Emergency Manager. Employees are responsible for notifying their supervisors about their attendance during closures and following their office’s policy regarding leave usage.
⚱️ The bereavement policy says that County Employees receive paid funeral leave for immediate family deaths, with additional time charged to annual leave. Leave for other relatives or friends is at the discretion of the elected official.