The Payne County Board of Commissioners will convene two meetings on Monday. Their regular meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m., will take place at the Payne County Administration Building. Additionally, a special meeting will be held at Heritage Hall, located within the Payne County Expo Center, at 6 p.m.

The discussion will focus on the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor, which is slated to traverse Payne County just south of Stillwater.

This marks the second special meeting convened by the commissioners to discuss this project. On Nov. 4, 2024, the commissioners hosted over 200 concerned citizens at the Payne County Expo Center. The discussion centered around sharing information and insights gained about the project, as well as personal accounts from attendees who had encountered land buyers.

During the regular meeting held on Nov. 12, 2024, the Commission unanimously approved resolution #2024-281. This resolution asserts that the federal government has overstepped its authority and is legally obligated to coordinate with state and local governments. The primary concern raised in the resolution is the widespread use of eminent domain by a federal agency.

Whereas, there is no precedent for such extensive use of eminent domain by a federal agency, as demonstrated by federal courts and decades of practice, which traditionally recognize the province of state and local governments in this matter. There is no justification for a federal agency to assert such powers, especially before state and local governments have been consulted and engaged in such crucial planning processes.

During the resolution’s drafting, Commissioner Chris Reding acknowledged that he drew inspiration from counties in Kansas that had opposed the corridor in their respective areas.

For further information, the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Justice Department provides a brief history of the federal use of eminent domain on their website, showcasing various instances of its application. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PAYNE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA, that it is the policy of Payne County that:
• The federal government's proposed Delta-Plains and Plains-Southwest National Interest Electric Corridors (NIETCs) plan violates long-standing traditions regarding eminent domain, which has been recognized by federal courts as the primary province of state and local governments.

Listen to Payne County Clerk’s audio recording of the Nov. 4, 2024 special meeting. Notably, the agenda for the Nov. 4, 2024 meeting is not currently posted on the County’s website. 

🗒️ View the 6 p.m. Special Meeting Agenda

Commissioners to get update on new county radio system

One significant item on the County Commissioners’ regular meeting agenda is a discussion on the Payne County Radio System.

On September 30, 2024, Jessica Pearce, a contributor to the O’Colly, reported that County Commissioner Chris Reding believes implementing a county-wide sales tax could finance the future maintenance requirements of the system. Initially, COVID relief funds were utilized to fund the system’s construction. The objective is to have the system operational by the end of 2024.

🗒️ View the 9 a.m. Regular Meeting Agenda

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