20-05-2025
County board hears ARPA project update
Construction crews continue to make headway with renovations and upgrades at the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center.
Butch Lawson, construction manager at-risk with Hope Equipment and Construction, gave a brief update for the American Rescue Plan Act projects for the Stephens County Fairgrounds and Stephens County Courthouse during a routine meeting Monday.
Lawson said the fairground upgrades are making progress. He said crews continue to work on renovation projects, such as the masons, metal stud framers, concrete and metal building crews. He said HVAC crews are set to begin rooftop units.
For the courthouse, Lawson said the demolition crews are making good progress.
'Things are moving in the right direction,' he said.
Next, county officials opened discussion for a piece of property located at 1234 W. Maple in Duncan.
In a previous meeting, Churchman said the house near the courthouse parking lot is available for purchase. He said the owners would take the 2015 appraisal of $34,000.
Last week, County Commissioners picked the agenda item up for further discussion and the board voted to pursue the purchase of the property, contingent on the 2015 appraisal of $34,000.
On Monday, May 19, Churchman said the board would have to pay the administrative fees, like closing costs, attorney fees and abstract fees. He said the fees would come to around $1,151.
Commissioner Russell Morgan made a motion to pay the closing costs for the property.
The board approved the motion with a 3-0 vote.
In another segment, the county board convened into an executive session to discuss case number CIV-23-646-HE for Josette Ford, administrator of the Estate of Michael Ford, deceased, versus Board of County Commissioners for Stephens County with the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.
After spending about an hour and 10 minutes behind closed doors the board return to open session.
With a recommendation from District Attorney Jason Hicks, Chairman Todd Churchman made a motion to authorize Commissioner Kreg Murphree to attend and negotiate mediation and litigation for Stephens County.
The board approved the motion with a 3-0 vote.
In the fairground report, Morgan said the fairgrounds crew are now preparing for Duncan High School's graduation ceremony Thursday, May 22.
In other news, the board approved:
• Executing a county deed property acquired at resale for a tract of land in the City of Duncan.
• Accepting a donation for 475 tons of one and a half inches of crusher run from Continental Resources.
• Accepting a letter of resignation from fair board member Patrick Jones, and affirming the appointment of Michael White to represent District #3 with a term set to expire January 2027. White will replace Jones on the fair board.
• A fairground agreement for a Lifeline Screening of America health screening event in the Winchester Room Aug. 25.
Due the Memorial Day holiday, the Stephens County Commissioners will convene for the next weekly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 27 at their office, located inside the Stephens County Courthouse.
