Published: May 18, 2009 10:22 pm      

Worker’s comp doesn’t increase for Stephens County

DUNCAN — It’s a yearly duty for Stephens County commissioners to sign the agreement that provides worker’s compensation coverage for all county employees.

On Monday, that resolution was signed and Commissioner Dee Bowen noted that “it didn’t go up.”

He added that it was unusual for the rates to not increase. For the Fiscal Year 2009-10, the county will pay $177,904, split into two payments.

In other business, Sheriff Wayne McKinney presented a plan to raise the jail controller’s box up a level, so the controller’s could have more visibility into the jail cells. There were three models that are being considered: a circular stairwell, a steep diagonal stairway and a conventional stairway that goes up one level then breaks into another level to continue up into the designated area. It was a discussion only presentation.

McKinney also talked with the commissioners about the increase in burglaries and armed home invasions that are occurring in the county. He said his deputies responded to two last week.

Bowen said it appears with the economy and rise of drugs in the area that the increase is inevitable.

McKinney said the home invasions are a problem. He also offered some positive news and said his department has some leads on several burglaries that have occurred in recent weeks on Nabor Street, west of Marlow, in the Central High area.

Monday also had the sheriff’s department headed into the county to dispose of an anhydrous ammonia tank that was found in an abandoned home. He explained that the individuals making methamphetamine will sometimes store their “essentials” at many different locations so that no one is caught with all the items.

County commissioners also approved a county utility permit with the City of Duncan for a water line to be installed 1/4 mile west of Eastland Road.

Also approved were three contracts between the county with three different youth services in the state for use of juvenile detention center services. Those agreements were for Muskogee Youth Services at the Muskogee County Regional JDC, Western Plains Youth & Family Services Inc. at Beckham County Regional JDC and also with Sac and Fox Nation JDC in Lincoln County.

Commissioners also accepted bids for asphaltic concrete patching material for use in all three districts as needed.