Osage Commissioner Elect New Chairman

This week at the first meeting of the Osage County Commissioners in 2016 the Commissioners nominated and elected a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman, discussed tobacco use at the Courthouse, and received an update regarding high speed internet in the Courthouse.


The first action item for 2016 was the election of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and 2nd Vice-Chairman for the Board of County Commissioners and this year Commissioner Darren McKinney was nominated and elected Chairman for the Osage County Board of County Commissioners, this will be the first time McKinney has served as Chair for the Board since his appointment to the County Position; Scott Hilton, the previous Chairman was nominated and elected as Vice-Chair, and Bob Jackson will serve as 2nd Vice-Chairman.


Osage County Judge David Gambill brought before the Board the discussion of smoking in front of the Courthouse. Judge Gambill informed the Commissioners of a personal security experience where while leaving the Courthouse an inmate, who was outside smoking, got into the vehicle with the judge. Judge Gambill recommended that the smoking area in front of the Courthouse be moved further away from the main entrance to reduce the security risk and limit the exposure of the public to second hand smoke. The Commissioners agreed with the recommendation and are working relocating the smoking area.


Lastly, the Commissioners received an update from Shane Burgess from RECtec regarding a High Speed Internet. The discussion began several weeks ago regarding upgrading the Courthouse to fiber internet and this week Burgess returned with contract estimates. For the Courthouse to receive the fiber drop, with initial construction cost, the County would need to pay $1,300 a month, or $12,000 down and $700 a month. The service would provide internet to the entire building, whereas the Courthouse is currently working on individual internet provider plans ranging from $40 to $130 dollars a month for each of the County's offices. The County did submit for a second bid for fiber from other companies, however RECtec was the least expensive. The Commissioners agreed that they should look into the contract but would need the District Attorney's approval before moving forward.


The Osage County Board of County Commissioners will meet again next Monday at the Osage County Courthouse in Pawhuska at 10am.