The Jackson County Commissioners had their regular end of the month meeting on Tuesday, July 31, at 10 a.m.

They approved minutes from last meeting on July 23.

The commissioners received reports from the Assessor’s Office and the Health Department. They were approved.

In Officers’ reports, Assessor Gerald Sherrill Jr. said his office will be closed next Tuesday through Friday, August 7 through 10 for an Oklahoma Tax Commission conference. Commissioner Chair Marty Clinton asked if all employees had a chance to attend one of the insurance meetings. Many did attend. Discussion ensued regarding the possible proposed coverage. Clinton said that any possible changes in medical insurance are “still on the table”.

Blanket purchase orders were approved from the Districts 1, 2 and 3 and the Sheriff’s Office.

The commissioners approved a burn ban for Jackson County (see related story this page). Wayne Cain and Lloyd Colston, Emergency Management Directors for the County and City of Altus, gave the commissioners updates on the weather conditions. Cain said that Jackson County meets five out of six possible criteria for a burn ban. Governor Fallin made an Executive Order for severe drought in Oklahoma, July 31. Colston said that the forecast for the next 14 days is higher than normal temperatures and lower than normal precipitation. He also said that he sees no relief from the drought for SW OK barring a hurricane in Texas that loops up to our area. He advised people to cut back on caffeine during this time and “stay safe”. EMS has had to make some calls regarding heat illnesses. Clinton said that he’s pleased that people have not been burning fires right now.

A contract renewal for gravel rock between John Coffman and Jackson County Commissioners Office for July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013 was approved. The rate is $1 per cubic yard of gravel.

The Monthly Appropriations for the month of July were approved.

The commissioners entered into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing changing the janitorial staffing. After returning to open session, they approved reducing the two full-time positions to one full-time and one part-time position.

There was no new business. The claims were approved before the meeting adjourned.