In a meeting marked by both solemn acknowledgments and forward-looking decisions, the town of Webbers Falls conducted its regular council session on April 8.

The meeting began with a heartfelt gesture, as Mayor Johnny Pollard presented Officer Reed with a “Welcome Back” challenge coin and card, recognizing her return to duty following a recent shooting incident.

Early in the evening, the council unanimously voted to reappoint Johnny Pollard as Mayor and Jewell Hall as Vice-Mayor. The town clerk officiated the oath of office ceremonies for both, as well as for Trustee John Morgan. Ross, though reelected, was not present for his oath.

Business and department updates

The trustees approved March’s bills and the previous meeting’s minutes without opposition.

During the communications segment, Mayor Pollard reported positive cleanup progress on 5th Street, calling it “a noticeable improvement.”

Police Chief James shared updates from his department, noting a successful “Coffee and Donuts with a Cop” event and expressing gratitude for community support of Officer Reed.

Fire Chief Armstrong also offered thanks for the town’s turnout at the spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

City Maintenance Supervisor Shamblin reported ongoing efforts to clean ditches and trim trees, including responding to a fallen limb that damaged a cemetery headstone.

No representative was present from Code Enforcement. Public safety, infrastructure

Several notable decisions were made regarding public safety and infrastructure: • Danny Haley was appointed as the town’s representative on the East Central Oklahoma Gas Authority Board.

• The 2024 Muskogee County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Resolution was formally adopted.

• Norma Griffith was named as the town’s new Flood Plain Administrator.

• The trustees approved the transfer of $1,500 to the Senior Nutrition Program from the general fund.

• To enhance law enforcement readiness, the town approved the purchase of seven duty firearms from Armory Outfitters at a cost of $4,805, the most cost-effective bid received.

Executive session

In a brief executive session, the council voted unanimously to terminate Anna Males from employment and to hire Tommy Hutson as a police officer. Hutson will begin his role at $15 per hour, without benefits or a take-home vehicle.

The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m., concluding a productive session focused on leadership continuity, public safety and community support.

This news story is based on the unofficial minutes from the board meeting and could be in error if the minutes are changed prior to adoption.