The Gore Board of Trustees held a brief but focused special meeting on May 9 to discuss and take action on a personnel matter within the Gore Police Department.

The meeting, called to order by Mayor Robin Henry at 10 a.m., was convened in compliance with Oklahoma’s public meeting statutes. Trustees Matt Holland, Larry Pack, and Randy Foley were present, with Trustee Joni Couch absent. A quorum was declared, allowing the board to proceed.

Following the flag salute, the board voted unanimously to enter executive session under Title 25 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Section 307(B)(1), which permits closed-door discussions concerning employment matters. The session focused on Kenneth Cowart, a candidate for a position with the Gore Police Department. Town Clerk Lisa Settlemyre and Police Chief Tracy Christenberry were also invited to participate in the executive session.

After just six minutes in closed session, the board reconvened in open session at 10:06 a.m. Vice-mayor Larry Pack moved to hire Cowart as a part-time police officer at a rate of $19 per hour, with Trustee Foley seconding the motion. The measure passed unanimously among the present members.

The special meeting was adjourned promptly at 10:07 a.m.

The hiring adds to the department’s personnel at a time when smalltown law enforcement agencies across the state continue to face staffing challenges.

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.