The Town of Gore Board of Trustees approved a key state permit for a pump station project, amended personnel policies and granted a pay raise during its regular monthly meeting on Feb. 17.

Trustees unanimously approved the minutes, financial report and purchase orders from the Jan. 20 regular meeting.

In action items, the board voted to receive Permit No. SL000068250953 from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality for improvements at the town’s 9th Street Pump Station. The permit clears the way for continued work and compliance at the facility.

The board also approved amendments to the town’s Employee Personnel Policy.

Trustees then entered executive session under Title 25 O.S. Section 307(B)(1) to discuss a personnel matter involving William Ellis. Upon reconvening in open session, the board voted unanimously to increase Ellis’ pay to $19 per hour.

No action was taken on an agenda item concerning restoration of Randy Taylor’s comp time that expired in December 2025.

In other personnel matters, trustees voted to accept the resignation of Vernon Lafoon.

The police department reported 34 calls for service, 53 traffic stops, 40 warnings, 18 citations, five arrests, four agency assists and 22 reports. Fire Chief Justin Ohl was in training and not present to give a report.

During the Gore Public Works Authority meeting, trustees approved the January meeting minutes, financial report and purchase orders. The board also voted to purchase a Brisa mini-split unit for the GPWA office at a cost of $2,612.02.

In his administrator’s report, Jeremy Lane told trustees the system experienced a 16% water loss during the month, along with 24 work orders, 10 utility locates and four water leaks — including one major 10inch line leak.

Lane thanked the board for approving the mini-split purchase for the office.

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.