Published: July 18, 2008 06:10 pm         

Commissioners OK insurance for entities

The Grady County Commissioners had a brief agenda at their regular Monday morning meeting on July 17.

The board first approved Grady County Treasurer Robin Burton’s re-submission for bids on property in Middleberg, but then rescinded the vote to gather more information.

Last week, District No. 2 Commissioner Mike Lennier looked into whether the board may donate the property in question to the Middleberg School system and discovered they may not. However, if the property goes on the market, the school system may submit a bid.

“We can give property to the City of Chickasha, but we can’t give it to local schools,” said Lennier. “I will look further into the matter.”

Grady County Sheriff McMullen suggested leasing the property to the school for 99 years with $1 due every year.

After some discussion, Burton said she had to sell the property to the highest bidder. Ultimately, no action was taken on the matter and it was tabled until the next meeting.

Emergency Management Director Dale Thompson then asked the board whether he should apply for several available ASCOG 80/20 forestry grants now that the names of the rural fire departments have been changed

“I put in for eight last year and got four,” said Thompson.

The grants range from $10,000 for fire department equipment to $20,000 for expansion of the fire department. Commissioners suggested Thompson continue participation and apply for all of the grants. A resolution will be written for each grant and the item will be placed on next week’s agenda.

Next, the board voted to approve disposing of equipment from District No. 1, including two rotary cutters, purchased from John Deere Government National Sales for $2496.96 on April 14, 2008 which were traded to Standridge Equipment in Chickasha.

Then, Commissioners and Dusty Birdsong of ACCO Sig-Sif Insurance discussed providing insurance coverage for the Housing Finance Authority and the Industrial Authority. Phil Gordon of the Grady County Home Finance, John Mosley and Rick Johnston of the Grady County Industrial Authority discussed the various insurance coverage for board members.

Birdsong requested annual audits and financial statements for each entity and said both entities are Title 60 and at the present time, the Grady County Criminal Justice Authority is also covered. The board voted to approve authorizing Birdsong of ACCO Sig-Sif to provide insurance quotes for both entities. Additionally, Birdsong will investigate coverage for the recently-formed Education Facilities and School Finance Authorities.