County Honors EMS Workers, Revisits Road Equipment Policies

Payne County Commissioners proclaimed May 18-24 as Emergency Medical Services Week, recognizing the vital contributions of emergency medical service providers throughout the county.

The proclamation, approved unanimously during Monday's regular meeting, acknowledges that "emergency medical services are a vital service" and that "members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Commissioners presented certificates of appreciation to representatives from multiple emergency service agencies in attendance, including Stillwater Fire, Cushing Fire, Life Net EMS, and several volunteer fire departments from across the county.

County Grapples with Road Weight Limits for Maintenance Vehicles

The board also returned to a contentious discussion about weight restrictions on paved county roads, specifically whether to exempt county road graders from these limitations. The proposed resolution would increase the weight limit to 25 tons for off-road construction equipment on hard surface county roads.

Former District #3 Commissioner Jim Arthur attended the meeting to provide historical context on why the weight restrictions were originally implemented.

"When we did the weight limits it did help tremendously on the county roads," Arthur said. “I’m sure the guys don't run them [graders] anymore than they have to either but sometimes if you're in a hurry, you got something that's gone wrong some place, you'll take the smoothest road you can find to get there." 

The discussion follows a failed 2-1 vote at the May 12, 2025 meeting, where concerns about safety and the resolution's scope led to the issue being tabled.

Commissioner Seth Condley opposes creating an exemption for county equipment, suggesting improved communication between road crews and law enforcement instead.

"I don't think we necessarily need a resolution for exemption of graders," Condley said. "I think it just comes down to if your crew needs to use it, then I would just call ahead … they're 100% willing to support if you need to go down the road, they'll help you. They just want a heads up."

Cavett questioned the practicality of this approach, asking, "So we gonna wait and stagger those to go out and do their job?" and "Is it safer for a grader to go down a state highway or is it safer for a grader to go down a county road?"

Commissioner Rhonda Markum acknowledges county roads would be safer but notes crews should "use the least amount of asphalt road and then you take the dirt."

Markum also noted that her crews already follow the practice of notifying law enforcement when they need to use paved roads.

The board ultimately took no action on the resolution, effectively leaving the current weight restrictions in place without exemptions for county equipment.

Sheriff clarifies position on road weight limit enforcement, leaks discovered in county admin building roof

In other business, the board approved several contracts for the Payne County Health Department, including agreements with Stillwater Medical Center and Hillcrest Hospital Cushing for chest X-ray and phlebotomy services, as well as contracts for elevator services and landscape maintenance.

Sheriff Joe Harper addressed the board during the public comment period, expressing concern about respect for his office.

"I statement may last week that I think comes down to a lack of respect for the sheriff's office," Harper said. "It is the sheriff's office because I am also an elected official. The comment that was made last week that if I would just ask my deputies not to conform law and that make that statement right now that's not going to happen."

Harper did note that if Commissioners decide to change the road weight limits that the sheriff’s enforcement would reflect the change in law.

During public announcements, Condley provided updates on ongoing construction projects, including third-floor renovations at the administration building and plans for the courthouse roof.

"They're looking at possibly starting the courthouse roof in June," Condley said. "Looking at possibly coming from 4 o'clock to the evening to not disrupt business during the day in court."

Condley also reported that four leaks have been discovered in the administration building roof, which he attributed to improper installation of the original roof.

"The white membrane still the original roof. They did not wrap it over the top of the wall all the way," Condley explained. "Literally every time it rains, it's dripping right down between the membrane and the brick wall. And it's just been sitting there. And so we have a waterbed on top of the admin building right now."