Atoka Development News
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June 9, 2026 Board of Mayor & Aldermen Meeting
Published: Jun 9, 2026
Fischer Arnold Selected as Engineering Firm for Nancy Lane Park Project; Budget Amendment Approved
The Atoka Board of Mayor and Alderman awarded an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for an engineering firm for the Nancy Lane Park project to Fischer Arnold. Fischer Arnold received the highest score (91.4) among three submitting firms. This project is part of the outdoor recreation grant, which includes funding for a new concession stand, paving, and a parks shop. The board noted Fischer Arnold's previous positive working relationship with the town on the town hall facility, where they came in under budget. A motion to approve the award was made by Alderman P and seconded by Alderman Schaefer. The board also finalized a budget amendment (Exhibit R) to cover police department expenses for received grants, which were reimbursement-based, and to adjust for increased judicial revenue and associated state fees. The budget amendment was approved for its first reading via roll call vote.
Atoka Fire Department Pursues Three Grants for Safety Equipment, Education Trailer, and Mobile Command Center
The Atoka Board of Mayor and Alderman considered three grant applications for the fire department. The first, a FEMA AFG Fire Prevention and Safety grant for $24,974.99, aims to fund an 18-foot trailer equipped for fire prevention education for K-3, 4-7 grades, and adults. Lieutenant Phillips presented the curriculum and emphasized the goal of extending the program countywide and to special events. The cost share of this grant can be sustained within the current operating budget. The second grant, an AFG micro-grant, seeks $60,000 to replace six Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units, with a cost share of $3,142.86, also manageable within the operating budget. This is part of a staggered replacement plan for aging SCBA units. The third grant, a FEMA AFG apparatus grant, is for a 31-foot enclosed mobile command center trailer, with a town share of $11,335.33, split between the police and fire departments. Chief Rudolph expressed confidence that both departments could cover their share, though he estimated a 20% chance of receiving this grant due to its competitive nature. The trailer would serve as a portable command and emergency operation center, enhancing self-sustainability for Atoka. Discussions included the logistics of housing the trailer and its maintenance. All three grants were approved by the board.
Atoka Resident Questions Housing Disclosure; Board Approves Special Events Ordinance and Discusses Transparency Software
During the Atoka Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting, a resident, Pam Given, raised concerns about being misled regarding the nature of apartment complexes, specifically questioning when the town knew they were affordable housing and HUD-supported, and why this information was not disclosed upfront. Mayor Aken and Alderman Gianini responded, with Gianini apologizing for not being aware and stating it was not intentional deception. The discussion highlighted the complexities of housing regulations and the town's inability to deny based on affordable housing status, while also acknowledging the public's desire for truthfulness. The conversation also touched upon the departure of the former code enforcement official who managed aspects of the project. Later in the meeting, the board approved a special events ordinance, establishing a permitting process for parades, races, and public assemblies to manage their impact on streets, traffic, and public safety. Concerns were raised about the ordinance potentially infringing on constitutional rights, but town staff clarified it regulates time, place, and manner, and constitutional rights prevail. Additionally, the town recorder confirmed that the new software for transparency will go live after the FY27 budget is finalized.
Atoka Adopts Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Allocates $10,000 for Charitable Donations to be Reviewed in January
The Atoka Board of Mayor and Alderman conducted the final consideration and adopted the fiscal year 2027 budget, which will go into effect on July 1st. The budget focuses on maintaining services amidst rising costs and continued growth, with a preliminary certified tax rate of 7.625%. General fund revenues are projected at $10,327,769, with expenditures primarily allocated to public safety (55%), roads, parks, general government, and debt service. Investments in public safety include 911 emergency radio replacements, police department costs, and two additional police officers. The fire department will receive additional staffing for three firefighters through a SAFER grant, and maintenance will begin on Station Number Two's parking lot. Infrastructure and parks funding includes bridge repairs, equipment replacements, a spring box for Harper Street, and splash pad improvements. Grant funding will support a new concession stand, paving at Nancy Lane Park, and a new parks and recreation shop. Utility funds (water, sewer, solid waste, stormwater) are self-sustaining. Sewer capacity was addressed through an agreement with Munford and Brighton, securing 46% of expanded treatment capacity. Employee compensation includes a 3% raise for all permanent full-time and part-time employees to maintain market competitiveness. The budget addresses long-term challenges by continuing discussions on revenues, growth, staffing, and infrastructure planning, aiming to keep the town stable while planning for the future. A motion to approve the ordinance was made by Alderman Dichi and seconded by Alderman Gianini. A discussion ensued regarding charitable donations, resulting in a motion to allocate $10,000 to the donation line item, to be revisited in January with a formal application and presentation process for organizations. This motion was amended and passed unanimously (4-3 vote after Mayor's tie-breaking vote) with the amendment to hold the decision on donations until January, with $10,000 allocated in the budget. The final budget was approved unanimously.
Atoka Approves FY2027 Water and Sewer Rate Increases to Ensure Financial Stability
The Atoka Board of Mayor and Alderman approved the final consideration for fiscal year 2027 water and sewer rates. The rates include necessary adjustments to ensure the financial self-sustainability of the water and sewer funds. Staff and an MTAS finance consultant reviewed the budgets, confirming proper accounting for revenues, expenditures, depreciation, and capital needs. Proposed water rates are $11.30 for the minimum and $4.80 per thousand gallons, representing a $1.00 increase on the minimum and an eight-cent increase per thousand gallons due to higher acquisition costs from other municipalities. Proposed sewer rates are $16 for the minimum and $7 per thousand gallons, covering increased depreciation, operation and maintenance costs for treatment, vehicles, and equipment. These rates are expected to cover fiscal year 2027 operating costs, debt obligations, depreciation increases, and sewer treatment costs, supporting reliable service and long-term stability. The implementation of these rates is necessary to incorporate additional depreciation costs and operation and maintenance costs associated with the wastewater treatment agreement with Munford and Brighton, as the wastewater project will be online in fiscal year 2027 and all components must be active by September 2026. The ordinance was approved for final passage with a vote of 4-3, with the Mayor casting the tie-breaking vote in favor.
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