HB 3344 Could Have Local Impact

2-344

May 10, 2022

By News Director Jared Atha

A bill signed by Governor Kevin Stitt recently could have a local impact.

House Bill 3344, is intended to ease up restrictions for county commissioners seeking to get repair work scheduled or acquire new items. The legislation that modernizes county purchasing laws sees the procedure for requisition and inventory tracking of equipment, as well as modifies bid solicitation requirements.

Author of the bill, Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, said in a press release that the changes made to county purchasing laws through the bill will allow county governments to operate more efficiently.

Highlights of the bill include:

Requiring that for repairs to equipment exceeding 10,000 pounds, the maximum amount a department of the county government can request via a purchase order from the county purchasing agent is $30,000;

Raising the maximum amount, from $10,000 to $25,000, a department of the county government can request via purchase order from the county purchasing agent for equipment repairs;

Raising the minimum cost, from $500 to $2,500, of equipment required to be included in the inventory system for supplies and equipment kept by the county commissioners or their designee;

Requiring information technology hardware and software that is not used in the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges and having an original cost of $500 or more to be included in the inventory system kept by the county; and

Modifying the requirements of bid solicitation notices to specify whether written bids, electronic bids, or both will be accepted, as determined by vote of the county commissioners.

The bill goes into effect November 1.

Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

2504151148_2274380

SWOSU’S LPN to BSN Program Ranked 2nd in Oklahoma

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)’s LPN to BSN program has been ranked 2nd in the state for 2025 by PracticalNursing.org. PracticalNursing.org evaluates programs across the country that offer pathways for licensed

2504151135_2836086

SWOSU Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumni

SWOSU Press Release Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame honorees. Known as “SWOSU’s highest honor,” the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame was established in 1976 by

2504110848_3760398

Elk City Police Department Hiring Full-Time Officer

Elk City, OK – The City of Elk City is currently accepting applications for a full-time police officer position. This role involves enforcing laws, preventing crime, conducting investigations, issuing citations, controlling traffic, and supporting various law enforcement

2504101254_4850634

Mini-Golf Course Should be Big Fun

By Landry Brewer Elk City, OK – The new Ackley Park mini-golf course is on schedule for completion later this month. The 18-hole course will include a 3-hole practice green “The price will remain $3 per person

2504101148_1801467

Local Texas Elections Set for May

Wheeler County, TX – Local elections are just around the corner, with key seats up for grabs in Shamrock, Wheeler, and the Parkview Hospital in Wheeler, Texas. Voters will help shape the future of their communities by

2504091645_6477319

Voter Registration Deadline Approaches

Cheyenne, OK – Friday, April 18th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the May 13th Roger Mills County Special Election, Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary

2504091459_1383123

New Elk City Mayor Sworn In

Elk City, OK – During the latest meeting of the Elk City Commission, newly elected Mayor Micah Kilhoffer was sworn into office alongside re-elected commissioners, Ward 2 Commissioner Rod Carver and Ward 3 Commissioner Rocky Andresen. Shortly

2504081551_1227133

Longtime Cloud Chief Firefighter Retires

Cloud Chief, OK – Longtime Cloud Chief Firefighter Bob Ogle has retired after 16 years of dedicated service to the community. Bob joined the Cloud Chief Fire Department in 2008, the same year the department was established,

2504021313_1200915

SWOSU Students Study Wildlife in Yellowstone

Weatherford, OK – Over Spring Break, students from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) traveled to Yellowstone National Park’s northern range to take part in an immersive field experience during the Yellowstone Ecology course. Led by Dr. Renan

2504011559_3759947

April 1 Election Results

Results will start to come in when polls close at 7 p.m. City of Elk City Elections: Mayor • Shannon McAbee • Micah Kilhoffer Commissioner, Ward 2 • Mike McFall • Rod Carver Commissioner, Ward 3 •

2503311702_1786687

Oklahoma Schools Win Sweepstakes at SWOSU SWIM 2025

Weatherford, OK – The annual Southwestern Oklahoma State University Interscholastic Meet (SWIM), the longest-running academic competition in Oklahoma, was held on March 27, 2025, at SWOSU in Weatherford. Established in 1913, SWIM has provided generations of students

2503311700_5853602

SWOSU Computer Club Hosts Annual Fundraising Lock-In

Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Computer Club recently hosted its annual fundraising lock-in at the Pioneer Event Center, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a night of gaming, collaboration, and community. The