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The Nowata County Commissioners discussed several items related to the sheriff’s office, county jail and budget concerns at Monday morning’s meeting.

Sheriff Mirta Hallett advised the board that $20,000 is still owed to Washington County for inmate housing while the jail was not operational. The county has filed applications for state aid. Chairman Doug Sonenberg says that the commissioners will find money without turning it back on taxpayers.

Commissioner Burke LaRue requested that the sheriff give direction to the Sheriff’s Department Special Committee that LaRue and other members of local government are a part of. LaRue wanted to know specifically what the goals of the committee should be as well as what authority the committee has.

Later in the meeting, Emergency management director Laurie Summers discussed the possibility of receiving grant funding as a part the county’s hazard mitigation plan. Summers says they can request up to $50,000.

Also, Jeremy Frutchey from Oklahoma Works Northeast Workforce mentioned that five young adults will begin a work program with the county. Three individuals will work for District No. 1, one with the county clerk and another one with the election board.

The commissioners will meet again next Tuesday due to the Memorial Day holiday on May 27.