The Woods County Commissioners took no action on three agenda items Monday. All involved the use of ARPA funds, and the commissioners wanted more information.

Chairman Randy McMurphy opened the meeting with Commissioners David Hamil and John Smiley present. County Clerk Shelley Reed was also at the meeting.

Rural Water District #3 requested ARPA funds for drilling test holes for a possible new water source for Woods County. McMurphy said he needed to see the paperwork before committing any funds. No action was taken.

Rural Water District #3 also requested ARPA funds for the match amount of $18,559 needed for the RIG (Rural Infrastructure Grant) as awarded. McMurphy said, “I feel the same way” on this request. Smiley said the request was a little early, and he wanted to see more information to “make sure there are no surprises.” No action was taken.

The third ARPA funding request was the Waynoka Senior Citizen Center renovation as presented by John E. Merz (architect) which was approved by the Waynoka City Council. McMurphy said he’s been advised by Assistant District Attorney Brian Mitchell that bids are required for any use of federal ARPA funds. There was no information indicating this agreement was in the form of a bid. Again the commissioners took no action. Smiley said he’ll contact Waynoka Mayor Susan Bradford about the project.

Last week the commissioners looked at a preliminary drawing for the Woods County Senior Citizens new building. McMurphy said he asked earlier about going out for bids on the building, but nothing has happened on bidding. The City of Alva and the county are still working on the property deed.

The commissioners approved two transfers from the Rural Fire REAP Fund to the General Building Fund for reimbursement of grants to the Freedom Fire Department of $50,317 and the Greenleaf Fire Department of $53,411 for the OEDA REAP grant reimbursement.

An annual Airgas Cylinder lease renewal for Hamil’s District 1 in the amount of $525 to run from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 was approved.

Bob Baker was reappointed as a member of the Woods County Industrial Development Authority. Trustees on the WCIDA have no term limits. Baker’s appointment is good through August 18, 2028.

The Election Board monthly report with a balance of $7,531.60 was approved.

Under new business, Smiley said the bitcoin mining operation in his district has been running for about a week. He said they found the well is not providing enough gas for the operation so they will have to request to tap into the gas line.

Smiley reported Waynoka’s sidewalk project is finally done after being about a year behind schedule. The Waynoka swimming pool is expected to be ready to open for the summer although the pool house is still under construction.

The commissioners also approved minutes of the March 11 meeting and blanket purchase orders.