I don’t know about you, but, May and June have flown by here. I can’t believe we’re about to celebrate Independence Day. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Read on for a snapshot of May and June in Oklahoma County and District One.
Mental Health Month & Treatment Court Month
May was Mental Health Awareness Month. You already know that access to mental health care is one of the issues I care most about. It is my privilege and honor to work with the fantastic providers we have in Oklahoma County.
I was thrilled to partner with SSM Saint Anthony's Behavioral Health, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Hope Community Services to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. You can find the full text of the resolution here.
20% of adults in the United States will experience mental illness this year and Oklahoma is ranked 45th in access to care. I am committed to working to reduce stigma and advocating for increased access to care.
If you are interested in learning more about mental health care services in Oklahoma call the Reach-Out hotline at 1-800-522-9054. Reach-Out is the ODMHSAS's 24-hour toll-free information and referral hotline. A resource for all Oklahomans, Reach-Out is there for individuals in a crisis and for those who simply want information. All calls are free and confidential.
May was also Treatment Court Month. Oklahoma County is lucky to have one of the most successful treatment court programs in the country. Over 80% of our treatment court participants graduate and avoid a prison sentence. Additionally, we save nearly $6,000 per person when we use a treatment court instead of incarceration.
Treatment courts prove that when people are given the treatment they need our community is safer. I was proud to recognize the success of Oklahoma County's Treatment Court program and its participants. You can find the full resolution here.
Oklahoma County's ARPA Funding
As you know, Oklahoma County was awarded $154 million in American Rescue Plan Funds, and these funds must be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2026. While the process has been slower than I want, my team and I continue fighting to get the dollars into the community. We have forwarded several of the needs within the community to our consultant for them to develop a comprehensive plan to address affordable housing, workforce training, mental health care, small business, and non-profit support in Oklahoma County.
Unlike the situation with our Cares Act Funding, where the BOCC was limited to spending those funds in accordance with our specific statutory authority, or that one of our beneficiary Trusts, our ARPA funding will not be subject to those same restrictions. This is because the Oklahoma Legislature passed, and the Governor signed HB2233. This new law, which takes effect on July 1st, allows counties to spend federal funding in accordance with federal law and their implementing guidelines. This change in the law, which my office proposed and initially drafted, should help all Oklahoma counties meet our residents' needs when using ARPA funding.
You can find the current guidelines for ARPA funding from the U.S. Treasury Department here.
Oklahoma County Budget
We’re nearing the end of our current fiscal year and will begin our new fiscal year on July 1st. To start the year, we’ve adopted an essentially flat budget for all departments. As the summer progresses, we will monitor our revenues and expenditures ahead of our September supplement where we will make final budget adjustments for the year. You can find the detailed budget here.
What We Are Working On
The District One Road & Bridge Crew is working on projects across the district, including repairing parking lots for MetroTech & Jones Public Schools, constructing a driveway for Oakdale Public Schools, repaving and rebuilding Sunny Lane Road, and grading a soccer field for Astec Charter School.
Partnering with municipalities and school districts to improve infrastructure in our community is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I am so proud of the work our crews do. Their talent and dedication are easy to take for granted, but we all benefit tremendously from their hard work. If you see them out working, make sure to wave and tell them thank you!
The Passing of a Legend
Oklahoma County suffered a great loss with the passing of former County Commissioner Willa Johnson. I considered Willa a friend, mentor, and role model. She dedicated her life to being a champion for our community and we have reaped the benefits of her service. Willa was a trailblazer who broke down barriers and paved the way for more diverse and reflective representation in our community. I will miss her wit and wisdom and I know I'm not the only one.
Election Information
Oklahoma Voter Portal - find your polling location, look at your sample ballot, and check the status of your absentee ballot
Primary Early Voting in Oklahoma County
Oklahoma County Election Board - 4201 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC, OK 73105
Early Voting Dates/Times:
Thursday, June 23 - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday, June 24 - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday, June 25 - 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
2022 Election Dates
Primary Election: June 28, 2022
Run-Off Election: August 23, 2022
General Election: November 8, 2022
Absentee Ballot Information
Oklahoma County is Hiring!
Oklahoma County has several open positions, including seasonal and permanent jobs and entry-level and mid-level positions. We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package. Consider applying!
Pet of the Month - Meet Chance!
Chance is a big fan of the city. He was adopted at an event in the 21c hotel and now lives in Deep Deuce. He enjoys long walks to the river, and all the parks, but especially hanging out in the flowers at Myriad Gardens. He is always excited to walk down a new street and maybe find a new friend or two along the way
There is no need to renominate pets who have been previously nominated.
What I'm Watching & Listening To
Night on Earth
Night on Earth is a British nature documentary series made for Netflix. The series follows animals that are active during the night using state-of-the-art, low-light camera technology.
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Lee Musgraves is an American singer and songwriter. She has won six Grammy Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, and three Academy of Country Music Awards. Musgraves is known for her progressive lyrics in the conservative country music genre. Her music has tackled controversial topics such as LGBT acceptance, safe sexual intercourse, recreational marijuana use, and questioning religious sentiment.
Oklahoma County Links & Information
Links
Phone Numbers
District 1 Main Office - (405) 713-1501
Social Services - (405) 713-1893
Court Clerk - (405) 713-1705
Treasurer - (405) 713-1300
Our Mission
We are accessible and responsive to all Oklahoma County District 1 residents regardless of background or circumstances. Our work positively impacts our community by providing services and infrastructure through the responsible and transparent management of taxpayer dollars.
Copyright © 2022 Oklahoma County District 1, All rights reserved.
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