A major change in Henryetta's city government came about at the Tuesday night council meeting.
Following a nearly two-hour executive session, Ron Casey was named as city manager. He takes the spot that was held by Donna White. She was named interim city manager seven years ago and has been holding dual roles as both city manager and city clerk. White will be going back to her original city clerk's job.
Casey has been serving as public works director for several years. Prior to that, he was at the water department. Casey has been working for the city for 28 years.
That decision was reached by a 3-2 vote of the council. Dissenting votes were cast by Michael Dickey and Jana Dugan. Both said they were not opposed to Casey taking the job but were protesting the way it was handled. They felt the position had not been advertised sufficiently and the timing was rushed since council elections are coming up April 4.
Casey was given a 12-month contact at $74,000 a year salary.
Another part of the executive session dealt with negotiations for the Fraternal Order of Police and Firefighters union. Jennifer Munholland was designated as the council representative for those negotiations.
Council members gave their approval for $600 to be spent in June for a bounce house and port-potties for the annual Cruse Knight. It will be held June 10.
Congressman Josh Brecheen will be coming to Henryetta and will be speaking at the civic center April 5. The council approved use of the civic center at no charge for that event.
Also gaining approval was use of city property June 1 through 12 for the Lighthouse of Hope Evangelistic Center to hold a tent revival.
Brenton Furer was awarded the bid for baling hay at several city properties included Jim Hall Lake, Westlawn Cemetery, the airport and land on Creek Mine Road.
Prior to the start of the meeting, retired police chief Everett Allen was recognized for his time protecting local citizens. In a special proclamation, Munholland said the police shooting range would be named in his honor. That range is located on the south end of Nichols Park.