The controversial petition seeking a state audit is in the mail to the Okmulgee County election board for verification.
According to Trey West at the Oklahoma State Auditor's office, Howard "Buck" Sheward turned in the petition mid-afternoon Tuesday. West said the petition had over 300 names on it. Those will be checked to make sure they are registered voters within the city limits.
If the names are correct, it is up to the auditor's office to determine when an audit will be held.
Sheward started his petition drive in July asking for the state to look into seven allegations from 2013 to 2016.
The cost to the city will be between $50,000 and $70,000 according to the state. A similar audit just over a year ago resulted in the city paying $40,000.
The first audit met with little resistance by local residents. This time, a number of people have voiced opposition to it and even went door to door passing out literature countering the claims.
Last month, a special city council meeting was held refuting each of the petition points as well as other claims in a poster Sheward had printed.
"We don't have the money in the budget to pay for an audit," said mayor Jennifer Clason. "This means there could be personnel layoffs." The city had to add a $4 surcharge onto water bills for several months to pay for the last audit.
An offer by the state to mediate between Sheward and the city at no cost was declined by Sheward.

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