Gov. Henry announced federal assistance for nine counties, including Cleveland, in the April wildfires, county safety director Dan Cary told commissioners at Monday’s meeting.

The other counties are Carter, Grady, Lincoln, McClain, Murray, Oklahoma Payne and Stephens.

Cary said individuals may be eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing. Small businesses may qualify for low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property during the wildfires April 9-12.

Commissioners approved a year-long contract with ESW Correctional Healthcare LLC, for staffing and administration for the Cleveland County Detention Center. A temporary 3-month contract expires the end of June.

Jon Echols, speaking for ESW, said he had good news for the county and it should receive a refund. The county was under budget, saved some pharmaceutical costs and made a few changes.

Echols also said there was approximately one prison going off site for medical care every other day and now, there is one maybe every two weeks.

One prisoner had tried to commit suicide in the middle of the night and an on staff nurse was able to revive the prisoner. That was the only one taken by ambulance in the three months, Echols said.

An entire pod was tested for TB one weekend, which also saved money, he said.

Cost for the year will be $504,000.

Commissioners approved Sarah Jones, teaching assistant for the county health department, for the Early Foundation Replication Project at NorthHaven Day School. They also approved a contract between the health department and Norman Public Schools for audiology services.

Interlocal agreements were approved with the towns of Slaughterville, Lexington, cities of Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore and Independent School District 57 and McClain County.

The May monthly report for election board secretary Paula Roberts was approved and commissioners accepted $22,437.15 alcoholic beverage tax.

Commissioners will purchase a new tandem axle belly dump trailer from R&D Equipment for $21,594 and a semi-tractor truck from Total Truck & Trailer for $81,480.

“We’ve had experience with the company and have spare parts in the yard,” Commissioner Rusty Sullivan said about R & D Equipment.

They also agreed to buy six BTUH gas fired radiant tube heaters at a cost of $17,500 for the county fairgrounds from Leon’s Plumbing on the suggestion of fairground maintenance superintendent Bryan Jenkins.