Cleveland County Excise Board Regular Meeting - March 26, 2026

The Cleveland County Excise Board convened on March 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Norman, Oklahoma. Chairman Chuck R. Thompson, Vice-Chairman Josh Edge, and Member John Wullich were present. The meeting was properly posted, and all actions were taken by unanimous votes (3-0). The board approved the previous meeting minutes, three funding requests from Little Axe Schools, and 14 fund transfers across county departments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 26, 2026.
• Item 2: Little Axe Schools request for Title III Part A funds — approved appropriations increased from $16,819.38 to $21,831.64.
• Item 3: Little Axe Schools Redbud School Grant of $33,506.84 — appropriations increased from $523,638.63 to $557,145.47.
• Item 4: Little Axe Schools state aid for Strong Readers ($29,694.28), Inspired to Teach ($4,000), and Teacher Empowerment ($66,000) — total $99,694.28; appropriations increased from $11,046,811.09 to $11,146,505.37.
• Item 5: Transfer of $35,000 from Sheriff Service Fee Personnel to M&O, needed for relocation to new Sheriff’s Office as clarified by Assistant District Attorney.
• Item 6: Transfer of $135,000 from General Fund Sheriff Personnel to M&O for ammunition ($69,073), gas blocks ($49,450), media wall ($16,583.19), utilities ($30,000), blankets ($126,500), and vehicle/self insurance ($13,428.81).
• Item 7: Transfer of $170,000 from General Fund Sheriff Detention Center Personnel to Sheriff General Fund M&O (similar purpose as Item 6).
• Item 8: Transfer of $55,000 from CCSO Detention Center M&O to Capital Outlay for “bubble items” (equipment).
• Item 9: Transfer of $254,000 from Public Safety Sales Tax M&O to Capital Outlay for new transport division vehicles at the detention facility.
• Item 10: Transfer of $500,000 from General Fund to Rainy Day Fund (authorized by Budget Board resolution on May 28, 2025).
• Item 11: Transfer of $500,000 from General Fund to Capital Reserve Fund (same Budget Board authorization).
• Item 12: Transfer from General Fund District Two Lease/Purchase ($33,088.68), Personnel ($290,000), Travel ($10,000) to Capital Outlay ($43,088.68) and M&O ($290,000). Used for pickup truck purchase and road materials; personnel excess due to retirees.
• Item 13: Transfer of $13,000 from GF Commissioners Capital Outlay to Travel.
• Item 14: Transfer of $25,000 from Election Board Capital Outlay to Personnel for election help salaries in June county-wide elections.
• Item 15: Transfer of $18,084 from Free Fair Board Personnel to M&O for printing County Fair books and support equipment.
• Item 16: Transfer of $22,272.83 from State Opioid Abatement Program to Opioid Abatement Settlement to correct a prior account mischarge.
• Item 17: Transfer of $2,160 from Court Judges M&O to Payroll (described as “de minimis”).
• Item 18: Transfer of $20,000 from County Clerk Personnel to Capital Outlay for building improvements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak.

Discussion Items

• Board members appreciated the detailed explanations provided for each transfer item. Vice-Chairman Edge and Chairman Thompson thanked staff for the added clarity.
• For Item 8, a brief clarification was given that the transfer would cover “bubble items” to move money appropriately.
• For Item 10 and 11, it was noted that the Budget Board had previously approved the resolutions authorizing the transfers of surplus funds.

Key Outcomes

• All 18 agenda items were approved unanimously (3-0). Specific votes: Thompson (yea), Edge (yea), Wullich (yea).
• No new business was presented. Board members made only statements of appreciation.
• The meeting adjourned after all actions were completed.