MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Local News

Discussion

March 17, 2010

Contempt hearing set for mayor

Webbers Falls top official to appear before judge again in water case

By Donna Hales

After multiple delays to provide a Webbers Falls woman water service, a hearing has been set for the town’s mayor.

Polly Turley has been denied water since December.

Muskogee County District Judge Thomas Alford has set a contempt hearing for Mayor Bob Ogg, who also is chairman of East Central Oklahoma Water Authority, for March 22.

Ogg said he’s done nothing wrong.

“I’ve put my feet on the ground on this ... I‘m obeying the rules and regs. I’m going to go to the judge and tell him I’ve lived up to the order so far.

“I can’t do something that’s wrong — I just can’t do it.”

Tuesday, the town of Webbers Falls set a water meter at Turley’s home. The town then padlocked the meter. Ogg said city workmen found two sewer leaks when they dug into the sewer line behind Turley’s house.

“DEQ is going to have to come in and give us advice,” he said. “I can’t allow (town workers) to do something that’s not correct on the sewer system.”

At the March 22 hearing, Alford is to decide whether to impose a $500 fine and an additional $500 fine for each day hereafter water service isn’t provided per his orders.

The application for the contempt citation says the judge:

• Issued an order March 4 for water service to be established by March 10.

• On March 10, the judge heard reasons why Turley didn’t have water service.

• The judge issued a new order for water service to be established “without further delay.”

• Subsequently, Ogg issued a letter stating a sewer application would be required.



Reach Donna Hales at 918-684-2923 or Click Here to Send Email

Text Only
Local News