The Bartlesville/Washington County Emergency Management Council convened for a special meeting on August 4, 2025, focusing on the establishment of a budget for the county's emergency management program. The meeting began with a quorum established by the council members, followed by the approval of minutes from the previous meeting.

Carrie Cox, the director of Washington County Emergency Management, addressed the council, acknowledging the delay in scheduling the meeting and emphasizing the importance of timely discussions. She provided a historical overview of the council's formation and its alignment with Oklahoma Title 63, which mandates that all incorporated jurisdictions develop an emergency management program.

Cox highlighted key responsibilities outlined in the statute, including the requirement for local jurisdictions to have a qualified emergency management director and the necessity for first response agencies to notify the director of significant events. This notification process is crucial for maintaining situational awareness among all involved parties during emergencies.

The council also reviewed the original ordinance from 1997 that established the joint emergency management program between the city and county. This ordinance stipulates a 50-50 budget split between the city and county for emergency management, while the county retains management of the program and its associated funds.

The meeting underscored the ongoing commitment of Bartlesville and Washington County to enhance their emergency management capabilities, ensuring preparedness and effective response to potential crises. The council plans to continue refining its budget and operational strategies in future meetings.