The City Council on Nov. 3 voted to renew a $60,000 annual cooperative agreement with the 3 Rivers Museum for fiscal year 2025-26.

Dennis Wilhite, chair of the museum27s board, thanked the council for ongoing municipal support and said the funding helps keep the museum viable and available to the public. Wilhite reported the museum experienced vandalism of a recently installed Bass Reeves statue; he said Muskogee police reviewed security footage and made an arrest in connection with the incident.

Wilhite also said the museum continues to experience leaks, primarily in office areas, and that the city has made progress addressing the roof. He said a shipping container of artifacts needs to be cleared to protect items; the board contracted Terracon to evaluate the building envelope and the firm is scheduled to inspect the facility to determine sources of intrusion such as parapet cracks or other vulnerabilities. Wilhite said the evaluation could identify options, including potential legal recourse against contractors if the roof is found at fault.

Councilmember Derek Reed offered assistance with building remedies and noted tourism opportunities such as river cruises that could increase visits. The council approved the cooperative agreement renewal by recorded roll call.

Actions: approve renewal of the FY2025-26 cooperative agreement with 3 Rivers Museum for $60,000 (passed by roll call).