A request by Atoka County Assessor Joe McClour for $18,000 to purchase a new server for his office sparked a heated debate with county commissioners during their weekly meeting this morning, ultimately ending in denial of funding.
McClour, who stated his office rarely makes special requests and operates on one of the county's smallest budgets, explained that a new server is needed approximately every 5-6 years, with the county not having funded the last one. His budget is primarily supported by county schools, contributing 73%, with the remainder coming from the county.
The assessor initially sought approval from the Excise Board, which denied the request and directed him to the commissioners. Commissioner Spike Eaves questioned how much McClour could contribute, leading to a tense exchange.
McClour highlighted that his first revenue stream (the Excise Board) had already denied his request, and his second stream, composed of schools, EMS, and the library, had funded his previous server. Commissioner Eaves suggested approaching the schools again, citing their significant share of tax dollars.
McClour retorted, 'Do you also want me to tell them that you all have taken about $100,000 for gravel and fuel, and won’t give me $18,000 that I’ve asked for one time in the entire time I’ve been here?' This comment led to Eaves' stern reply, 'don’t get sassy in here.'
The exchange escalated, with McClour pointing out the commissioners' access to a 'half a million-dollar account' while his office struggles to secure a single request. Eaves maintained that a decision hadn't been made, to which McClour countered that the suggestion to burden the schools had been made repeatedly.
No motion was made to purchase the server.
McClour then presented financial figures, noting that the county general fund received $1.27 million from ad valorem revenue, generated largely by his office's work. He emphasized his office's relatively low budget of $98,000 compared to other elected officials like the Sheriff ($231,000), Court Clerk ($119,000), and County Clerk ($188,000), clarifying that he was not against other offices but sought fair consideration.
Commissioner Eaves acknowledged McClour's smaller budget but questioned if McClour or the schools would be willing to split the cost. McClour argued that legally, the funds from different accounts could not be divided in that manner. Eaves then referenced recent FEMA denials for storm damage repairs in the districts, stating, 'It’s a kick in the face for our repairs that we don’t have the money to pay for it… I don’t know what it takes for you to run your office, but it costs us more.'
McClour countered with figures on the commissioners' monthly budget, estimating it to be around $80,000, or $960,000 annually, significantly more than his total budget. He reiterated his concern about the perceived exclusive access to the 'half a million-dollar savings account' by three individuals, arguing it was unfair to offices that rarely make requests.
Despite McClour's persistent arguments about fairness and the impact of shifting the burden to entities like schools, EMS, and the library, Commissioner Eaves reiterated the suggestion to approach the schools, comparing superintendents' salaries to other office holders. McClour reminded Eaves that schools contribute 73% of his budget and criticized the commissioners for not acknowledging that most of the county's money originates from his office's work, yet they sought to have someone else foot the bill.
'I’m tired of being the agreeable one,' McClour stated. 'We serve the county of Atoka too and we deserve consideration, just like any other office.'
Upon asking directly if the commissioners would pay for the server, Commissioner Eaves responded, 'at this time, it won’t be us.' McClour, indicating he would purchase the server by again relying on his second source of revenue (schools, EMS, and the library) which funded his previous server, then concluded, 'alright great appreciate it. It’s been a pleasure doing business as always,' before leaving the meeting.
