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A routine records request at Pawhuska City Hall turned into an unexpected confrontation when the city manager with pending felony charges appeared in the lobby operating heavy equipment. The encounter raised serious questions about accountability and transparency in local government.
The Manager With Multiple Felony Cases
Jerry Eubanks currently serves as Pawhuska's city manager despite facing embezzlement charges in two separate Oklahoma counties. Court records show he has hearings scheduled in both Kay County and Major County for alleged theft from previous municipal positions. The city recently awarded him a $25,000 bonus while these cases remain pending.
When asked about a public records request for his employment contract, city staff indicated such documents are typically available. However, sources suggest his contract may contain an unusual provision requiring severance pay even if he's convicted and imprisoned for the embezzlement charges.
The Skid Steer Question
The confrontation intensified when Eubanks appeared in the city hall lobby operating a skid steer loader. When questioned about the equipment's origin, particularly whether it came from Fairview (one of the cities where he faces charges), Eubanks became evasive.
"Where'd you get that skid steer?" the journalist asked directly. Eubanks refused to answer, responding only with "You're smart, you figure it out." When pressed about whether the equipment was stolen from Fairview, he denied it but wouldn't explain how the city acquired it.
Tomorrow's Court Appearance
Eubanks confirmed he has a court hearing scheduled for the next day in Kay County on one of his embezzlement cases. When asked if he planned to enter a plea, he remained non-committal. He faces additional charges in Major County, with that case reportedly waiting to see the outcome of the Kay County proceedings.
The conversation took an uncomfortable turn when the city manager was asked directly if he considered himself a crook. His response was to deflect rather than deny the characterization outright.
City Council Elections Heat Up
The timing of this confrontation comes as Pawhuska prepares for what may be its most contested city council election in years. Multiple candidates have reportedly filed to run against incumbent council members who supported the controversial bonus payment to Eubanks and other questionable spending decisions.
The city recently spent over $400,000 on consulting services, with $384,500 going to a single company. The invoices provided through open records requests allegedly lack detail about what services justified such massive expenditures, raising questions about potential kickbacks or improper financial arrangements.
What Happens Next
With felony charges pending in two counties and growing public scrutiny of his management, Eubanks faces mounting pressure. The scheduled court appearance could determine not only his legal fate but his ability to continue serving as city manager.
But the most crucial questions remain unanswered: How did the city acquire expensive equipment that Eubanks won't explain? What exactly did the city pay nearly half a million dollars for? And why does a city manager facing embezzlement charges still control municipal resources?
The full confrontation and Eubanks' evasive responses were captured on video, revealing the uncomfortable reality of how some officials handle accountability.
