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A defeated Pawhuska city council is rushing to secure the future of convicted felon city manager Jerry Eubanks before newly elected reform candidates take their seats in May. The emergency meeting comes just weeks after voters overwhelmingly rejected two of Eubanks' key supporters at the ballot box.
The timing raises immediate questions about what the outgoing officials are trying to accomplish in their final weeks of power.
The $25,000 Bonus That Sparked Outrage
Jerry Eubanks made headlines when the Pawhuska City Council awarded him a $25,000 tax-free bonus, money he reportedly used to pay restitution in one of his criminal cases. The unusual arrangement, where the city failed to withhold taxes on the payment, drew criticism from residents who questioned why a convicted felon was receiving taxpayer-funded windfalls.
Eubanks still faces another pending felony case that remains unresolved. Despite his criminal history involving theft from municipalities, he continues to serve as the city's top administrator with access to all financial records and decision-making authority.
The bonus controversy became a central issue in the recent city council elections, where voters decisively rejected incumbents who supported the payment.
Voters Deliver Clear Message at the Ballot Box
The recent election results sent an unmistakable signal about public sentiment regarding Eubanks and his supporters. Incumbent Susan Pharaoh, one of Eubanks' strongest allies on the council, suffered a crushing defeat, capturing only about 20 percent of the vote in her reelection bid.
Two other council members who consistently backed Eubanks also lost their seats, meaning the incoming council will have dramatically different priorities when they take office in May. The electoral rout represents a clear mandate for change in city leadership.
But the defeated officials aren't going quietly. Tonight's hastily scheduled meeting suggests they're working to limit the new council's options before losing their majority.
Agenda Items Raise Red Flags
The meeting agenda reveals several concerning items that appear designed to constrain the incoming council's authority. Officials plan to approve a new city budget rather than allowing the newly elected representatives to handle that responsibility.
They're also scheduling a vote to place Eubanks on a committee to revise the city charter, potentially giving the convicted felon influence over the fundamental governing document of Pawhuska. The agenda includes vague language about "possible action regarding items discussed in executive session" that fails to provide proper public notice.
Perhaps most significantly, they plan to "review employment with current interim city manager" behind closed doors. This could involve anything from a contract extension to a lucrative severance package funded by taxpayers.
Federal Lawsuit Adds Legal Pressure
The controversy extends beyond Eubanks' employment status. A federal civil rights lawsuit has been filed against the city, Eubanks, and council member Susan Pharaoh for allegedly violating First Amendment rights by removing a journalist from public meetings.
The case was moved to federal court, where it challenges the city's pattern of restricting public access and accountability. The legal pressure adds another layer of complexity to tonight's proceedings, as officials face scrutiny over their handling of transparency and public participation.
The lawsuit represents broader concerns about how Pawhuska's leadership has operated under Eubanks' tenure and the culture of secrecy that critics say has taken root at city hall.
What Happens Behind Closed Doors Tonight
As the defeated council members gather for what may be their final consequential vote, the community watches nervously. Will they approve another financial windfall for Eubanks? Lock in a long-term contract that handcuffs the new council? Or quietly arrange a golden parachute that rewards failure with taxpayer money?
The executive session portion of tonight's meeting will happen away from public view, but the decisions made there will echo long after these officials leave office. With a convicted felon's future hanging in the balance and a community demanding change, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Watch the full investigation unfold as Pawhuska's political drama reaches its climax tonight.
