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When journalists arrived at the Oilton City Council meeting, they found officials scrambling to block windows and hide their proceedings from public view. The small Oklahoma town, already reeling from allegations against its police chief, voted to implement new fees for open records requests in what appears to be an attempt to limit transparency efforts.
Council Votes to Block Records Access
The city council wasted no time addressing what they see as a problem. Their first agenda item involved establishing fees for Open Records Act requests, a move that violates state law requiring government transparency. The vote passed with only one dissenting voice from council member Zachariah Hollingworth.
The timing of this vote coincides with ongoing investigations into Police Chief Carl Stout, who allegedly has a protective order against him that would legally prohibit him from carrying a firearm. Multiple sources suggest the chief has been accused of misconduct involving women, yet he remains in his position.
Emergency Executive Session Called
Within minutes of the records fee vote, the council moved into executive session to discuss Stout's possible termination or suspension. They also voted to consider legal action against the reporters and their publication, citing their investigation into city affairs.
The executive session effectively kicked out all taxpaying citizens from decisions being made on their behalf. One longtime resident expressed frustration at being excluded from discussions about their own police department and city leadership.
Mayor's Suspicious Financial Dealings Surface
Multiple residents raised questions about Mayor Pat Kennedy's lifestyle, particularly his King Ranch pickup truck with dealer plates from Jimmy Long Truck Country. Kennedy was previously convicted of embezzlement with a deferred sentence, yet continues serving as mayor.
Local sources describe a pattern of financial irregularities, including questionable loans instead of grants for city projects and a water treatment facility that was allegedly built too large for the town's needs. Meanwhile, residents complain about water quality issues and roads filled with dangerous potholes that damage vehicles.
Physical Efforts to Block Documentation
When the executive session began, city officials made unusual efforts to prevent any documentation of their proceedings. Despite being in a public building during a public meeting, officials used papers and eventually enlisted help to block windows from outside view.
The reaction suggests a level of concern about public scrutiny that goes beyond normal government operations. Local residents noted this behavior as inconsistent with transparent governance they expect from elected officials.
Community Pushback Grows Stronger
Long-time residents describe a town in decline since current leadership took over. The community has lost its bank, grocery store, and other businesses, with many attributing the exodus to leadership decisions.
One veteran resident who worked at the Oklahoma National Guard Youth Challenge Program noted the stark difference between the Oilton she left years ago and what she found upon returning. Her assessment was blunt: the town has gone downhill fast under current management.
What Happened Behind Closed Doors
The executive session lasted much longer than typical council business, with officials apparently waiting for all observers to leave before concluding their private discussions. The outcome of their deliberations about the police chief and potential legal action remains unknown.
The full confrontation and the council's complete response to these accountability efforts can only be seen in the video documentation of this meeting.
