July 25, 2025 – Beggs, OK – In just 100 days, Mayor Roger Merrill, Oklahoma’s first Libertarian mayor, has set a new tone for Beggs with a focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community progress. Elected with a promise to save money, secure funding, and cut waste, Merrill has hit the ground running. Here’s a look at the key achievements from his first 100 days in office, as outlined in the recent progress report from the Mayor’s Office.

Water System Upgrades Take Center Stage

Clean, reliable water is a top priority for Beggs. Mayor Merrill has tackled water quality and delivery head-on, with minimal outages thanks to proactive monitoring. A partnership with the Muscogee Creek Nation is driving a full renovation of the Pump House, a critical step toward long-term reliability. Phase Two of replacing the 8” cast iron pipe from the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to the Pump House is already in the works, promising further improvements.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Revival

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), out of service since the 2019 flood, is on the path to recovery. Mayor Merrill quickly assembled a recovery team, collaborated with engineers, and secured funding to get the plant back online. The goal is partial operation within 90 days and full functionality by August 2026—a major win for the community.

Securing Funding for a Stronger Future

Despite Beggs’ funding challenges, Merrill is actively pursuing grants and partnerships. He’s in regular contact with the Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA), Eastern Oklahoma District Development (EODD), and Oklahoma Municipal League (OML). On August 6, he’ll attend the FACT meeting to push for significant water and wastewater funding, ensuring Beggs gets the resources it needs.

Road Improvements in Motion

A new partnership with Okmulgee County District 1 has streamlined road maintenance: Beggs provides materials, and the County handles repairs. Third Street has been resurfaced, and pothole remediation is underway. Merrill’s team is also seeking funding for long-term road upgrades to keep Beggs moving smoothly.

Police Department Goes 24/7

For the first time in Beggs’ history, the police department now provides 24/7 coverage. With a full roster and a new cruiser, the department is stronger than ever. A Mutual Aid agreement with Beggs Public Schools Campus Police was signed in Merrill’s first week, boosting community safety. Remarkably, these improvements have come with cost savings compared to previous years.

Budget and Tech Overhauls

Merrill’s deep dive into past budgets has already yielded savings, including $1,000 per month from an updated phone system. City Hall is undergoing a tech transformation with new security systems, an internal network, and a central server. Soon, residents will be able to pay bills online and access public records via a new council room terminal. Website upgrades are also in progress to keep citizens informed.

Looking Ahead: Infrastructure and Beyond

The Mayor’s Office has identified $12 million in infrastructure needs, including WTP upgrades, clay pipe sewer replacements, lift station updates, and the aging Water Tower, which received a C- grade in its last inspection. These priorities will be front and center at the upcoming FACT meeting. Merrill’s vision is clear: address immediate needs while planning for a sustainable future.

A Call to the Community

Mayor Merrill, who has already met with tribal and state leaders like, Rep. Scott Fettgatter, Rep. Chris Banning, Sen. Bryan Logan, and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. The mayor invites residents to get involved. “Visit City Hall, share your ideas, and help shape the future of Beggs,” he urges. With a transparent and proactive approach, Merrill is proving that Beggs is on the rise.

Stay tuned for more updates as Beggs continues to grow under Mayor Merrill’s leadership!