Welcome to the Official Website of Rural Water District No. 17, LeFlore County, Oklahoma
Board of Director Updates
There is a group of individuals who believe that three of the five board of directors should be replaced. The bylaws do provide a method for action if the majority of members so desire.
There is no basis to replace a board member asserted in the petition recently circulated. The board has spent many hours applying for funds to improve the system and bring it to a satisfactory position with the Oklahoma Department of Environment Quality. If these improvements are not completed, the district faces being assessed a fine for failure to act. We are a county entity and governed by statutes passed by the legislature for rural water districts. Any other entity would not be able to secure funding through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, DEQ or other public sources.
This small group is upset with the board by not firing the operator, John Butler. John knows the system better than anyone else and with the improvements about to began, will be especially valuable in making sure the work is done properly. As chairman, I am asking for your support of the board, its operator and the needed improvements.
Have a question?
As a reminder, inquiries about water leaks, billing questions, or any water-related concerns can be made at any time. You may phone the office, leave a message or send an email.
Grants update:
Bid opening day is fast approaching. Bids for our fully funded Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Standpipe Remediation Project will be reviewed and contracts awarded soon. DEQ has permitted the project. We are hopeful construction will begin early this summer.
Silk Purse Project:
Our District received a private endowment that is earmarked for much needed renovations to our office building. Watch our website for drawings, wish-list items and donation needs. All modifications will be done at no expense to the District. The generous endowment and matching contributions will turn this old sow’s ear into a functional silk purse!
Bill Payment Options
LOOKING FOR THE MOST CONVENIENT WAY TO PAY YOUR BILL?
We offer a wide variety of payment options for our customers. Simply choose the option that best suits your needs:
- PAY ONLINE using ECHECK ($1.50 processing fee)
- Simply select Bill Pay, then select Saved Payment Sources, and add ECHECK information.
- PAY ONLINE directly from this website. Our new billing/payment system gives you: Instant access to statements, payment history, use a credit card or checking account to make payments with option for auto draft for payments. Create your personal account today! There is a online processing fee of 2.75%, plus .50 per transaction, with no minimum for credit card payments.
- Echeck is a flat fee of $1.50. This uses your bank routing and account number to complete the transaction. Safe, convenient and always available.
- MAIL YOUR CHECK to our office. The mail is picked up up daily.
RWD No. 17 Leflore County
21981 State Highway 63
Hodgen, OK 74939-3091 - DROP OFF YOUR PAYMENT at our office. Locked drop box is located in the door and is emptied daily.
Rural Water District No. 17 Leflore County Office (blue building)
21981 State Highway 63
Silk Purse Project
Our Water District has recently received $22,500 in endowments and grants that are designated to renovate this Water District Office Building calling the renovation the
SILK PURSE PROJECT = Making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
Total cost estimate is $42,000. However, we believe everything done will be done within our budget of $22,500.
- Wise sleuthing & purchasing (Craigslist, Marketplace),
- Materials donations of leftover contractor items,
- General solicitation - pleas for help with specific used or new items as needed (locks, light fixtures, etc.),
- “Boneyard” specials and seconds at retailers,
- Cash donations and In-kind labor donations
We will only do what we can pay for through the endowment and donations, but I do believe the finished project will be a 100% completion of our quote & wish list.
The funds are designated. The renovation will not (and cannot) cost the District one cent! Like most of our grants, there is no match required on this project.
The Silk Purse Project is a functional facelift = function over form on this project. Stay tuned as we turn a sow’s ear into a functional silk purse.
