OKLAHOMA CITY — A state audit found that Circuit Engineering District No. 1 properly handled more than $206,000 in program management payments during the 2025 fiscal year.
The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector’s Office reviewed all $206,142 in program management payments reported by the district between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Auditors found the payments followed the terms of the district’s contract.
“No findings were noted as a result of the procedures performed,” the report states.
Circuit Engineering District No. 1 serves 11 counties in northeastern Oklahoma: Craig, Creek, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Rogers, Tulsa and Washington counties.
Circuit engineering districts allow counties to share engineering services and other resources that individual counties, particularly small and rural counties, might not be able to afford on their own. The district also helps counties plan construction projects and prepare five-year road and bridge work plans.
The audit focused specifically on whether the district’s program management payments complied with its contract. Auditors reviewed documents and records, spoke with district personnel and examined the district’s payment process.
The report did not identify any problems or recommend changes.
Deputy State Auditor and Inspector Lisa Hodges said the office conducted the review as part of its responsibility to examine the district’s finances.
“The goal of the State Auditor and Inspector is to promote accountability and fiscal integrity in state and local government,” Hodges wrote in the report.
State law requires the State Auditor and Inspector’s Office to audit the books and accounts of Oklahoma’s circuit engineering districts.
Circuit Engineering District No. 1 is governed by representatives from each of its member counties. David Poindexter of Delaware County serves as president, Steve Talburt of Osage County serves as vice president and Lowell Walker of Craig County serves as secretary-treasurer.
The district’s other board members include Jarrod Whitehouse of Creek County, Alva Martin of Mayes County, Troy Friddle of Nowata County, Mike Furnas of Ottawa County, Ron Weaver of Pawnee County, Dan Delozier of Rogers County, Alex Mills of Tulsa County and Mitch Antle of Washington County.