During a recent city council meeting in Owasso, tensions flared over the handling of valuable artifacts and furniture left in the Gould House, which some council members allege were improperly given away without authorization. Council member Robert expressed disappointment in the management of the situation, criticizing the decision to place the mayor pro tem in charge and questioning the lack of oversight regarding taxpayer-owned items.
Robert highlighted the absence of a formal resolution permitting the disposal of these artifacts, which he estimated to be worth thousands of dollars. He emphasized that these items belonged to the community and should not have been given away without proper authorization. He specifically mentioned the significance of a document signed by a president and stated his intention to appraise the furniture to determine its value.
Another council member, Mr. Meike, echoed Robert's concerns, recalling previous instances where artifacts went missing from local historical sites. He called for accountability, demanding an investigation by the Owasso Police Department into the alleged unauthorized disposal of the artifacts. Meike insisted that someone must be held responsible for what he described as a serious breach of trust and potential theft.
The discussions underscored a growing frustration among council members regarding the management of the city's cultural heritage and the need for clearer protocols to protect taxpayer assets. As the meeting concluded, the call for an investigation into the matter remained a focal point, with council members united in their demand for accountability and transparency.