A regularly scheduled Purcell City Council meeting on Monday lasted until nearly 11 p.m. after a debate about the implications of approving a planned unit development near Interstate 35’s Wayne/Payne exit became relatively heated.

The PUD is intended to become a retail hub and include a travel stop.

Prior to considering the PUD, the council voted to investigate the possible de annexation of the same property from the city limits.

After an hour-long debate, the council voted to only approve the rezoning of tract one of the PUD, so development of the travel stop could proceed, and reject the rest.

The council also voted to approve the Purcell Municipal Hospital’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which for the first time since the new hospital opened, is in the black.

“We are making a lot of progress,” said Renee Barber, PMH operations finance manager. “We’re much more solid than we were before.”

The water and sewer rates will now cost about four percent more for Purcell residents.

According to City Manager Sam Demel, the city is required to consider adjustments to the city’s water and sewer rates every two years. The council voted to increase the rates accordingly.

To simplify future amendments to the city’s sales tax code, the council voted to approve an ordinance making equal the city’s use tax and sales tax.

City Attorney Greg Dixon called it a “housekeeping measure.”

According to Oklahoma statute, cities’ use tax and sales tax must be equal, but when voted on in 2018 to increase the city’s sales tax by one percent to support the PMH, the council failed to also increase the city’s use tax.

After an executive session, the council approved a contract with City Treasurer Victor Lohn, extending his contract by another year.

The council decided to hold a budget workshop at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, and a special council meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 10, to approve the City of Purcell budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Both meetings are set to be held at City Hall.