Kiowa hires Theron Whitfield as maintenance supervisor

The Town of Kiowa voted on Dec. 31, 2025 to employ Theron Whitfield as the town’s maintenance supervisor at a rate of $20.00 per hour. The governing body moved into executive session under Title 25 O.S. Section 307(B)(1) to discuss the personnel matter and reconvened in open session at 2:45 p.m., when the motion to hire carried.

The motion to employ Whitfield—made by D. Drake and seconded by T.S. Barker—passed with J. Ray, T.S. Barker and Danny Drake recorded as voting yes; M. Sexton and T. Horn were absent. The hire includes a 90-day evaluation after which Whitfield may receive a $1.00 per hour increase if approved. The meeting began at 2:06 p.m. and adjourned at 2:48 p.m. at Kiowa City Hall, 831 S. Van Buren St.

The executive session was authorized by citation to Title 25 O.S. Section 307(B)(1), the state law allowing closed deliberations on the employment, hiring, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining or resignation of any individual salaried public officer or employee. The minutes record that Whitfield joined the executive session as a prospective candidate before the formal vote in open session.

No additional personnel details (start date, benefits package, or prior employment information) were specified in the meeting minutes. The town also recorded routine administrative notices and adjourned the meeting after taking the employment action.