The Oklahoma County district attorney will look into OPEA’s claim that the state Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services violated the Open Meeting Act.
OPEA filed a complaint against the board, asking the Oklahoma County District Attorney to investigate.
At issue is a November 13th DMHSAS board meeting that failed to mention a reduction-in-force or cuts to programs and services. Instead, 100 staffers were cut during an agenda item that listed the agency’s financial report. When an OPEA staffer attempted to address the issue, the board refused to allow her to speak.
The agency has cut more than $7 million dollars from its budget, but has only reduced its private contractors by $1 million.
In a letter to Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, OPEA says “(we) believe ODMHSAS intended to deceive the public, employees, and members of the press to prevent questions or opposition to their action.” OPEA is requesting the board action be deemed invalid and that fines be levied against the board.
