The City of Durant is hosting a “Training for Public Officials” workshop on Thursday (Nov. 8) at Kiamichi Technology Center.

This event is sponsored in part by Oklahoma Municipal League and the City of Durant. As any public official would know, an OML training outside of the capital city is a rare opportunity to catch up on certifications while saving on travel expenses.

“There’s something for everyone,” said Durant City Manager James Dunegan. “We’re excited about (OML) coming to Durant to offer training.”

Durant City Clerk Leta Whitaker said the one-day session is free to members of the OML Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Committee. Others may register for $50 by visiting the OML website (www.oml.org) or calling (800) 324-6651. “It will help all city officers, council members and staff,” she said. “These are things that are important to our area.”

Agenda topics include a session on financial controls to be presented by State Auditor Gary Jones; “Public Records, Meetings, Minutes and Agendas” presented by attorney Bryan Drummond; and sessions about the competitive bidding/purchasing process and budgets.

The training session will start at 8:30 a.m. Thursday and lasts until 3:55 p.m. Lunch will be provided by the City of Durant.

Whitaker said the target audience also includes community center directors, school board members and “all government groups that need to be in compliance with public meetings, records laws and bidding and purchasing laws.”