Pawhuska city manager responds to criminal records and resident complaints

PAWHUSKA, Okla. — Some Pawhuska residents have flooded social media groups and posts with criticism of their local government, particularly the city manager.

After hearing concerns at the 2 News Listening Booth at the Tulsa State Fair, 2 News traveled to Pawhuska to find out what answers could be provided.

The city still has no police chief, no city attorney and no city auditor and has not submitted an audit to the state in the past fiscal year.

Allegations of corruption were made with Facebook posts from the city of Pawhuska beginning Sept. 30.

The latest complaint focuses on City Hall itself. The building was not open to the public except for appointments Monday through Tuesday morning.

This has since sparked mostly negative comments alleging transparency and First Amendment deficiencies.

2 News spoke with City Manager Jerry Eubanks Wednesday afternoon after he helped maintenance crews repair a local water main break.

Eubanks also runs the city’s Facebook and defends disrupting access to city hall.

“I was on vacation when it happened and all of our ladies in the office and some of their spouses were really, really upset,” he said.

2 News asked him what he meant by “it.”

“Well, I mean, I’m not going to give them the time to do that, to notarize it. We know it. People on Facebook know,” Eubanks said.

“It was someone who came in. They went through the desks, only stealing the top of the desk as far as I know. And basically barged into any office they wanted to,” he said.

Eubanks added that police intervened but did not arrest the alleged intruder.
Complaints also stem from Eubanks’ past.

“That’s no secret. I am a convicted felon. I spent some time in prison,” the city manager said.

Click here for his Kay County court records.

We received three affidavits from Major County. Click here to learn more about his official misconduct allegation.

Click here to learn more about his embezzlement charges.

Click here to learn more about his personal interest as an official in the transaction.

The city manager said he is still committed to earning the trust of his city.

“As you can see, I am a practical person. This is my community,” Eubanks said, still dazed from working on the water line.
“I want to be here and I will continue to do my job and do it to the best of my ability. If you have a question, come to me.”

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