When Ted Lawson stepped into the role of Sayre City Manager this summer, residents were already buzzing about what’s happening in town — from infrastructure upgrades to public art to questions about jobs and the economy. Last week Lawson sat down with the Record to walk through these issues and share his vision for a more transparent, approachable City Hall.
He was joined by City Clerk-Treasurer Jodi Garrison, who often works with residents directly and weighed in on communication at the front desk. Together, they addressed topics that have been fueling discussion across Sayre.
WATER METER PROJECT Sayre’s new electronic water meters, funded through an almost $1 million principal forgiveness loan, are nearing full installation. About 1,632 meters have been installed out of roughly 1,770 planned, with the remaining awaiting supply shipments and installation crews.
The RG3 meters provide live data to City Hall, replacing decades- old mechanical models with worn gears that often undercounted water use. That undercounting meant the city was effectively giving away water. Some residents have seen their bills rise, and many have asked why accuracy results in higher costs instead of lower ones.
Lawson acknowledged the frustration but pointed to the long-term benefits. Accuracy ensures fairness, he said, and the real savings come in manpower. Employees who once spent up to ten days each month walking routes to read meters are now free to tackle other projects, such as repairing hydrants and valves. When asked whether that shift was like adding a part-time employee at no cost, Lawson agreed it was a fair comparison.
The system itself is also more sophisticated than simple wireless monitoring. Software can flag unusual spikes in usage, allowing staff to reach out when a meter suddenly surges outside its normal pattern. In practice, that means a homeowner can get a call before a hidden leak turns into a four-figure bill.
Another frequent question is what happens when water needs to be shut off quickly during an emergency. Officials emphasized that residents are not prohibited from shutting off their own water, but damaging the antenna or wiring carries a replacement cost ranging from $219.91 up to $2,519.25, depending on the meter size. As the conversation joked, when it’s 3 a.m. and you’re outside in nothing but “flip-flops and tattoos,” careful lid-lifting may not be the first thing on your mind.
HORSEPOWER ART PROJECT
The proposed “Horsepower” art installation at the city park has raised questions about cost, liability, and approval. Residents have wondered who voted on it, whether the city pays for maintenance, and what happens if someone gets hurt.
Lawson explained that the project is funded entirely through a $10,000 grant secured by Gallery @112, not city tax dollars. Once installed on city property, however, the sign will fall under city liability and be insured like other park features. The exact location has not yet been finalized, and Lawson said the final placement will go before the council for approval.
The absence of earlier council discussion on the project has fueled transparency concerns. Lawson said he wants to ensure those decisions are handled openly going forward.
CORECIVIC PRISON
Another source of speculation has been the former state prison facility. Flyers advertising entry-level wages at $27 an hour spread quickly, leading many to ask whether CoreCivic is reopening and whether Sayre could see an economic revival.
Lawson confirmed that a CoreCivic representative did visit City Hall recently and inquired about space for job interviews. Beyond that, though, there has been no official communication or contract.
Residents have pointed out the visible activity around the facility and questioned whether the company is simply keeping quiet. Lawson said even staff at the facility have reported being in the dark, told only to prepare the site. “We have not received any information beyond that initial visit,” he emphasized.
Still, the buzz reflects hope. Talk around town has imagined coffee shops — and maybe even liquor stores — springing back to life if steady jobs return. Lawson acknowledged the optimism but urged caution until facts replace rumors.
ROADWORK AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Street conditions are another constant concern. Residents have often asked why they only hear about paving projects after the fact, or why some streets are addressed while others are left behind.
Lawson confirmed that an asphalt overlay project is in motion for streets near the Sayre Housing Authority. Bids will open on September 2, with work expected later in the fall. He explained that additional projects are tackled as grant funds become available but admitted that unless you live on the affected block, you may not know improvements are happening. Part of his goal, he said, is to communicate those projects more openly.
Traffic safety near the Flying J has also been a hot topic. With a 65-mph limit and trucks pulling directly into traffic, residents have voiced concern about accidents. Lawson said the city is in early talks with state officials about lowering the speed limit or adding controls at the intersection.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT: CAR CRUISES DOWNTOWN Sayre’s recent downtown car cruise, held in memory of a community member, drew both cheers and questions about whether it would be tolerated going forward. Residents wanted to know if the city saw it as a nuisance or a community event.
Lawson was supportive. “Overall, I thought it was good,” he said, adding that events like the cruise bring energy downtown. While a few participants got rowdy, Lawson said the city would back future cruises as long as they remain respectful and safe.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TRANSPARENCY Beyond individual projects, many residents have asked about the city’s broader direction: How will City Hall be more open? How will it support growth? Why are council meetings so empty compared to years past?
Lawson said his focus is on establishing stronger relationships with local businesses and pursuing development in the city’s industrial park. He wants to be visible in the community, not just behind a desk, and to make City Hall a place where residents feel welcome.
“I do have an open-door policy,” Lawson said. “I want citizens to know what’s going on and what’s coming up.”
The Sayre City Council meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., and the full schedule can be found on the city’s official website. Lawson said he hopes more residents will attend and that the city will share more updates through the Record as well.
CLOSING
As he settles into his role, Lawson emphasized transparency, communication, and community connection. From water meters to roads and even car cruises, he said he wants to guide Sayre toward greater openness and a stronger sense of shared purpose.
MEET YOUR NEW CITY MANAGER Ted Lawson was born in Altus, Oklahoma, where he worked for twenty years at the city’s water treatment plant, rising to the role of maintenance supervisor.
In 2010, he joined the City of Sayre as a water well operator and later served for a decade as the water/sewer superintendent before being appointed City Manager.
He and his wife have two grown children — one living in Colorado Springs and one in Elk City — and three grandchildren.
Lawson says he brings honesty, transparency, faith, and teamwork to the role, and he hopes to guide Sayre toward growth with the help of employees and citizens alike.
