MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) -- The fire chief has again run afoul of city requirements that sealed bids be taken on projects that cost more than $2,000, a newspaper reported.

A major renovation of a fire station that is under way will greatly exceed that limit, the Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat reported Thursday.

The newspaper also reported that electrical work was being done without a licensed electrician and no building permit was obtained.

Fire Chief Robert Hutson was reprimanded last year by the city manager for similar actions.

City purchasing agent Shirley Simpson said he told her the project would cost less than $2,000.

Hutson said Wednesday night that his understanding was that a previous bid advertisement for a project on a different fire station would suffice for the current project.

City Inspector Jack Bethany confirmed that no city building permit was sought for the present renovation project.

``That is my fault,'' Hutson said. ``I had the application on my desk. They called me while I was at the doctor's office and I went back and turned the application in about 5 p.m. today.''