Beaufort County public meetings in 2022

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is meeting to discuss external auditors and financial statements. The body will review the June 30, 2022 Audit Report and discuss travel expenses and reimbursement.

• June 30, 2022 Audit Report
• County Fund Balance Policy updates
• Travel Expenses and Reimbursement

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a full agenda of decisions and discussions. Key actions include electing a chairman and vice-chairman, approving a $95,000 health department budget amendment, and setting salaries for the new sheriff and register of deeds. The board will also consider contracts for watershed restoration, a copier/printer renewal, and several other operational items.

• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Health Department FY23 budget amendment: $95,000 Rural Health Community Grant, $17,685 Communicable Disease State Funding, -$22,248 COVID ARPA School Funding
• Contract Award and Purchase Order, Watershed Restoration Project (Soil and Water)
• Copy Pro Copier/Printer Contract Renewal
• Establish Salary for New Register of Deeds and New Sheriff

The Board appointed Carolyn Garris as Register of Deeds and established salaries for the new Register of Deeds and Sheriff. The Board also approved several infrastructure contracts for watershed restoration and authorized property searches for a mega-site project.

• Appointed Carolyn Garris as Register of Deeds (5-2)
• Set Register of Deeds salary at $69,708 (5-2)
• Set Sheriff's salary at $117,449 (unanimous)
• Approved $67,404 contract for watershed restoration to Landscaping Unlimited (unanimous)
• Approved $173,496.33 contract for stream debris removal to RDC Debris Removal Construction LLC (4-3)
• Authorized staff to contact landowners and negotiate for mega-site properties (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year copier/printer contract with Copy-Pro (unanimous)
• Supported NCDOT speed limit changes to 50 MPH along NC 99 (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. The body will also discuss a budget amendment and review financial reports and health director updates.

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Budget Amendment
• Approval of September 20, 2022 minutes

The Board of Health elected new leadership and approved several budget amendments for the FY 22/23 cycle. During a closed session, the Board approved an employment offer for a new Health Director. The Board also reviewed financial reports showing expenditures at 28.3% of the budget as of October 31, 2022.

• Approved September 20, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Elected David Howdy as Chair and Jessica Triche as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Approved FY 22/23 budget amendments including $30,000 for NC Maternal Health MATTERS, $95,000 Rural Health Community Grant, and $17,685 Communicable Disease State Funding (unanimous)
• Approved budget reduction of $22,248 for COVID ARPA School Funding (unanimous)
• Approved employment offer to JaNell Octigan for Health Director (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will vote on several items, including a request to distribute funds from the Public School Building Repair and Renovation Fund, a tractor purchase for Cooperative Extension, and an appointment to fill the unexpired term of Register of Deeds. They will also discuss affordable housing, a FEMA hazard mitigation grant, and various sheriff's office purchase orders.

• Distribution request for Public School Building Repair and Renovation Fund
• Cooperative Extension tractor purchase: $74,000 county/grant funds plus $67,656.78 from NCSU
• Appointment to fill unexpired term of Register of Deeds and setting salary
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program MOU for Hurricane Florence
• Affordable housing discussion led by Commissioner Rebholz

The Board adopted a resolution to support Operation Green Light for Veterans by lighting buildings green from November 7 to November 13, 2022. The Board also processed several consent items including budget amendments for public health and various equipment surpluses.

• Approved Resolution No. 2022-11-07-01 supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans
• Approved Health Department budget amendment for $30,125
• Approved tax department refunds over $100
• Approved late tax relief applications for four residents
• Approved $141,656.78 purchase order for a John Deere tractor
• Approved surplus of IT equipment from Register of Deeds
• Approved surplus of two badges and two handguns from Sheriff's Office
• Approved surplus of 2015 Dodge Charger (Vehicle 3211)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners and senior staff are meeting for a two-day retreat focused on training and data analysis. The sessions include a review of past strategic planning and survey data to prioritize future goals and develop a roadmap.

• Real Colors Training with Kevin Leonard and Amy Bason
• Data analysis presentation by Denise Canada of NCACC
• Review of past strategic planning information
• Review of survey data and feedback from the Board

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a full agenda of consent items, decisions, and discussions. Key actions include a request for tax funds from Beaufort County Schools, a revision to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, and a resolution supporting the southern border and migrant transfers. The board will also consider several budget amendments, fee revisions, and purchase order carry-forwards.

• Request for tax funds from Beaufort County Schools
• Revision to Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
• Resolution in support of defending the southern border and delivering illegal migrants to sanctuary cities
• Health Department FY23 budget amendment ($225,089 COVID-19 vaccination funding)
• Purchase order carry forward totaling $900,253.18 across all funds

The Board approved a request from the Beaufort County Board of Education to release $544,973 in sales tax funds for capital projects, including roof repairs at Bath Elementary School. The funds had been set aside in a capital reserve fund after a budget amendment in July. The vote was 5-1, with Commissioner Richardson voting no.

• Approved $544,973 in sales tax funds for school capital projects (5-1).
• Approved $142,625 contract with Hall American Property Pros for stream debris removal (5-2).
• Approved reclassification of two Health Department positions (5-2).
• Approved funding for mosquito spray chemicals (unanimous).
• Approved October 24 and 25 for Board of Equalization and Review dates (5-2).
• Approved $90,718 budget amendment for emergency water main repair (unanimous).
• Approved developer agreement for Swan Pointe water system extension (unanimous).
• Approved purchase order carry forward for prior-year commitments (6-1).

Board of Health

The Beaufort County Board of Health heard presentations on the opioid crisis and behavioral health data, approved a fee schedule revision, and accepted the health director's retirement. The board also reviewed financial reports and received updates on monkeypox and COVID-19.

• Approved fee schedule revisions retroactive to September 1, 2022, including COVID-19 vaccine administration fees and monkeypox testing
• Accepted retirement of Health Director James Madson, effective December 30, 2022; position to be opened for 3 weeks
• Heard opioid data: 16 overdose deaths in 2021, 84.6% involving illicit opioids (above state average)
• Discussed pilot program with Craven County Health Department for mobile dental services for Medicaid-eligible children
• FY23 budget $5,431,895 with expenditures at 17.5% ($953,835.56) as of 08/31/22

The Beaufort County Board of Health approved several fee revisions for vaccines and testing, including Novavax, Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 boosters, MenQuadfi, and monkeypox testing, retroactive to September 1, 2022. The board also accepted multiple FY22 budget amendments totaling over $220,000 in adjustments. In closed session, the board accepted Health Director James Madson's retirement letter and voted to open the position for applications for three weeks.

• Approved fee schedule revisions for COVID-19 and other vaccines and testing (unanimous)
• Accepted FY22 budget amendments totaling $225,089 in COVID-19 vaccination funding and other adjustments (unanimous)
• Accepted Health Director James Madson's retirement letter (unanimous)
• Voted to open Health Director position for 3 weeks (unanimous)
• Approved July 19, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Water Committee

The Beaufort County Water Committee is meeting to receive updates on several infrastructure projects. The committee will also discuss a request from the Town of Bath to purchase water from the Beaufort County Water Department.

• Gaylord Booster Pump Station / Braddy Valve Station Project update
• Southside WTP Expansion update
• Conversion from gas chlorination to sodium hypochlorite update
• Swan Point Mobile Home Park update
• Town of Bath request to purchase water from BCWD

Jail Committee

The Beaufort County Jail Committee is meeting to discuss the size of the jail and the costs associated with taking no action. The committee will review six different options and their respective costs to identify next steps.

• Discussion of jail size and the cost of doing nothing
• Review of six options and associated costs

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will consider accepting a $64,130 state grant for engineering and design of a low-impact development demonstration site at Beaufort County Community College, plus several other consent items including late tax relief applications and budget amendments. The board will also hold a public hearing on a beach access grant application and discuss topics such as opioid settlement strategies, a noise ordinance review, and economic development.

• Adopt grant ordinance for $64,130 NC Resilient Coastal Communities Program award for Beaufort Community College project
• Public hearing on 22/23 NC Division of Coastal Management Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant application
• Approve late tax relief applications for six residents (elderly/disabled veterans)
• Discuss opioid settlement strategies and tobacco-free policy for Health Department
• Discuss Chocowinity fraud investigation and sales tax money for schools

The Board unanimously approved moving forward with the opioid settlement spending plan presented by the Health Department and Behavioral Health Task Force, which includes funding for peer support specialists, education, and community pilot programs. Commissioners requested the Health Department return every six months with formal progress reports and performance metrics. The plan uses funds from a $3.08 million, 48-year settlement payout to Beaufort County.

• Approved opioid settlement spending plan with peer support, education, and pilot programs (unanimous)
• Approved submitting a $405,000 Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant application for Wrights Creek park improvements (6-1, Richardson opposed)
• Approved placing 'In God We Trust' motto on the courthouse exterior and in the boardroom (unanimous)
• Approved Essential Single-Family Rehabilitation Loan Program policies and budget amendment (unanimous)
• Approved Tobacco Free Campus Policy for the Health Department (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to submit NCDWI funding application to reallocate $750,000 for water treatment plant cost overruns (6-1, Booth opposed)
• Approved vehicle purchase for Facilities Maintenance from Feyer Ford at $38,794 (6-1, Deatherage opposed)
• Approved one-time PO threshold increase to $40,000 for Water Division vehicles (5-2, Deatherage and Rebholz opposed)

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will consider several decisions, including how to use opioid litigation settlement funds, approval of a Sheriff's Office grant purchase, a water line project at Swan Point, and a contract for courthouse annex window replacement. The board will also discuss the Beaufort Promise guidelines, a noise ordinance review, and items raised by Commissioner Richardson on school sales tax, illegal drugs, sheriff's office hours, and jail supervision. The agenda includes routine consent items such as tax refunds, budget amendments, and appointments.

• Opioid Litigation Settlement Funds decision
• Sheriff's Office NCDPS Grant Purchase approval
• Swan Point Water Line project
• Courthouse Annex Window Replacement and Canopy Repairs contract award
• LINKS budget amendment: $11,000 for foster youth clothing

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners approved a $229,122.50 construction contract for the Swan Point water line extension after the landowner's family trust fund provided $79,513 to cover the project's budget shortfall. The board also approved a $126,360 contract for courthouse annex window replacement and canopy repairs, and a $2,900 contribution toward a portrait of former county attorney Billy Mayo. A decision on how to spend $3,077,680 in opioid settlement funds was postponed to the next meeting because three commissioners were absent.

• Approved $229,122.50 Swan Point water line construction contract (unanimous)
• Approved $126,360 courthouse annex window/canopy contract to A.R. Chesson Construction (unanimous)
• Approved $2,900 county contribution for Billy Mayo portrait (unanimous)
• Approved Sheriff's Office NCDPS grant purchase for crime scene scanner (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda excluding ABC Board appointments (unanimous)
• Approved Child Support Awareness Month proclamation (unanimous)
• Postponed opioid settlement fund spending decision to next meeting
• Approved 12 consent agenda items including budget amendments and tax refunds (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health approved a strategic plan for $3,077,680 in opioid settlement funds and a new tobacco-free policy for staff and visitors. The board also approved several budget amendments and updated fees for pediatric COVID-19 vaccine administration.

• Approved Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan for $3,077,680 over 18 years
• Adopted 100% tobacco-free campus policy effective October 1, 2022
• Approved budget amendments including $95,000 Community Health Grant and $95,453 Enhancing Detection Activities Funding
• New vaccine administration fees: $20 for 1st dose and $30 for 2nd/booster doses of Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine
• Reappointed board members Mark Roy and David Howdy

The Beaufort County Board of Health approved a tobacco-free campus policy effective October 1, 2022, and accepted the Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan recommendations. The board also approved budget amendments, new fees, policy reviews, and reappointments. A motion to send a letter supporting stricter penalties for illegal drug sales was tabled pending a presentation.

• Approved tobacco-free campus policy effective Oct 1, 2022 (unanimous)
• Accepted four Opioid Settlement Strategic Plan recommendations (Hood Richardson voting no)
• Approved budget amendments totaling $223,117 (unanimous)
• Approved new COVID-19 vaccine administration fees (unanimous)
• Approved annual policy review with no revisions (unanimous)
• Approved reappointments of Mark Roy and David Howdy (unanimous)
• Approved May 17, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled motion to send letter on stricter penalties for illegal drug sales

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with consent agenda items, public hearings, and decisions on various contracts and budget amendments. Key items include a $140,000 greenway feasibility study, a $53,653.48 flu vaccine purchase, and a $20,000 grant administration fee for Oakridge Metal Works. The board will also discuss noise ordinance enforcement and combating illegal drugs.

• Budget amendment for $140,000 Washington-Greenville Greenway Feasibility Study (federal $112,000, state $21,000, local $7,000 split among Beaufort, Pitt, Greenville, Washington)
• Purchase of FY23 influenza vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur for $53,653.48
• Budget amendment for $20,000 grant administration fee for Oakridge Metal Works Project Acorn
• Public hearing on petition to name a road 'Firefly'
• Vehicle replacements for Emergency Services and EMS rental agreement with Town of Bath

The board approved funding the Swan Point water line extension at $187,000 with the landowner responsible for any additional costs, and voted unanimously to pause all other ARPA-funded water projects except SCADA. It also approved consent items, vehicle purchases, a road name, and personnel actions, and placed school capital funds in a reserve.

• Approved $187,000 for Swan Point water line extension, landowner to cover overage (5-2)
• Paused all ARPA-funded water projects except SCADA and Swan Point (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two 2022 F-150 Crew Cabs for Emergency Services (5-2)
• Approved naming private road Firefly Way (unanimous)
• Approved EMS rental agreement with Town of Bath at $800/month (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including tax refunds, budget amendments, and appointments (7-0)
• Approved placing $544,973 school capital payment in reserve fund (6-1)
• Approved personnel actions including Chris Newkirk as Acting Emergency Services Director (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting to review progress and discuss conceptual designs presented by the Garret and Moore Team.

• Presentation and discussion of conceptual design by Garret and Moore Team

Jail Committee

The Beaufort County Jail Committee is meeting to review progress on the expansion of the jail. The body will also review its charter and determine next steps for the project.

• Update report from Errol Warren on Expansion of the Jail
• Review of the Jail Committee Charter and accomplishments

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is conducting public hearings regarding the FY 2022-2023 proposed budget and a proposal to include the Town of Bath within the County ER Rescue Service District. The meeting also includes several items for decision, such as tax revaluation contracts and school security updates.

• Public hearing on including Town of Bath corporate limits in the ER Rescue Service Tax District
• Public hearing on the FY 2022-20DSS budget ordinance
• Proposed General Fund appropriations of $68,936,979 for fiscal year 2022-2023
• Decision on tax assessor revaluation contract and lease agreement
• Approval of Sheriff's Office NCDPS grant purchases

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners approved the FY 2022-23 budget as presented, which includes a 5% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, funding for two new deputy sheriff positions, a communications director, and $1 million for the Beaufort Promise community college program. The vote was 5-2, with Commissioners Deatherage and Richardson voting no. The board also approved including the Town of Bath in the county's EMS rescue service tax district, a 3-year lease for a badge machine, a revaluation contract, and several other items.

• Approved FY 2022-23 budget as presented (5-2)
• Approved including Town of Bath in county EMS rescue service tax district (unanimous)
• Approved 3-year lease with BadgePass for badge equipment (unanimous)
• Approved revaluation contract and project fund (unanimous)
• Approved lease for revaluation office space at 105 E. 3rd St (unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 match for Wilkinson Community Center roof grant (unanimous)
• Approved appointing Dr. Laura Staton to BCCC Board of Trustees (unanimous)
• Approved resolution opposing recreational marijuana legalization, not opposing heavily regulated medical marijuana (6-1)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a budget workshop to review financial presentations and finalize the budget. The session includes a property tax settlement report and the County Manager's recommended budget presentation.

• Property Tax Settlement presentation by Tax Assessor Lloyd Salter
• Manager’s Recommended Budget presentation by County Manager Brian Alligood
• Finalization of the budget

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a budget workshop. The session includes a presentation of the Manager's recommended budget and a property tax settlement report.

• Property Tax Settlement presentation by Tax Assessor Lloyd Salter
• Manager’s Recommended Budget presentation by County Manager Brian Alligood

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a budget workshop to review financial planning. The session includes a presentation of the County Manager's recommended budget and a property tax settlement report.

• Property Tax Settlement presentation by Tax Assessor Lloyd Salter
• Manager’s Recommended Budget presentation by County Manager Brian Alligood

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting to review the proposed FY2022-23 budget, focusing on education, public safety, and enterprise funds. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a workshop to discuss budget details and ask questions. The board recessed until May 26 to continue budget deliberations.

• No formal decisions made; budget workshop only
• Discussed $1.675M cash capital for schools
• Discussed $1M Beaufort Promise fund for community college
• Discussed $400,000 for sheriff's vehicle replacement
• Discussed $5 solid waste fee increase to $175
• Discussed 10-vehicle replacement cycle for sheriff's office

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners convened a special meeting to initiate the budget workshop process. The agenda includes a presentation on the property tax settlement by Tax Assessor Lloyd Salter and the County Manager's recommended budget by Brian Alligood. The meeting serves as the first step in a series of workshops scheduled through May 31, 2022, to finalize the budget.

• Property Tax Settlement presentation by Lloyd Salter, Tax Assessor
• Manager's Recommended Budget Presentation by Brian Alligood, County Manager
• General Fund workshop scheduled for May 19, 2022
• General Fund and Enterprise Fund workshop scheduled for May 24, 2022
• Final budget approval scheduled for May 31, 2022

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting to review the proposed FY 2022-23 general fund budget. No formal votes or decisions were made; the meeting was a workshop to discuss revenue projections and departmental expenditures. The board recessed to continue budget discussions at a later meeting.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the budget workshop
• Reviewed proposed general fund revenue estimates including property taxes and sales tax
• Discussed departmental budgets for general government, human services, and community services
• Noted no additional full-time positions recommended in the proposed budget
• Discussed potential $6,000 increase to Mid-East Commission planning contract (not yet approved)
• Recessed meeting to continue budget review on a later date

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The board will receive community reports from local representatives and updates regarding Community College and county matters. The meeting includes discussions on NC East Alliance/EDPNC updates and the BCS-BAC Joint Workforce Planning Committee.

• Community Reports from Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, and Chocowinity
• Community College Update by Dr. David Loope
• BCS-BAC Joint Workforce Planning Committee update

The Beaufort County Economic Development Advisory Board met on May 18, 2022, but lacked a quorum, so minutes approval was postponed. The board welcomed new Economic Development Director Brad Hufford, who gave introductory remarks. No formal decisions or votes were made; the meeting consisted of reports from community and county representatives.

• Minutes approval postponed due to lack of quorum
• Motion to adjourn approved (Chairman Booth, seconded by Rebholz)

Board of Health

The Beaufort County Board of Health approved a $721 budget amendment, $2,944.84 in debt write-offs, and new fees for services including Prevnar 20 and prolonged office visits. The board also reviewed the 2021 Community Health Assessment, COVID-19 trends, and financial reports, and discussed the opioid settlement funding.

• Approved $721 budget amendment for Environmental Health Food and Lodging Performance Funds
• Approved $2,944.84 write-off for 14 patient accounts
• Approved new fees: Prevnar 20 $263, Prolonged Office Visit $32, Hep A tests $10 each, Creatinine Clearance $10
• Reviewed 2021 Community Health Assessment with education, crime, and health data
• Discussed opioid settlement: $3,077,680 over 18 years to Beaufort County

The Beaufort County Board of Health approved a $721 budget amendment for Environmental Health Food and Lodging Performance Funds, wrote off $2,944.84 in patient debts across 14 accounts, and approved new fees for services including Prevnar 20 vaccine and lab tests. The board also received training on accreditation roles and reviewed COVID-19 and financial reports.

• Approved March 15, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $721 budget amendment for Environmental Health Food and Lodging Performance Funds (unanimous)
• Approved $2,944.84 debt write-off for 14 patient accounts (unanimous)
• Approved new fees: Prevnar 20 $263, Prolonged Office Visit $32, Hep A Ab tests $10 each, Creatinine Clearance $10 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting for a budget workshop. They will hear a property tax settlement presentation from the Tax Assessor and the County Manager's recommended budget. The agenda also outlines a series of future meetings to discuss the general fund, enterprise fund, service expansions, and finalize the budget.

• Property Tax Settlement presentation by Tax Assessor Lloyd Salter
• Manager's Recommended Budget presentation by County Manager Brian Alligood
• Future budget meetings scheduled for May 19, 24, 26, and 31, 2022

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners held a special budget meeting where they unanimously approved a property tax value reduction for the Golden Arches Corporation (McDonald's) to $1,784,783. The board rejected a motion to lower the tax rate by 10% (from $0.625 to approximately $0.57), with the chairman opposing due to the early budget stage. The county manager presented the recommended FY 22/23 budget, which maintains the current tax rate and includes new programs like the Beaufort Promise and a worker's compensation fund.

• Approved property value reduction for Golden Arches Corporation (McDonald's) to $1,784,783 (unanimous)
• Rejected motion to lower tax rate by 10% (2-5)
• Received manager's recommended FY 22/23 budget presentation (no vote)
• Scheduled budget work sessions and public hearing for June 6

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several budget amendments, including a significant increase in Low Income Energy Assistance Program funding. The meeting also includes discussions on drug use sentencing, tax refunds, and various departmental contract awards.

• $520,163 budget amendment for Low Income Energy Assistance Program supplemental payments
• $18,563 county cash match for Juvenile Crime Prevention Council FY 22/23 funding
• Approval of tax refunds over $100 from the Tax Assessor and Collector offices
• Three-year maintenance contract for Emergency Services striker stretchers
• Contract award for Yeatesville Collection Site Improvements in Public Works

The Board approved moving forward with a contract with Vincent Valuations for county revaluation services, despite a lower bid from Piner Appraisal. They also approved a 3-year Stryker stretcher maintenance contract, awarded a $55,905 contract for Yeatesville Collection Site improvements, and approved the consent agenda. A discussion was added to the agenda regarding notifying commissioners of incidents like the recent jail death.

• Approved moving forward with Vincent Valuations revaluation contract (5-1)
• Approved 3-year Stryker stretcher maintenance contract (5-1)
• Awarded $55,905 contract to B.E. Singleton for Yeatesville Collection Site improvements (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including budget amendments, LPN salary offer, and tax refunds (unanimous)
• Approved $55,250 audit contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, and Adams (unanimous)
• Approved adding agenda item on commissioner notification of incidents (unanimous)
• Approved Chairman Waters as NACo delegate and Vice-Chairman Langley as alternate (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education are holding a special called meeting to receive a budget presentation from the school board. The meeting is primarily for information and discussion, with no formal decisions listed on the agenda.

• Budget presentation by Dr. Cheeseman

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners met jointly with the Board of Education to hear a presentation on the FY '23 budget request of $16,643,008 in local funding. No formal decisions or votes were taken on the request during this informational session. Discussion covered state mandates, capital needs, enrollment trends, and the LETRS reading program.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous, both boards)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners approved memorandums of understanding and resolutions of support for two GREAT Grant applications: one with Charter Communications (Spectrum Southeast LLC) for fiber-to-the-home to 1,129 locations, with the county contributing $150,000 in ARPA funds if awarded; and one with Connect Holdings (BrightSpeed) for fiber to approximately 1,933 locations, with a $500,000 county contribution from ARPA funds. Both votes were unanimous (6-0), with Commissioner Richardson excused due to a conflict of interest with Spectrum.

• Approved MOU and resolution of support for Spectrum Southeast LLC GREAT Grant application (6-0)
• Approved MOU and resolution of support for Connect Holdings (BrightSpeed) GREAT Grant application (6-0)
• Excused Commissioner Richardson from voting on Spectrum due to conflict of interest (unanimous)

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Beaufort County Economic Development Advisory Board is meeting virtually to hear presentations and updates from local businesses, community representatives, and county officials. The agenda includes a presentation from Elite Truck Boxes/Clickfirm, community reports from various towns, and updates from the community college, county commissioners, and economic development staff. No formal votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation by Warren Allen, President of Elite Truck Boxes/Clickfirm
• Community reports from Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, Chocowinity, Pantego, Washington, and Washington Park
• Community College update by Dr. David Loope, President
• Beaufort County reports by Commissioner John Rebholz and County Manager Brian Alligood
• BCED update by Susan Squires, Economic Development Specialist

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will consider several decisions, including modifying the EMS rescue tax district to include the Town of Bath, setting a special minimum rate for deputy sheriff job classification, and applying for a Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant. The board will also discuss items such as Sheriff's Office staffing, an ankle bracelet program, ethics policy, lawsuits against illegal immigrants, employee drug testing, and the drug epidemic. Consent items include health department surplus, FY23 consolidated agreement, DSS budget amendment, tax refunds, and various other routine approvals.

• Modification of EMS Rescue Tax District ER to include Town of Bath
• Request for Special Minimum Rate for Deputy Sheriff Job Classification
• Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant
• Contract Amendment for Yard Debris Management
• Solid Waste Ordinance Update

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners approved a special minimum hiring rate of $40,000 for Deputy Sheriffs and adjusted six current deputies' salaries to maintain equity (5-2). They also approved reclassifying an Emergency Services administrative specialist to a technology specialist (6-1). The board approved a contract amendment with Shavender Trucking for yard debris management, a two-year cellular service contract for additional security cameras, and a motion to send letters to residents whose trash is found illegally dumped. A motion to collect data on undocumented children receiving services was approved 4-3.

• Approved $40,000 special minimum hiring rate for Deputy Sheriff classification (5-2)
• Approved reclassification of Administrative Specialist to Technology Specialist in Emergency Management (6-1)
• Approved contract amendment with Shavender Trucking for yard debris grinding (unanimous)
• Approved two-year cellular service contract with US Cellular for three additional cameras (unanimous)
• Approved sending individual letters to residents whose trash is found dumped (unanimous)
• Approved moving forward with EMS rescue tax district modification to include Town of Bath (unanimous)
• Approved pursuing Public Beach and Coastal Waterfront Access Grant for Wrights Creek (5-2)
• Approved motion to collect data from DSS and Health Department on undocumented children receiving services (4-3)

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Beaufort County Economic Development Advisory Board is meeting virtually to review 2021 investment performance and the 2022 outlook, approve minutes, hear community and county reports, and receive updates from the community college and regional economic development partners. The board will also discuss its budget and a joint workforce planning committee, with a farewell for the director.

• Investment overview of 2021 and 2022 outlook by Edward Jones financial advisor
• Community reports from Aurora, Pantego, Bath, Belhaven, Washington Park, and Chocowinity
• Beaufort County Community College update by President Dr. David Loope
• BCED reports, budget, and farewell for Director Martyn Johnson
• BCS-BAC Joint Workforce Planning Committee discussion

Board of Health

The Beaufort County Board of Health met on March 15, 2022, and approved the minutes from the January 18 meeting. In new business, the board approved the Consolidated Agreement, the 2022-2023 Budget Proposal (with no changes to the fee schedule), and the 2021-2022 Budget Amendments, which included $117,600 for ARPA COVID-19 School Health and $8,559 for WIC funding. The board also held a closed session for the Health Director's evaluation. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting consisted of informational updates on COVID-19 trends, financial reports, and the Health Director's update.

• Approved minutes from January 18, 2022 meeting
• Approved Consolidated Agreement
• Approved 2022-2023 Budget Proposal (no changes to fee schedule)
• Approved 2021-2022 Budget Amendments including $117,600 for ARPA COVID-19 School Health and $8,559 for WIC funding
• Held closed session for Health Director Evaluation

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with public hearings and decisions on economic development incentives, a COVID-19 mobile medical unit purchase, tax refunds, and multiple resolutions, including one on illegal immigration. The agenda also includes consent items, budget amendments, and updates on the American Rescue Plan and broadband.

• Public hearing and decision on Project Oak economic development incentive
• Decision on Health Medical Mobile Unit purchase
• Resolution on incursion of illegal immigration in Beaufort County
• Budget amendment for $117,600 ARPA COVID-19 School Health funds
• Approval of tax refunds over $100

Soil and Water Board of Supervisors

The Beaufort County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will hold its regular monthly meeting, covering routine approvals, budget preparation for FY 2022-2023, and updates on conservation education and agricultural programs. Key items include reviewing and approving Agriculture Cost Share Program contracts, supplemental allocation requests, and a request for payment, as well as updates on watershed restoration projects and a discussion on purchasing field equipment.

• Review/Approval of Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP) contracts
• Supplemental allocation request for ACSP and AgWRAP
• Request for payment under ACSP
• Review of site maps for Tropical Storm Eta project
• Discussion on purchase of field equipment

The Beaufort Soil and Water Conservation District Board approved three Agriculture Cost Share Program contracts totaling $17,706, a $917 payment for a completed cover crop practice, and the purchase of field equipment (including an upgraded iPad) under the 2020 Watershed Restoration Program. The board also approved transferring FY 2021-2022 Professional Development funds to Supplies for field work items. All actions were approved by consensus or unanimous motion.

• Approved three ACSP contracts: 07-2022-006 ($1,959), 07-2022-008 ($15,000), 07-2022-009 ($747)
• Approved Request for Payment for contract 07-2019-004 ($917) for cover crop
• Approved purchase of field equipment with upgraded iPad (motion approved)
• Approved transfer of Professional Development funds to Supplies for field work items (consensus)

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Economic Development Advisory Committee will hear a presentation from CSX on the Carolina Connector Intermodal Facility, receive community and county reports, and discuss updates from local businesses and economic development partners. The board will also consider approving meeting minutes and receive a budget report from the BCED director.

• Presentation on Carolina Connector Intermodal Facility by CSX Business Development Director Kellen Riley
• Community reports from Aurora, Pantego, Bath, Washington, Belhaven, Washington Park, and Chocowinity
• Beaufort County reports from Commissioner John Rebholz and County Manager Brian Alligood
• BCED reports and budget by Director Martyn Johnson
• Joint workforce planning committee update

The Beaufort County Economic Development Advisory Board heard a presentation from CSX on the CCX Carolina Connector intermodal facility in Rocky Mount, which opened in October 2021. The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting. No formal decisions were made; the meeting consisted of informational updates and community reports.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion by Clif Williams, second by Joy McRoy)

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with multiple consent items, including budget amendments for DSS, Health, Soil and Water, and tax refunds. Key discussions include a COVID-19 update and COVID pay for the Health Department, ARP funding for volunteer EMS and fire departments, and a medical transport franchise. Decisions are scheduled on Project Oak incentives, a River Breeze building reuse grant, and several other items.

• Budget amendment for $76,742 NC Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant (MAT)
• Budget amendment for $28,653 Soil and Water technical assistance funds
• Project Oak incentives and Project River Breeze Building Reuse Grant decisions
• Medical Transport Franchise, 2nd reading
• Revaluation resolution and untimely appeals

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners approved a franchise for Med-Ex to operate non-emergency medical transport, and unanimously voted to move forward with Project Oak, a proposed 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility expected to create 50 jobs. The board also approved several budget amendments, including a $282,720 watershed project budget and a $133,601 conservation easement budget, the latter passing 5-2. A motion to end the courthouse security contract with Allied Universal failed, and the board instead renewed the contract with a pay increase.

• Approved Med-Ex non-emergency transport franchise (unanimous)
• Approved moving Project Oak incentives forward (unanimous)
• Approved $282,720 watershed project budget ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved $133,601 conservation easement budget ordinance (5-2)
• Renewed Allied Universal courthouse security contract with raise (5-2)
• Approved $450,000 Aurora industrial park loan budget amendment (6-0)
• Approved $109,500 health insurance budget amendment (unanimous)
• Approved 2025 revaluation resolution (unanimous)

Soil and Water Board of Supervisors

The Beaufort County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will meet to elect 2022 officers, approve the meeting schedule, and receive updates on conservation education and agricultural programs. They will review and approve cost-share and water resources assistance applications, as well as discuss watershed restoration projects and equipment feasibility. The meeting is routine business with no major policy changes.

• Election of officers for 2022
• Review/approval of Agriculture Cost Share Program applications and payment requests
• Review/approval of AgWRAP supplementation allocation requests
• Discussion of 2020 Watershed Restoration Project Phase I and II
• Master Agreement Amendment #01-2022 and Contract No. 17-175-4087

The Beaufort Soil and Water Conservation District Board approved five Agriculture Cost Share Program applications, four payment requests, five AgWRAP applications, a Master Agreement amendment, a watershed contract, and a conservation easement contract. Officers were re-elected for 2022, and the February meeting was rescheduled to February 28. The board also agreed to pursue purchasing a drone and will discuss a new supervisor appointment in February.

• Approved five ACSP applications as recommended (unanimous)
• Approved four ACSP payment requests totaling $9,633.00 (unanimous)
• Approved five AgWRAP applications pending supplemental allocation (unanimous; Griffin abstained)
• Approved Master Agreement Amendment No. 01-2022 (unanimous)
• Approved Contract No. 17-175-4087 for watershed stream debris removal (unanimous)
• Approved Contract No. 22-048-4038 for conservation easement (unanimous)
• Re-elected 2022 officers: Allen, Warren, Griffin (unanimous)
• Rescheduled February meeting to Feb 28, 2022 at 9:00 A.M. (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners held a two-day planning retreat with updates from county departments and agencies. The agenda includes a budget request from Beaufort County Community College for fiscal year 2023, totaling $2,917,912 in current expenses and $279,000 in capital, a decrease from the prior year. The board also heard presentations on strategic planning and discussed making the Beaufort Promise program permanent, which would require a property tax increase.

• Community College FY2023 budget request: $2,917,912 current expense, $279,000 capital (8.7% decrease overall)
• Proposed 0.5 cent property tax increase to fund Beaufort Promise tuition program (~$237,500 annually)
• Capital request includes $184,000 for minor maintenance (roof, HVAC, classroom upgrades)
• Possible $650,000 boat building facility expansion on campus
• Department updates from Sheriff, Health, Emergency Services, and others

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners is holding a two-day planning retreat with updates from county departments and agencies. The agenda includes presentations from the community college, public schools, health department, sheriff's office, and other departments. The community college is requesting a $2,917,912 budget for fiscal year 2023, an 8.7% decrease from the prior year, and is discussing making the Beaufort Promise program permanent with a possible property tax increase.

• Community college requests $2,917,912 for FY2023, an 8.7% decrease ($303,231) from prior year
• College proposes 0.5 cent property tax increase to fund Beaufort Promise program permanently
• College requests $279,000 in capital funds, including $184,000 for minor maintenance
• Sheriff's office, public schools, health department, and other departments give updates
• Strategic planning discussion led by NCACC representatives

Economic Development Advisory Committee

The Beaufort County Economic Development Advisory Board is meeting virtually due to COVID. The agenda includes a presentation on the Aurora Leadership Council, community reports from local towns, updates from the community college and county officials, and a report on the board's budget.

• Aurora Leadership Council overview by Kurt Ryan
• Community reports from Aurora, Pantego, Bath, Washington, Belhaven, Washington Park, and Chocowinity
• Community College update by Dr. David Loope
• Beaufort County reports by Commissioner John Rebholz and County Manager Brian Alligood
• BCED reports and budget by Director Martyn Johnson

Board of Health

The Beaufort County Board of Health is meeting to conduct routine business, including approving minutes, reviewing operating procedures and handbook documents, and discussing the health director's job description and annual assessment. They will also consider budget amendments and receive updates on communicable diseases, financial reports, and the health director's updates.

• Review of BOH Operating Procedures
• Review of BOH Handbook Documents
• Health Director Job Description and Annual Job Assessment
• Budget Amendments

The Beaufort County Board of Health met on January 18, 2022, and approved the minutes from the November 16, 2021 meeting. The board also approved operating procedures, a Conflict of Interest Policy, and documents related to the Health Director job assessment. Budget amendments were submitted for state funding for communicable disease, COVID-19 vaccination, and opioid abuse grants. The meeting included updates on COVID-19 cases, vaccinations, and financial reports.

• Approved minutes of November 16, 2021
• Approved operating procedures
• Approved Conflict of Interest Policy
• Approved documents for Health Director Job Assessment
• Submitted $69,861 budget amendment for Communicable Disease State Funding
• Submitted $188,996 budget amendment for COVID-19 Vaccination State Funding
• Submitted $76,742 budget amendment for NC Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant (MAT)

Board of Commissioners

The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners will consider several budget amendments, including $417,905 in federal ARPA funds for automatic heating payments to households with children aged 0-10, and a $60,346 increase in LIEAP funding. They will also discuss COVID-19 updates, a jail committee report, and various grant applications. The meeting includes consent items, public comments, and commissioner discussions.

• Budget amendment: $417,905 ARPA funds for automatic LIEAP heating payments ($300 wood, $400 gas, $500 electric)
• Budget amendment: $60,346 increase in LIEAP funding for DSS
• Budget amendment: $12,810 re-allocation for generator projects at Administration, Finance, and Health buildings
• Budget amendment: $5,000 for 3 new ethernet switches for courthouse camera/door system
• Discussion: Sheriff's Office staffing report, surplus vehicle report, ankle bracelet program, ARP funding

The Board approved adding a Public Health Nurse III position, funded by state money, and amended it so the position only continues while state funding lasts. The Board also voted to send a letter to NCDOT requesting a speed limit study in the Sidney area. A decision on renewing the courthouse security contract was postponed for further discussion at the planning retreat.

• Approved Public Health Nurse III position, contingent on state funding (unanimous)
• Approved sending letter to NCDOT for speed limit study in Sidney area (unanimous)
• Approved filming of January 27-28 planning retreat (6-1)
• Approved amended agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda (6-1)
• Approved motion to post recorded meetings within 7 days once equipment is available (6-1)
• Postponed decision on courthouse security contract renewal
• Received report on jail repairs; all doors functioning as of Jan 3