Beaufort County

The Board addressed multiple administrative and project-specific items. Key topics included the approval of an FY 27 consolidated agreement for the Health Department, the authorization of a land purchase for Project Fala in the Washington/Beaufort County Industrial Park, and an update on the Beaufort County foreclosure program. The board also approved a position reclassification in the tax office, discussed the bidding process for a mega-site project, authorized reimbursement for the Washington Elementary School construction, and approved funding for an intercom system at John Small Elementary School. Additionally, the Board authorized an opt-in for the national opioid settlement, approved a contract for essential services engineering, incorporated the Town of Belhaven into the rescue service tax district, and extended lease agreements with the USDA and the Division of Juvenile Justice. The Board also discussed the need to update and codify county ordinances, reviewed a resolution to increase penalties for selling illegal drugs, deliberated on audit requirements for non-profit organizations, and discussed tax revenue neutrality.

The committee reviewed the nomination of census tracts for the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program and discussed the status of data center development, including a temporary moratorium enacted by the Town of Bath. Members provided updates on local developments, including agricultural activity, the progress of a new school, community college budget approvals, and upcoming town anniversary celebrations. Additionally, the committee discussed a transition in leadership for the Mid-East Commission and held a closed session.

The Board of Commissioners conducted a meeting covering several key items, including a service award presentation, an annual report from Trillium Health Resources, and an update on the Durham Creek boat landing. Public hearings were held regarding the inclusion of Belhaven within the Pantego Township Rescue Service District and the proposed 2026-2027 fiscal budget. A new County Manager was sworn in. Consent agenda items included budget amendments for health and special revenue funds, tax department refunds, property management staffing approvals, and the establishment of a Water Capital Reserve Fund. Decision items addressed ordinance updates, home elevation funding, vehicle replacements, and property acquisitions. Additionally, commissioners held discussions on tax rate reductions, limited voting policies, and illegal drug penalties.

The committee held a discussion regarding a potential moratorium on large-scale data center development in the county to address energy, water, and environmental concerns. Additionally, the committee reviewed seven census tracts for the Opportunity Zone 2.0 program and reached an agreement to submit nominations for the Chocowinity Industrial Corridor and the Richland Township area. The meeting also included general updates regarding economic development, healthcare services, and agricultural conditions affecting the local region.

The board conducted an annual review and revision of its operating procedures and discussed updates to the Board of Health handbook. Several fiscal year budget amendments were approved regarding opioid project support, diabetes prevention, and medical training programs. The financial report for the current fiscal year was reviewed, and the Health Director provided updates on agency grants, disease trends including measles and influenza, and staffing changes. Additionally, a presentation for an upcoming county commissioner retreat was reviewed, and the board adjusted its meeting calendar for March.