Bladen County

The meeting provided an overview of behavioral health services offered by Trillium Health Resources, focusing on their role as a managed care organization for 46 counties. Key topics included the mission to transform lives and build community well-being, the operational model for tailored and Medicaid direct plans, and the increasing number of uninsured individuals needing services. Discussions covered the impact of Medicaid transformation on foster care services, the expansion of re-entry care management for justice-involved individuals, and the use of technology-based tools to support clinicians and families. Additionally, the Board reviewed regional health data, budget allocations for behavioral health services, and various community training and support initiatives, such as mental health first aid and family camp programs.

The commissioners conducted a meeting that included the approval of several consent items, including an attorney-client and economic development agenda addition. Key discussion topics included special recognitions for various county employees for their years of service across departments such as the Sheriff's Office, Department of Social Services, EMS, and the Library. The board adopted a resolution proclaiming April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and discussed logistics for a upcoming butterfly release event. Furthermore, the council heard a public address regarding the future use of the East Arcadia school building and voted to reschedule a future board meeting to enable attendance at a town board meeting. Finally, the commissioners addressed concerns regarding the availability of high-speed internet and cellular connectivity in certain areas of the county.

The board meeting included a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in honor of the 911 staff of the Bladen County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the board held a public comment session during which citizens raised concerns regarding property valuations and the appeal process following a recent county-wide revaluation. Commissioners addressed questions about the revaluation methodology, the use of desktop assessments, and the ongoing appeal review process.

The board meeting addressed a public hearing regarding a proposed memorial designation application. A proclamation was adopted to designate the month as Welfare Fraud Awareness Month in the county. Additionally, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments concerning concerns over recent property tax re-evaluations, with residents expressing dissatisfaction regarding perceived inaccuracies in property valuation and the resulting potential tax burdens.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and prayers, focusing on events in Israel. Key discussions involved the approval of consent items, transitioning into the Bladen County Water District Board of Directors business where a final adjusting change order for the Kamores water extension project, covering extensions along Spring Branch Road, Pretty Hall Road, Palm Loop, and Highway 87, was approved. Updates were provided on water quality, noting that certain wells require filtration systems due to high phosphate levels. The Fire Services representative detailed the receipt of $25,000 from a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grant to conduct a commodity flow study, including tracking materials via roads, rail, pipelines, and potentially air traffic, to enhance emergency response planning. Discussions also covered the reimbursement from CSX for costs associated with a railroad tie fire response. Furthermore, schedules for various advisory boards, including the Community Child Protection Team and the Aging Advisory Committee, were addressed, with some nominations tabled pending final member selection. An update on trash collection sites noted completion at multiple locations, and the status of fire hydrant repairs was reviewed, with 14 currently out of service. Finally, the board scheduled a special joint meeting with the Board of Education and a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 department budget requests.