Ashley Dial

The key discussion topic involved the Director's Comments, noting that the County Board Staff will attend a conference hosted by the North Carolina Association of Elections Directors (NCADE) from March 24-26, 2025, in Durham, NC. The meeting opened with prayer and the pledge of Allegiance.

Key discussions during the meeting included the adoption of the agenda and approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered items such as the North Carolina Pending Refund Report for December, an amended settlement project ordinance for the Hoke County Opioid Settlement Fund, the Senior Services PEAS Contract, the acceptance of the EV Charger Grant Agreement, approval for FFE and AV at the Hoke Justice Center, and budget amendments for several departments. The Tax Administrator presented reports, and the Board approved a tax value reduction request for Silver Grove Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church. The Sheriff's Office received approval to surplus a weapon and magazines to a retiring officer. The Board also approved funding of $75,000, with authorization for up to an additional $25,000, for the America 250th Commemoration event proposal for a July 3-4 celebration. The meeting was recessed to discuss an impending winter storm, with the Board reconvening later to declare a State of Emergency and approve the closure of county government offices on Monday due to hazardous weather conditions.

The meeting included a review of numerous previous board meeting minutes, which were subsequently approved. Key discussions involved an update on the Jefferson Protest, noting its progression to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. The Board was informed about the intent of the North Carolina Board Members Association to reconvene and the associated $125 membership fee. Furthermore, the Director provided updates on the completion of the Wellness Check with the State Board of Elections and reported on the successful completion of the Certification Exam by two staff members, resulting in new certifications and one impending title change.

The meeting agenda included an opening prayer, a public comment session, and a consent agenda which covered the approval of minutes from the December 15, 2025 meeting and setting the next meeting date for February 23, 2026. Key discussion topics for the session included an update on Child Care, a presentation regarding Medicaid Expansion Overtime, and the Director's Presentation.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions during the public comment period included a request for tax reassessment on a property and an appeal for immediate action on the long-delayed animal shelter project. A public hearing was held for a rezoning application (RZ-25-3) submitted by Raeford Development/Rhetson Companies to rezone a portion of RA-20 to Highway Commercial (HC) for economic development purposes; the Planning Board's recommendation for approval was presented, and the Board unanimously approved the rezoning request after hearing from the applicant. The Consent Agenda included the approval of the December 15, 2025, minutes, a Memorandum of Agreement for Opioid Settlement Funds expenditure, and budget amendments for Animal Control, Register of Deeds, and the Courthouse Project. The Sheriff's Office presented a budget amendment and the Axon contract for body-worn cameras and related equipment, both of which were approved. The Board also unanimously approved an Eagle Scout service project proposal involving the construction and installation of informational posts in the Community Forest. Finally, the County Manager recognized the Health Director for successfully completing her Doctorate in Public Health.