Chris Murray

The Board discussed and approved various budget amendments, including those for fire departments and GASB 87 accounting entries. The Board authorized several actions, including insurance contracts with NCACC, a fee schedule for the upcoming fiscal year, an interim budget, and a firework display schedule. Additionally, the Board established broad authorizations related to employee salary adjustments, capital reserve transfers, vendor selection for courthouse HVAC and jail camera replacements, and reauthorization of the county finance policy. A public comment period was held regarding the budget, health department services, and school support, while a formal public hearing on the tax rate was postponed due to a legislative moratorium.

The meeting focused on the review of current budget projections and the development of the General Fund budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussion topics included salary pay studies for Sheriff's Office deputies, jail contract service increases, capital improvements for the jail lock system, and funding allocations for the Rescue Squad. The Board evaluated various non-mandated department expenses to minimize costs and deliberated on revenue predictions, cost-of-living adjustments, building security funding, and the property tax rate, ultimately resolving to set the tax rate at $0.52 per $100 in value for the next fiscal year.

The meeting focused on budget deliberations and legislative updates. Key topics included discussions on Senate Bills SB889 and SB474, property revaluation, and budgetary constraints related to a potential moratorium. The board reviewed revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year, department funding priorities, capital improvements, and options to minimize expenses for non-mandated departments. The board ultimately authorized the Finance Officer to prepare necessary budget amendments for an interim budget.

The board meeting covered several critical topics including accreditation benchmarks, the appointment of vacancies to the Advisory Board of Health, and the strategic plan review. Discussions included updates on ARPA region funding, the delay of Medicaid transformation, and operational updates within the Health Department. Key performance metrics were shared regarding clinic appointment increases and billing issues identified during a family planning audit. The board also reviewed communicable disease trends, community outreach activities, and environmental health updates.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the FY 2025-2026 budget, addressing community concerns about funding for the Pamlico County Rescue Squad. The board approved the final budget ordinance and fee schedule, which included increased funding for the rescue squad and changes to the sheriff's department vehicle budget. Additional actions included approving various budget amendments for the water department and other county offices, authorizing a voting system replacement for the Board of Elections, and making appointments to the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board and the Trillium Health Board. Furthermore, the board approved change orders for the EOC/911 Dispatch-OCA Building Project, a salary increase for a staff member, and the scheduling of future public hearings for solar and wind energy ordinances.