Christy Ferguson

The meeting commenced with public comments regarding concerns about the swales in the stormwater plan. The consent agenda, including departmental reports, was approved. Discussions followed regarding the appointment of a commissioner to the Audit Committee, with a consensus reached to delay the selection until February and have staff draft an ordinance change concerning committee composition. The Board unanimously selected McGill as the engineering firm for the stormwater project, directing staff to expedite contract preparation, despite public concerns about the swale designs. Unanimous approval was given to select Elevation A as the stage design, directing staff to move forward, taking into consideration the stormwater permit thresholds. Resolutions recognizing the 100th anniversary of the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association and amending the recycling fee schedule were also approved. Discussion was held on studying paid parking enforcement dates. During the Town Manager's report, updates were given on the Block Q restrooms, the Hazard Mitigation Plan, Halstead Park pier closure, and upcoming employee departures. The Mayor and Commissioners provided comments, concluding with a closed session to consult with the attorney and discuss personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and a conflict-of-interest check. Key public comments focused on the potential removal of the pier and the transfer of funds to the Beach and Inlet Capital Reserve Fund, with differing opinions on the timing and necessity of the transfer. A significant portion of the meeting involved the presentation of the draft Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Results, which showed an unmodified (clean) opinion, though the Water Sewer Fund reported an operating loss of $535,000 that requires explanation to the Local Government Commission. The annual monitoring report results regarding beach nourishment, shoreline change, and inlet health were reviewed. Department reports covered police activities, inspections data, and finance clarifications regarding the audit findings. The Town Manager provided updates on several capital projects including the Greensboro Street Lift Station, Block Q Restrooms, Ocean Boulevard Stormwater, and the Resilient Coastal Communities Program. The Board discussed the decision to postpone bringing forward a revised Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Block Q, Jordan Boulevard, and Bridge Area update until the new Board is seated. Finally, the Board unanimously approved a resolution adding the Town Manager to the bank card, and after considerable discussion regarding funding goals and restrictions, the Board approved a resolution to transfer $4 million from the BPART Fund into the Beach and Inlet Capital Reserve Fund by a 3-2 vote. Public comments at the end touched upon road grading, pier bond referendum results, inlet erosion, and community assistance efforts.

The Board of Commissioners meeting involved the approval of an amended agenda, following the removal of the audit contract extension item. Key discussions included the election of a new Mayor Pro Tempore and the election of an executive secretary (deferred). The Board discussed and approved the 2026 meeting schedule and subsequently voted on the Rules of Procedure, adopting a modified version of Attachment 2. Department reports were presented covering Police, Inspections, Finance (including the submitted audit), and Public Works activities. Operational approvals included the adoption of Resolution 25-09 for updating the Truist signature card and Resolution 25-10 for closing referendum items. The Board approved a path forward for the Block Q stage area project, and approved the purchase of playground equipment, necessitating a budget amendment to accelerate the project timeline. Additionally, the Board accepted the Fifth Amendment to the Solid Waste agreement, which included a 3% rate increase effective January 2026, and adopted Resolution 25-11 opposing the Fuquay-Varina Interbasin Transfer. The meeting concluded with a closed session to consult with the attorney.

The resolution certifies and declares the results of a special bond referendum regarding the issuance of $7,300,000 general obligation public improvement bonds. The referendum question asked voters to approve additional property taxes to finance the demolition and construction of a new pier. The results of the vote were not in favor of the bond issuance.

The Mayor and Board of Commissioners of the Town of Holden Beach, North Carolina, ordained that Ordinance No. 25-11 appropriating funds for fiscal year 2025-2026 be amended. The amendment includes increasing the fund balance appropriated and increasing expenditures for Rothschild & Davis Park. The Finance Officer is authorized to ensure compliance with the Local Government Fiscal Control Act and Governmental Accounting Standards Board. This amendment is effective December 16, 2025.