Daniel Buck

The Board of Commissioners conducted a meeting covering multiple administrative and operational items. Key actions included the adoption of proclamations for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Stalking Awareness Month, and the official naming of Armstrong Crossing. The Board approved the 2027 essential single-family rehabilitation program agreement, accepted bids for a neighborhood revitalization project, and updated the 2026 legislative needs list to include a new sports complex. Additionally, the Board established the date for the upcoming budget retreat, approved a plaque for the airport terminal building, authorized a budget amendment for EMS/QRV services, and conducted a second reading of a fraud prevention policy. Reports were provided on DSS operations and finance statistics for the fiscal year.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the 2023 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project for additional funds. The Board approved the agenda, tax refunds, and releases. There was a segment for public input, covering topics such as volunteer programs, campground buffer regulations, and community improvement guidance. The Board adopted proclamations of appreciation for community warming stations and incident command staff for their roles during a recent winter storm. Additionally, the Board recognized three county employees for being named to a young professionals list.

The board meeting included the adoption of a proclamation for Teen Dating Awareness Month and the presentation of retirement plaques to employees of the Department of Social Services. The board approved the monthly report for the Department of Social Services, authorized an administrative services contract for the Southeast Regional Park project, and set public hearings for a CDBG-N project and a rezoning request on Midway Road. Additionally, the board approved various budget amendments, project ordinances, and departmental requisitions, and handled several board appointments and reappointments.

The meeting included a public comment session focusing on community strength, mental health, and collaboration. The Board approved several items, including a proclamation recognizing the Columbus County Barn Quilt Trail, a proclamation for the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the adoption of a 2025-2029 statewide locally coordinated transportation plan, the selection of a contractor for an Automated Weather Observation System at the airport, and the first reading of an internal fraud prevention policy. Additionally, the Board discussed and reviewed a performance bond for the Seven Rivers PUD development project.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the rezoning of a one-acre parcel on Midway Road to industrial to facilitate a data storage facility. Key actions included the adoption of a proclamation for National Vietnam War Veterans Day, approval of the Department of Social Services monthly administrative update, and the authorization of performance bonds for Seven Rivers PUB phase 1A and 1B. Furthermore, the board established a public hearing date for the Cottonwood phase 3 project, approved lottery funds for the Whiteville High School parking lot construction, and passed resolutions for the realignment of the NC904 and France Strickland intersection and profile corrections for Hallsboro Road. Finally, the board conducted a first reading of a new county credit card policy addressing fraud prevention and departmental issuance requirements.