Jamie Caudle

The meeting commenced with standard procedures including invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda and consent items. Discussion during consent items clarified that an approved item related to DEEQ project pump station repairs was a necessary 'doover.' During public appearances, representatives from South Piedmont Community College presented their annual budget for approval, noting a decrease in funding from Anson County for fiscal year 2026. Public address segments focused heavily on citizen concerns, including a significant water leak potentially caused by the installation of a stop sign, noise pollution from truck engine braking (Jake brakes) near Capable Dairy, excessive littering, and persistent issues with neighboring property nuisances (marijuana smoke, pests). The board noted that Jake brake sign requests would be directed to the Department of Transportation (DOT). A concerned resident also raised serious issues regarding the high turnover of the Veteran Service Officer position and questioned the level of county support and funding provided to veterans, including the allocation of opioid settlement funds. Another citizen advocated for increased law enforcement resources, specifically requesting the implementation of K9 patrol units, animal control, and increased budget support for the Sheriff's department. Finally, the Board approved appointments and reappointments to the Axe Advisory Board.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda and consent agenda were approved. Key discussion focused on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for housing projects. The Commissioners discussed shifting the focus for four properties from rehabilitation to reconstruction because the state Department of Commerce deemed the rehabilitation costs too close to reconstruction costs to be cost-effective. The board was asked to authorize the amendment process for the grant to allow for reconstruction. The potential for using manufactured housing as a lower-cost reconstruction option to potentially serve all five initially selected households was also reviewed. Ultimately, the board voted to amend the CDBG grant to allow for reconstruction instead of rehabilitation. The discussion also briefly touched upon the temporary relocation of residents during the reconstruction process and the availability of storage pods for their belongings. Later in the session, the E Anson Economic Development Corporation representative was scheduled to present.

The key discussion centered on recent payroll processing issues where some employees, particularly those banking with credit unions, did not receive their pay until Friday instead of the customary Thursday. The Board discussed that payroll was submitted on time according to ordinance (due Friday), but the timing of bank deposits caused frustration. Discussions included the complications arising from a large payroll involving manual entries for elections pay and state of emergency overtime, compounded by the finance director being on vacation and the person filling in not being regularly trained in payroll. A motion was made to investigate changing payroll services, though some commissioners suggested focusing instead on cross-training finance personnel to handle payroll emergencies, noting that the system locks out multiple users during processing. The need for better cross-training within the finance department to cover absences was strongly emphasized, especially since one staff member handles both HR and finance duties.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was approved, noting a recusal request for item 7B. The consent agenda was approved. Appearances included Representative Mark Brody, who discussed historical funding allocations for the Anson Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), noting concerns regarding a lack of progress on development projects like a shell building and sewer expansion, despite significant funding received. He requested the County return to prior funding levels for AEDC contingent upon establishing clear accountability measures and reporting requirements. Another appearance was made by James Shaver representing Congressman Mark Harris, providing an update on legislative activities, constituent case resolutions, and readiness to assist with IRS matters during tax season.

The meeting commenced with a note regarding the potential need to reschedule quasi-judicial hearings due to a quorum issue, although other agenda items could proceed. The board approved the agenda and the minutes from the January meeting, including a correction concerning an attendee's name. The primary focus was a legislative hearing for Zoning Map Amendment ZMA 26-01, a straight rezoning request for an 87.09-acre parcel from RA5 (Rural Agriculture 5) to RA1 (Rural Agriculture 1) to allow for subdivision into approximately 1-acre residential lots. Key discussion points included the parcel's location near the Wesboro ETJ, environmental features such as flood zones and wetlands, the need for public water extension as sewer is unavailable, and the proposal's consistency with surrounding zoning which features a mix of RA5, R20, and R40 zones. The applicant anticipated developing 5 to 10 lots, primarily in the front-to-middle third of the parcel. A public comment was received from an adjoining property owner expressing concerns about increased development and loss of quiet enjoyment. The Planning Department recommended approval, viewing the RA1 zoning as a logical transition between smaller lot residential areas near the town boundary and larger agricultural parcels. The board voted to recommend approval of ZMA 26-01 to the board of commissioners.