Jason Atkinson

The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included a debate over the cost and logistics of multiple early voting sites, with concerns raised about the $65,000+ estimated cost for a primary election in an off-year, contrasted with citizen struggles to pay small tax bills. A motion to approve consent items was passed after clarification regarding an employee's residency waiver. The Commissioners also discussed accessibility issues at the Board of Elections building concerning handicap parking and entranceways, which was referred to staff for resolution. Additionally, the Emergency Medical Services Director reported on plans to apply for Community Development Block Grant COVID funding, totaling nearly $650,000, to update capital equipment such as stretchers, power load systems, CPR devices, and transport ventilators. A public hearing was scheduled to receive comments regarding this grant opportunity. Finally, the Board entered an executive session as the Bladen County Water District Board of Directors to discuss ongoing water quality issues in the Lisbon/Bluefield areas, including low pressure from an offline well and transitioning phosphate chemical feeds to address iron and bacteria buildup in the water system.

The board meeting addressed a public hearing regarding a proposed memorial designation application. A proclamation was adopted to designate the month as Welfare Fraud Awareness Month in the county. Additionally, a significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments concerning concerns over recent property tax re-evaluations, with residents expressing dissatisfaction regarding perceived inaccuracies in property valuation and the resulting potential tax burdens.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and prayers, focusing on events in Israel. Key discussions involved the approval of consent items, transitioning into the Bladen County Water District Board of Directors business where a final adjusting change order for the Kamores water extension project, covering extensions along Spring Branch Road, Pretty Hall Road, Palm Loop, and Highway 87, was approved. Updates were provided on water quality, noting that certain wells require filtration systems due to high phosphate levels. The Fire Services representative detailed the receipt of $25,000 from a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grant to conduct a commodity flow study, including tracking materials via roads, rail, pipelines, and potentially air traffic, to enhance emergency response planning. Discussions also covered the reimbursement from CSX for costs associated with a railroad tie fire response. Furthermore, schedules for various advisory boards, including the Community Child Protection Team and the Aging Advisory Committee, were addressed, with some nominations tabled pending final member selection. An update on trash collection sites noted completion at multiple locations, and the status of fire hydrant repairs was reviewed, with 14 currently out of service. Finally, the board scheduled a special joint meeting with the Board of Education and a special meeting to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 department budget requests.

The meeting included several public hearings concerning grant opportunities, specifically regarding a Community Development Grant Opportunity and a proposed 5-year incentive grant for Project Mermaid Text. Key agenda items included approvals for consent items, recognition of employees for years of service, and acknowledgment of three retirements (Brenda Thompson, Wanda Monroe, and Lisa Nance) from various departments. Economic development discussions focused on approving a standard 5-year incentive agreement for Vector USA, an engineering solutions company establishing its first US facility to manufacture oyster float beds and medical-grade plastics. The Department of Social Services presented on HR1 revisions affecting Medicaid and SNAP benefits, noting a projected decrease in federal reimbursement for food and nutrition administration starting October 2026.

The board meeting included a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in honor of the 911 staff of the Bladen County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the board held a public comment session during which citizens raised concerns regarding property valuations and the appeal process following a recent county-wide revaluation. Commissioners addressed questions about the revaluation methodology, the use of desktop assessments, and the ongoing appeal review process.