Lexan Blanchard

The meeting included updates from the Sheriff's Office on overdoses, drug enforcement, and internet crimes against children. The PORT team provided updates on substance use prevention education and the first full year of the program's implementation. The CHNA report was presented, highlighting priority health needs in the county. Health Department updates covered environmental health, animal control, nursing, health education, PORT, and dental services. DSS updates included economic services, adult services, and child welfare. The Consolidated Human Services Director reported on reductions in overdoses and the opening of the Carolina Wellness Center Sea-level.

The meeting included updates on the PORT program, including the transition to the Goldie platform and responses to overdose calls. There was also a discussion about a potential drug trend involving pressed pills containing carfentanil. The Health Department budget for fiscal year 2026 was presented, covering various departments and proposed projects, including continued flooring replacement and interior painting. The DSS budget for fiscal year 2026 was presented, including budget segments, funding sources, and requests for position reclassifications and a replacement vehicle. The board also discussed bad debt write-offs, health department updates, DSS updates, potential cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, and community water fluoridation.

The meeting included updates on the Bogue Inlet Spring survey, which indicated the inlet remains fairly stable, and the ACOE dredge Merritt's work on opening the Western Channel outer bar. The annual Spring Bogue Banks survey revealed that Bogue Banks beaches have gained sand over the past year. Additional discussions covered CBRA in Bogue Inlet, the FEMA Reform Act of 2025, and occupancy tax collections for June.

The meeting included discussions on adopting the agenda, approving the consent agenda, and a public comment session where concerns were raised about the county's ADA transition plan and the need for an evaluation. Another commenter shared thoughts on the death of Charlie Kirk and the gatherings held in remembrance. Additionally, there was a presentation seeking county staff support for a FEMA hazard mitigation grant program to fund residential elevations in Carter County. A public hearing was held regarding a request to rezone a parcel on Morris Road in Swansboro from Rural Agricultural District to Plan Mobile Home District, addressing concerns about traffic, safety, and road conditions.

The meeting included discussions regarding Bogue Inlet, with Jordan Hennessey from EJE Dredging presenting the capabilities of the dredge "Ms. Katie" and potential services for the inlet. The commission considered dredging Bogue Inlet to a depth of 10'+2' and decided to solicit engineering bids for the permitting of this project. Ryan Davenport provided the CBRA for Bogue Inlet and mentioned that a total of $1,895,113.89 of Occupancy Tax was collected in July, an increase from the previous year.