Nicole Sutton

The Board held a public hearing for the FY 2026-2027 budget and formally adopted the budget ordinance and fee schedule. Other key items included the approval of a multi-year lease agreement between the Board of Education and Apple, Inc., funding recommendations for the Home and Community Care Block Grant, and multiple budget amendments for solid waste operations, park utility and maintenance costs, and waste removal at a mobile home park. The Board also approved a Public School Building Capital Fund application for debt service and authorized the upset bid process for the sale of several county-owned real properties.

The Board of Commissioners conducted a budget work session to review various department budgets including public buildings, Sheriff, emergency services, animal services, inspections, transportation, environmental health, solid waste, and soil conservation. Key actions included the approval of a five-year body camera lease contract for the Sheriff's office, setting a closure schedule for convenience sites, authorizing repairs for fire department equipment, and allocating funds for Convention Center advertising. The Board also conducted a detailed review and appropriation of the Craven County Schools and Community College budgets, including specific capital projects and personnel staffing matters. A closed session was held to address personnel matters and salaries before the meeting was recessed to a future date.

The board conducted a comprehensive budget work session for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics included a line-by-line review of budget highlights, revenue trends, fee changes, and capital improvement plan investments in schools, community college, and county services. The board discussed fund balance appropriations for various external agencies, municipal projects, and internal county departments, including salary adjustments and facility improvements. Specific deliberations were held regarding the Pre-K modular renovations, funding requests for school facilities, and potential changes to ABC Board appointment regulations. Additionally, the board reviewed the General Fund balance analysis and discussed next steps for the proposed budget ordinance.

The Board of Commissioners addressed several departmental matters including budget amendments for the Sheriff's office for inmate medical expenses, the Register of Deeds, Water Department inventory, the acquisition and reimbursement resolution for the Martin Drive facility, and funding for a grant writer. Additionally, the Board approved an updated Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan, a resolution for the Cypress Bay Living Shoreline Project, and an industrial park improvement project ordinance amendment. The Board also authorized opioid settlement fund spending for FY 2026-2027, amended personnel resolutions regarding retiree health coverage, made several board and committee appointments, and adopted a proclamation recognizing Independence Day.

The meeting focused on a comprehensive review of the recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussion topics included a financial overview of current revenues, challenges in developing the balanced budget, and concerns regarding declines in revenue from the ABC Board and Medicaid Hold Harmless funds. The Board reviewed capital improvement plans, fee schedules, and funding requests for rescue squads and various special appropriations. Additionally, the Board discussed structural changes, including the creation of a new Budget Department, updates to departmental staffing, and reviewed specific budget line items for county departments, libraries, and public infrastructure projects.