Rachel Clark

The board meeting was held for the purpose of filling the vacancy in the office of Sheriff. Key discussion and action items included the approval of the surety bond and related bond instruments for the new Sheriff, the formal appointment of John Robert Nyberg as the new Sheriff of Carteret County, and the administration of the required oaths of office.

The board meeting included the recognition of employees of the month for the second quarter, covering departments such as social services, planning and development, and the tax office. Public comments addressed the need for disaggregated data for senior citizens at the Leon Mann Center and provided information on upcoming patriotic community events and area cleanups. Additionally, a public hearing was held regarding a request to rename a street on Harkers Island, which was subsequently approved by the board.

The Board of Commissioners discussed various administrative and financial matters, including the approval of multiple budget amendments for fire departments, occupancy taxes, social services, and capital projects. Key actions included the renewal of service agreements for detention center food services, information technology software, and insurance coverage. The Board conducted public hearings regarding proposed road name changes and updates to county ordinances on outdoor burning. Additionally, the Board received a presentation on the recommended Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and honored the retiring Sheriff for his years of service. Several appointments were made to various county boards and commissions, and the meeting concluded with updates from the County Manager.

The board conducted a quasi-judicial hearing regarding an administrative appeal for a property in Newport, NC, where a landscaping business was operating in a residential district. Following testimony from the property owner and neighbors, the board voted unanimously to uphold the planning department's determination that the use of the property as a contractor's storage yard violated the county zoning ordinance.

The commission held a meeting to review a subdivision variance request and a preliminary plan extension request. The variance request regarding a setback requirement at 106 Academy Lane was approved based on findings of unnecessary hardship. Additionally, the commission reviewed a request for a one-year extension of the preliminary plan approval for Phase 2 of the White Oak Shores Campground.