Tara S. Frazier

The public hearing was convened to receive public comments regarding the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. A summary of the total proposed budget of $26,427,900 was presented, broken down into General Fund, Water and Sewer Funds, and other funds. A member of the public recommended the implementation of a comparison tool to analyze the annual audit and budget to identify financial trends.

The Board discussed various business items, including the lease renewal for the ABC Store and the adoption of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget ordinance. Key agenda topics included the appointment of a new Tax Collector, the approval of a temporary lease agreement for the Odell Williamson Airport Fixed Base Operation, and the review of facility rental policies. The Board also reviewed Group Activity Applications for events such as the OIB Summer Market Series, the Run OIB Road Race, the NC Oyster Festival, and the 9/11 Memorial Honor Tribute. Additionally, the Board addressed contract amendments for the ABC Store expansion project, the 3-year contract extension with GFL Environmental LLC for waste collection, and a new contract for East End dredging and erosion mitigation. Finally, the Board discussed potential amendments to the operating hours and parking regulations for Town Center Park.

The meetings covered multiple administrative and development items. Key discussions included the review of a sketch plan for a Planned Unit Development for The Cottages at Ocean Isle Beach, the approval of a 2026 Sea Turtle Monitoring Contract, and a resolution opposing state legislation limiting local property tax authority. The board addressed the proposed Jinks Creek maintenance dredging project and proposed amendments to the flood damage prevention ordinance. Additionally, group activity applications for a flyball tournament and a beach sweep were approved, along with a services agreement for a pay and classification study and personnel policy rewrite.

The board discussed a proposed text amendment to the Town's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. The revision is necessary to ensure compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program standards and NC General Statute 160D. The amendment will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for further review and the scheduling of a future public hearing.

The board meeting agenda includes a summary of actions taken by the Board of Commissioners and a dedicated period for public comments. The primary item of new business is the review of a Sketch Plan for a Planned Unit Development known as The Cottages at Ocean Isle Beach, consisting of 71 single-family lots on 14.39 acres, which includes requirements for open space allocation and utility service arrangements.