Virginia Campbell

The meeting agenda included consideration of several consent items: the January 5, 2026, minutes; Revised Commissioners Rules of Procedure; FY26 Budget Amendment #7; Releases, Adjustments, Refunds and Tax Collection Report; Annual Report of Unpaid Taxes that are Liens on Real Property; Updates to Advisory Boards for 2026; Surplus and Sale of a Weapon to Captain James Arnold for $1; and Modification of Lease with Triangle North Hangar 1, LLC. The meeting also scheduled public hearings for Request for Rezoning 25-REZ-03, and covered appointments, board, manager, and clerk comments, before proceeding to a closed session.

The key discussions during the meeting focused on supporting Operation Green Light to honor Franklin County veterans, including the reading of a corresponding proclamation. The consent agenda required special attention; while most items were approved as a block, the Franklin Deed Modification item concerning the removal of an alcohol restriction on a privately owned property near Franklin Middle School was separated for individual discussion and vote due to commissioner concerns regarding its proximity to the school. Another significant item addressed was a change order request for the public safety radio system, requiring additional funding of $93,160 for extra services provided by the vendor for coverage testing remediation. Additionally, a grant opportunity for a Cybersecurity Position totaling approximately $243,270 over three years was reviewed as essential infrastructure protection. During public comments, a request was made for the county to donate a surplus ambulance for use as an equipment truck for search and rescue operations.

The meeting began with a season of prayer and the pledge of allegiance. The Board addressed the consent agenda, approving several items including releases, adjustments, refunds, the Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures, and the Youngsville Rescue & EMS MOU, though the Revised Commissioners Rules of Procedure were tabled for a later date. Public hearings were held for a Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendment (25-UDO-02), which was approved, and a Special Use Permit request (25-SUP-03) for a Commercial Parking Facility/Truck Yard, which was also approved subject to certain conditions. In action items, the Board recommended awarding three firms—Appian Consulting Engineers, PA, KCI Associates of NC, PA, and WithersRavenel, Inc.—contracts for on-call professional engineering services for a three-year term. The meeting concluded with Chair Recognition, Board/Manager/Clerk comments, and a closed session to discuss matters including attorney-client privileged communication and personnel issues. Upon returning to open session, the Board denied County Change Order 005 (Williams Communications, Inc.).

The meeting commenced with a season of prayer. Key discussion points included the removal of agenda item F from the consent agenda for further research. The board approved the remaining consent agenda items. During the public comments segment, the Chair noted an extensive list of speakers, exceeding the allotted time, but decided to hear all speakers while requesting brevity. Dr. Nikia Hardy, the new Superintendent for Franklin County Schools, introduced herself, outlined her 90-day focus on listening and relationship building, and emphasized the connection between school success and community vitality. Several citizens voiced strong concerns regarding agenda item 1G, which proposes removing four longstanding advisory boards: the Historic Preservation Commission, Economic Development Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Solid Waste Education Task Force, arguing against their placement on the consent agenda due to the controversial nature of dissolving public involvement. Further public concerns focused on a planned zone change affecting agricultural land, water resource management in relation to residential expansion, and a general lack of transparency in recent decision-making processes, including access to meeting minutes. A resident also specifically advocated for keeping the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board due to its role in grant writing, community voice, and continuity. Another resident raised significant concerns regarding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding with Lake Royale community concerning policing services and urged tabling the matter until after the July board elections.

The meeting agenda included several consent items such as the approval of the January 5, 2026, and February 2, 2026, minutes, revisions to the Commissioners Rules of Procedure, FY26 Budget Amendment #7, the Annual Report of Unpaid Taxes, updates to Advisory Boards for 2026, and a surplus weapon sale to Captain James Arnold. Discussions also covered the modification of a lease with Triangle North Hangar 1, LLC, and an Interlocal Agreement with Youngsville Elementary School. A public hearing was held regarding a request for rezoning 990.78 acres from Agricultural Residential (AR) to Residential 8 (R-8). The board addressed appointments, including Chairman appointments and the reappointment of a member to the Bunn Planning Board ETJ. The session concluded with discussions in closed session regarding attorney-client privileged communication, industry/economic development, real property, and contracts.