Craven County

The Board of Commissioners discussed several agenda items, including the acceptance of an FAA grant agreement for the replacement of the airport air traffic control tower. The board approved amendments to procurement policies and the drug and alcohol testing policy as required by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved the budget amendment and reimbursement resolution for the Sudan Property Redevelopment Project, which includes structure demolition, historic preservation requirements, and the creation of a new parking facility.

The meeting commenced with procedural steps including a role call, prayer, and pledge of allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda. A public hearing was opened and subsequently closed concerning the Community Economic Development Block Grant Economic Development Program application, which seeks up to $2.5 million for site preparation and development related to HDPE's expansion at 1140 Clarks, aiming to create 30 jobs, and also involving the completion of a circle road around Clark's Road. The Board approved repair and renovation projects for the Craven County Board of Education totaling $256,371, funded through the North Carolina lottery repair and renovations fund, covering HVAC control upgrades at several schools and new HVAC units for WJ Garganis five and Roger Bell Academy. The consent agenda, which included approving minutes from the January 20th regular session and February 16th special session, tax releases and refunds, and a budget amendment, was approved. Under departmental matters, the Board approved a resolution allowing the county to submit the CDBG Economic Development application. A budget amendment was approved for school capital outlay funding to offset an overage in the Havlock High School boiler replacement project using savings from the Vance Farm Life HVAC project. Appointments were made, including the appointment by acclamation of Mr. Shane Digan to the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Additionally, the County Attorney presented several surplus property transactions requiring resolutions for initial offers to purchase properties in Newburn (requiring subsequent upset bid processes) and final conveyance approvals for properties where upset bids expired.

The meeting agenda included several key items. The commissioners recognized Yula May Gooding on her 100th birthday via resolution. They adopted a new Recreational Vehicle Park Ordinance after holding the required public hearing. Approval was sought for an updated drug and alcohol policy for CARTS, which incorporated changes mandated by NC DOT and Integrated Mobility Division compliance review. The board considered the renewal of disaster debris removal contracts with Series Environmental Services and Phillips Environmental, including CPI increases for both. Additionally, the board addressed the one-year renewal for disaster debris monitoring contracts with Tetratech and Thompson Consulting, with Tetratech requesting a CPI increase. A budget amendment request from the water department was presented to add an Administrative Officer I position due to significant population growth and increased operational workload since 2016.

The special meeting convened to conduct three public hearings related to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications. The first hearing was a general public hearing concerning the anticipated submission of applications or amendments to the CDBG program. The second public hearing addressed the intent to apply for CDBG Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) grant funds totaling $1,800,000, proposed for purchasing equipment, such as defibrillators and coveralls, for various EMS and fire departments to support COVID-19 response efforts. The third public hearing concerned amending the current 2021 CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG-NR) grant to request additional funds for public services, including nature park improvements and non-COVID related EMS equipment. Separately, the board received the presentation of the 2025 fiscal year annual audit results, which included general comments, an unmodified clean opinion on the financial statements, and the discussion of a single compliance finding (2025-001). Key financial metrics presented included a General Fund balance available as a percentage of expenditures of 34.79% and property tax collection at 99.29%. The presenters also highlighted the required implementation of Gatsby Statement number 103 in fiscal year 2026.

The meeting began with the swearing-in of new Commissioner Mr. Tim Mason for District One. Key discussion items included a public hearing regarding the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Land Use Plan, which was subsequently opened and closed without public comment, followed by a presentation on the plan's details, framework for future growth, and CAMA certification requirements. The board then approved the consent agenda, which covered minutes from previous sessions, tax releases, and a planning request concerning Innovation Way for the secondary road system. Following this, the board approved the adoption of the CAMA land use plan and recognized Craven County for achieving a Community Rating System Class 7 rating for outstanding flood plane management. The county attorney presented an item regarding registering a standing objection to the waiver/remission of court costs and fees to protect revenue sources for the school system. Additionally, Emergency Services sought approval for the purchase of a used fire truck by Co City Volunteer Fire and Rescue, funded through fundraising and the sale of an older truck. A budget amendment was also approved to transfer proceeds from land sales at the industrial park into the capital reserve fund to support economic development projects.