The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met on Monday and approved an interlocal agreement with Onslow County.
The agreement allows the county to house prisoners in Onslow County. Bladen County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jeff Singletary told the board that Bladen County’s Jail is overcrowded and the overflow currently goes to Sampson County and other neighboring locations.
Singletary said Onslow County has recently opened a jail. He said that if the county cannot house inmates at a facility closer to Bladen County, the agreement would allow them to house them in Onslow County. He said occasionally there may be space in the Columbus County Jail.
Singletary also noted that Onslow County uses the same medical provider as Bladen County while Sampson County does not. The cost to house a prisoner at another facility if $50 per day, according to Singletary.
In other business, the board voted to reappointed Albert Beatty and Dan Ward to the Bladen County Agriculture Districts Committee and to reappoint Franklin Graham and Warren Dale Graham to the Watershed Review Board.
Also, Bladen County Manager Greg Martin presented the calendar update to the board.
Martin also updated the board about changes to the State Employees Health Plan that will take place in January. He said that beginning in January, local governments will have to charge their employees the same rate as the state employees. Martin said the cost to each employee will be $15.
Martin also presented the board an amendment to the Rules of Procedure for the Bladen County Board of Commissioners. The amendment states that only matters of business that appear on the agenda may be acted upon. No formal action will be taken on items not appearing on the agenda but Martin said exceptions can be made in the event of an emergency. The board approved the amendment.
Martin presented to the board proposals related to the Lock and Dam No. 2 and No. 3 fish ladder construction. He said the proposal to be submitted to the NC Division of Water Resources requesting the agency consider budgeting $840,000 for the project in its next budget cycle. The second proposal will be submitted to the Smithfield Environmental Grant for fund for construction up to $500,000. The commissioners approved both items.
The board also met in a closed session to consider personnel matters. When the board reconvened in open session, they voted to increase salaries for paramedics, their supervisor and training officer be increased based on a recommendation by the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments.
About Author
