By Blake Proctor
On Monday, June 15th, The Bladen County Board of Commissioners met in the Superior Courtroom, limited to twenty-two attendees to ensure social distancing; other citizens were encouraged to be present via conference call. Commissioner Russell Priest was excused.
Following the standard prayer-and-pledge opening of the meeting, the Board unanimously approved a ten-item Consent Agenda, which this month included such minor items as prior meeting minutes; budget amendments, invoices, and tax releases; and, two minor memoranda of agreement.
Getting down to business, Chairman Ray Britt called a public hearing to receive comments on a request for a property located at 931 Chickenfoot Road in Tar Heel; the request was to rezone this property from R-A, Rural Agricultural to C, Commercial. Planning Director Greg Elkins presented a recommendation for approval of this request from the Planning Board. Following the public hearing, a motion to approve the rezoning passed unanimously.
Nathan Dowless, the County’s Emergency Services Director, came before the Board to update them with just-received information on a new grant program of Rebuild NC called the Homeowner Recovery Program. It is designed to assist homeowners in recovering from damage left behind by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. This is a direct assistance program between homeowners and the NC Office of Resiliency and Recovery, who will be managing some $1 billion through Build NC. For information and assistance, applicants should email communications@rebuild.nc.gov
Clarkton Mayor Tim Tart appeared before the Commission to inform them that Clarkton was in need of funding assistance to fully pay for their summer recreation program; they have $15,000 and are requesting the Board’s consideration of a $5,800 match. The Commission approved this request on a unanimous vote.
During Matters of Interest to Commissioners, Commissioner Munn-Goins notified the Board that the mosquito infestation in the East Arcadia area has become intolerable, and that there was a dire need for spraying and the use of tablets for still (pond) waters as well. Chairman Britt informed the entire Board that it is intended to begin both spraying and smoking this very week.
Tax Administrator Renee Davis presented bids for the purchase of two County-owned properties located off Highway 242 South and off Buddy’s Drive. The Commission unanimously approved selling the first property for a bid of $1,000 and the second property for $4,740.
The eleven-month Financial Dashboard describing the County’s financial condition as of the end of May was presented by Finance Officer Lisa Coleman. She pointed out that the County has received $560,000 more than budgeted for property taxes; local option sales tax revenues, however, are well below expected budget levels. General Fund receipts are 3.5% under expectations prior to considering the effects of Covid19. On the other hand, the County’s General Expenditures are running 1.5% less than revenues, thereby providing a cushion going into the final month of the Fiscal Year.
Dr. Terri Duncan, Director of Bladen County Health & Human Services, provided an update regarding the effects of Covid19 in the county. She informed the Board that the total cases in the county currently stand at 196, with 64 active cases, two deaths, and 130 having recovered. She said that we are still in Phase 2 throughout the State, and that we should continue to wear masks, wash our hands often, and maintain our social distancing.
Computer Operations Director Robin Hewitt updated the Board on the status of the new telephone system by informing them of the potential $40,000 annual Return on Investment that could accrue during the four-to-five-year term of the financing.
He then requested the Board’s approval of two agreements with Star Communications for Metro Ethernet Service for both Bladen County Government and Bladen County Emergency Medical Services. Under the two new contracts, the County will be paying $724 per month versus the current $1,440, a savings of $716 each month. The Commissioners unanimously approved both contracts.
In what proved in the end to be somewhat more contentious than would normally be the case, the Commission addressed thirty-nine appointments to thirteen various Advisory Boards, including fifteen appointments to seven Fire Districts.
All expiring members of these boards were unanimously reappointed, except for those of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. In 5-to-3 votes, with Commissioners Bullock, Cogdell, and Munn-Goins voting nay, Connie Holland replaced Doretta Inman, Phillip Little replaced Jimmy Smith, and Alton Marshburn replaced Larry Hayes.
County Manager Greg Martin reviewed the activities and meeting calendar with the Commissioners. In an update regarding the Coronavirus Relief Fund, Mr. Martin advised the Commission that the County has sought reimbursement from the State for $872,398 for funds expended in response to the Covid19 threat throughout the county..
Of this, $292,338 will be shared with the seven towns and the 14 volunteer fire departments; another $50,000 has been earmarked for grants and loans to small businesses in the county. He presented aa agreement template for the 21 “subgrantees” – the towns and VFDs – that they will need to adopt to participate in the grant award. On a unanimous vote, the Commission approved the agreement.
At the last meeting, Mr. Martin informed the Board that the Courts did not need the additional space afforded by the Elizabethtown Middle School gymnasium for courtrooms in order to catch up after being closed for Covid19. He has been contacted and the court administrators now feel that they may be able to make use of that facility.
The final item on the agenda was consideration and adoption of the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. There was discussion, in light of an EMS vehicle recently broken down on the side of the road, of the very obvious need for more than one new ambulance. On a motion by Commissioner Peterson, with a second by Commissioner Munn-Goins, the Board voted unanimously to place a second ambulance in the budget. On a final motion by Commissioner Peterson, accompanied by another second from Commissioner Munn-Goins, the amended budget document was unanimously adopted.
Following that adoption, the Commission adjourned at 7:54p.m.
About Author
