[0:11] Good evening everyone. At this time we're going to bring this meeting back

[0:14] to order. We're going to have the invocation by

[0:16] Commissioner Barbara Fetherston and the pledge of allegiance by Commissioner

[0:20] Coleman. Everyone will stand.

[0:26] » Dear God, thank you for another opportunity to come and to transact

[0:29] business of this county. Lord God, we ask that ask for your guidance and your

[0:34] vision as we go through this meeting tonight. Be with us, Lord. Bless this

[0:38] county, bless the residents of your name I pray and I thank you. Amen.

[0:42] » Amen. >> I pledge

[0:45] salute pledge >> pledge

[0:47] » I pledge allegiance to the flag

[0:50] of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one

[0:55] nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[1:02] » Yeah. >> I know the pledge of allegiance.

[1:06] » Item number five, motion approval agenda. We want to add on 7B,

[1:11] which is an adoption of the proclamation recognizing Miss

[1:15] Lilly Williams for her 100th birthday. Hear a motion to approve.

[1:21] Got a motion by Commissioner Fetherston, second by Commissioner Floyd. All in

[1:25] favor say I. All opposed. Item number six, board

[1:29] minutes approval of August 3rd, 2026 regular session.

[1:33] » I got a motion to approve. >> Motion by Commissioner Coleman.

[1:36] » Second. >> Second by Commissioner Floyd. All in

[1:39] favor say I. All opposed. Item number seven,

[1:42] proclamation. Adoption of the proclamation recognizing Dixie Central

[1:46] Columbus Ponytails runner-up in the 2026 World Series. Hear

[1:51] a motion. >> Motion to approve, Mr. Chairman.

[1:54] » Got a motion by Commissioner Bullard, second by Commissioner Smith. All in

[1:58] favor say I. >> I.

[2:00] » All opposed. All right, girls. Come on.

[2:06] Hey regular, come on.

[2:22] » I got these four young ladies with us here tonight who we are so proud of.

[2:26] And uh they're like my own daughter, you know,

[2:29] watching them play ball all season long that I really enjoyed watching and

[2:34] and how proud they make me look in it. Not just me, but

[2:38] everyone. But before we get started, announce your names again and the

[2:42] positions that you played.

[2:47] » Um my name's Parker and I play pitcher and third base.

[2:52] » My name's Jenna and I catch. >> Uh Lily Grace, outfield.

[2:57] » I'm Carmela and I play first base. >> Laken and I play center

[3:02] » Katie and I play shortstop. >> Kaylee and I play outfield.

[3:06] » Mia and I play first base and third base.

[3:09] » Paisley and I play outfield, first base and pitcher.

[3:12] » I'm Rylee and I play second, third. >> And you have Miss Rylee right there. She

[3:17] She really impressed me one day. They They recorded the game. I think Cillian

[3:22] Cillian was recording it. She had game change over there.

[3:25] » strength >> She run up to it one time, she said,

[3:28] and and this was recorded live. She said, "All right, y'all. We're behind. I

[3:32] want everybody to pray for us." And then she turned around and said, "Lord, help

[3:35] us to win this game." >> [laughter]

[3:37] » She said, "And so I watched her do that."

[3:40] » [laughter] >> And I said, "These girls learns a lot of

[3:42] things at the ball field. They got good

[3:45] coaches, good coaches there." Come on, Tyler. Say something. Guys, go

[3:49] on up here. And uh

[3:52] there's more than just playing ball. And so it makes me real proud of and I even

[3:57] got a granddaughter on the team right there.

[4:01] They got a situation.

[4:04] And as coach of the give your name sir.

[4:08] » I've never been a player that been coached this

[4:10] group. They make it easy. They do all the work.

[4:13] » Chase Lancaster. >> And I'm the one in charge, Jordan

[4:16] Lassiter.

[4:19] » I didn't get to say something about your team.

[4:21] » Hey, I just first of all I just want to thank everybody for the support that we

[4:24] received not only this year but the past few years.

[4:27] This is a very special group right here. I'm very proud of each and every one of

[4:31] y'all. I mean they're not only great ball players, they're going to be future

[4:34] leaders in this county. And I wish them all well. It's been a

[4:38] pleasure to coach them and I hope you get the opportunity again in the future.

[4:42] » [clears throat] >> I'm just

[4:44] I'm just proud of them. I'm not just proud of them on the field but off the

[4:47] field at all. So they have good qualities and good characteristics.

[4:51] Um we kept God in the center of everything. We made sure we always

[4:55] prayed and that made me the most proud so and

[4:58] now I love them. >> It's going proud of them. This team won

[5:01] a lot. This team all year never really trailed at all until we got to World

[5:05] Series and they they learned how to play through adversity and

[5:08] I think this is one of the neatest things for me.

[5:12] » All of the 2026 Central Columbus Ponytail World Series runner-up

[5:18] whereas Dixie Central Columbus Ponytail team demonstrated exceptional talent,

[5:23] teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the 2026 Dixie

[5:28] Softball season. And whereas through their hard work and

[5:32] dedication, this team earned the opportunity to represent Columbus County

[5:37] on the world stage at the 2026 Dixie Softball Ponytail World Series.

[5:43] Whereas competing against outstanding teams from across the nation.

[5:48] The Dixie Central Columbus Pony Tails displayed remarkable perseverance and

[5:53] excellence, advancing all the way to the World Series championship game.

[5:59] Whereas the team concluded an ex- extraordinary season with the 2026 Dixie

[6:05] Softball Pony Tails World Series runner-up,

[6:09] bringing pride and recognition to Columbus County

[6:12] through their very outstanding accomplishments.

[6:15] Whereas the commitment shown by these players, coaches, parents, and

[6:19] supporters exemplifies the value of dedication, leadership, teamwork, and

[6:25] community spirit that inspire future generations of young athletes.

[6:31] Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that Columbus County Board of Commissioners

[6:35] hereby recognizes and congratulates the Dixie Central Columbus Pony Tails for

[6:40] their outstanding achievement as the 2026 Dixie Softball Pony Tails World

[6:45] Series runner-up, and extends its sincere appreciation to

[6:51] the players, coaches, families, and supporters for representing Columbus

[6:56] County with honor, integrity, and excellence.

[7:00] Let's give these young LADIES A HAND. >> [applause]

[7:09] » GOOD JOB, LADIES. AGAIN,

[7:14] CONGRATULATIONS.

[7:17] CONGRATULATIONS. Proud of you. >> Thank you. Congratulations.

[7:20] » Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you.

[7:25] Thank you. Congratulations. Congratulations.

[7:28] Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you.

[7:30] » Thank you. >> Thank you. Congratulations.

[7:32] » That's my niece. >> [laughter]

[7:33] » Okay.

[7:36] » All right. >> I hear you, Ricky.

[7:39] I hear you, Ricky. >> Ricky.

[7:41] If I make If I make copies of them and you mash paper and put them in here, can

[7:45] you get them, too? Okay, I'll get you.

[7:50] » [clears throat and cough]

[7:57] [clears throat and cough]

[8:04] » All right, item number seven, proclamation.

[8:07] 7B

[8:11] I'll let them get out.

[8:30] All right, item 7B Here's a motion for proclamation

[8:35] adoption recognizing Mrs. Lilly Williams for her 100th birthday.

[8:40] Motion by Commissioner Featherson, second by

[8:44] Commissioner Coleman. All in favor say aye.

[8:48] All opposed, Miss Miss Commissioner Featherson is going to appoint this

[8:53] I guess at Miss Williams' birthday party.

[8:57] Item number eight, public input. Anything, Madam Attorney?

[9:02] » I haven't received anything. >> Okay.

[9:05] Item number nine, administration approval to establish a public hearing

[9:09] for the 2026 CDBG neighborhood program grant application. Ms. Edwards.

[9:16] » So, we are applying for a CDBG neighborhood revitalization grant in the

[9:21] amount of $950,000 before we submit the application, we

[9:25] must hold two public hearings. So, we're asking for the first public hearing to

[9:30] be held on at the September 21st meeting at 6:30 p.m. Okay. If awarded these

[9:36] funds, we hope to assist five homeowners with probably tear down and rebuild of

[9:42] homes. Okay? >> Make a motion to

[9:47] approve the here. >> Motion by Commissioner Floyd, second

[9:51] by Commissioner Bullard. All in favor say I.

[9:54] » I. >> All opposed. Item number 10, DSS.

[9:58] Presentation of the DSS update for July 2026.

[10:02] » Miss Hall. >> Good evening.

[10:06] Um the department was awarded um $132,936

[10:12] in crisis intervention money or funds. Um and it was for our um cooling season

[10:18] to help families um with the emergencies and help ensure access to essential

[10:22] energy assistance. Uh this month well in August, I had the

[10:27] opportunity to um attend my regional director's meeting. Um it was held in

[10:31] New Hanover County and the focus was on Path and C. So, I am proud to announce

[10:37] that we are finally finally rolling out with Path and C for all of child welfare

[10:42] um as of August 10th um the the remaining services like foster

[10:47] care and um in-home services is now in child welfare

[10:52] is in Path and C. So, all of us are are on live on that. So, we are totally

[10:56] paperless. Uh I also had the opportunity to do a uh

[11:02] leadership retreat um host a leadership retreat with my supervisors. Um the

[11:07] retreat was designed to express my appreciation for their dedication and

[11:10] hard work and commitment to serving the citizens of our county. So, I'm very

[11:14] very proud of their work. Lastly, um I would like to recognize the

[11:20] outstanding work of our food nutrition workers, my Medicaid unit, and my child

[11:24] support workers for meeting their state targeted performance goals in the month

[11:28] of August. Um also in July, we collected um in child

[11:33] support $410,913. And program integrity, we collected

[11:38] $1,642. And that is it. Any questions?

[11:44] » When do you start the um 6-month redetermination?

[11:50] Cuz right now you guys are doing 12-month redetermination for Medicaid

[11:53] recipients. Is that right? >> Yes, ma'am.

[11:55] » I'm not sure when the actual >> You're on that.

[11:58] » Yeah. >> Okay.

[12:00] » I can get back with you on that one. >> That Okay.

[12:02] » Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you.

[12:04] » You're welcome. >> Great report.

[12:05] » Thank you, Ms. Hall. >> Thank you.

[12:06] » I hear in a motion to approve her report.

[12:09] » So moved. >> Motion by Commissioner Featherson,

[12:11] second by Commissioner Smith. All in favor say aye.

[12:15] » Aye. >> All opposed. Item number 11, Sheriff's

[12:17] office. Approval of the resolution to surplus

[12:20] vehicles and associated auction

[12:25] for Wednesday, September the 2nd, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

[12:30] Mr. Creech is here for any questions.

[12:35] » I move that it be approved. >> Motion by Commissioner Smith.

[12:40] » Second. >> Second by Commissioner Coleman. All in

[12:43] favor say aye. >> Aye.

[12:44] » All opposed. Item number 12, grant administration, Sheriff's office,

[12:48] approval of the amended capital project ordinance for the Sheriff's office. Mr.

[12:52] Creech.

[12:56] Hey, there you are. I lost you. >> So, the the uh there's actually a typo

[13:01] on the what the agenda says, but it says parking lot, but it's actually money for

[13:06] we're moving money into the uh furniture and equipment part of the uh

[13:12] the grant It's all grant money, but we're just moving some money from the

[13:17] the grant itself into the equipment and furnishing.

[13:22] » Motion to approve. >> Motion by Commissioner Coleman.

[13:24] » Second. >> Second by Commissioner Bowden. All in

[13:26] favor say I. >> Aye. All opposed. Item number 13,

[13:30] transportation. Approval to establish a public hearing regarding the

[13:35] physical year 28 North Carolina DOT 5311 admin capital and 5310 grant

[13:42] applications.

[13:46] Mr. Chairman, hello. >> Good evening.

[13:49] » [clears throat] >> This is the public hearing that we need

[13:52] to have in order to apply for the grants for the fiscal year 28.

[13:58] And so we're just asking you to set the public hearing date for September the

[14:01] 21st at 6:30 or as soon as can be heard.

[14:05] » There's a motion Motion by Commissioner Featherston.

[14:09] Seconded by Commissioner Floyd. All in favor say I.

[14:12] All opposed. Item number 14, transportation. Approval of the low bid

[14:16] from Waters Contracting and the minute capital project ordinance

[14:21] for the transportation expansion project. Mr. Chairman.

[14:26] » I'll make a motion to approve. >> You got a motion by Commissioner

[14:29] Coleman. >> Second that, Mr.

[14:30] » Seconded by Commissioner Bullard. All in favor say I.

[14:34] All opposed. Okay.

[14:36] » Where do you post your your your bids? The bids, they were posted The bids

[14:42] themselves or the the request for proposal?

[14:45] » Request for proposal. >> It was posted on the county website. It

[14:49] was posted on Mr. Dixon's website. Um

[14:55] and then I think it was emailed out to two contractors as well.

[15:01] » Okay.

[15:04] » Thank you. >> Uh-huh.

[15:06] » Item number 15, planning department. Approval of the low

[15:09] bid from Barfield's Backhoe LLC for the FEMA flood mitigation assistance grant.

[15:18] Ms. Bridget Span is here for and uh the amount is $23,025

[15:24] to clear damaged residential structure on Rogers Circle.

[15:31] » Yes, Mr. Chairman, uh Commissioners, as part of the FEMA flood mitigation

[15:35] assistance FMA 2020 grant, the Planning Department is requesting approval of the

[15:40] low bid and notice to proceed awarding the property at 328 Rogers Circle in

[15:47] Tabor City to Barfield's Backhoe in the amount of the $23,025.

[15:54] » Make motion to approve. Motion by Commissioner Coleman.

[15:58] » Second. >> Second by Commissioner Smith. All in

[16:01] favor say aye. All opposed. Item number 16, Planning

[16:04] Department. Approval of the low bid from Four Seasons Demolition for the

[16:10] FEMA flood mitigation assistance. Planning Director Ms. Bridget Span is

[16:16] requesting $14,400 to clear damaged residential structure

[16:20] property located in Clarendon on Chadbourn Road.

[16:25] » And were these requests for bids posted on the county website as well?

[16:30] » They were in the paper, on the website as well.

[16:32] » Okay. I didn't see it on the county website, but I did see it on the

[16:36] planning board website. And I was just curious as to all as to whether or not

[16:40] all of these requests are being placed on the

[16:42] county. >> Okay.

[16:45] Um our MIS, they are the ones that place the bids out on the website. So, they

[16:50] may have only just put it on the planning board website.

[16:56] » Is there a motion? >> I motion to approve.

[16:59] » Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Coleman, second

[17:02] by Commissioner Featherson. All in favor say aye.

[17:05] All opposed. Item number 17. >> [clears throat]

[17:08] » Thank you, Ms. Fran. Item number 17, Attorney's Office.

[17:12] Approves of approval of the resolution to define proceeds for quarter-cent

[17:17] sales tax. With your permission, Chairman.

[17:21] Attorney Ms. Amanda Prince, all right. Take it.

[17:24] By Commissioner Bull, um, motion I mean Y'all be tongue-tied now.

[17:31] Motion by Commissioner Bullard, second by Commissioner Floyd. All in favor say

[17:35] I. >> I.

[17:36] » All opposed. Item number 18, update regarding the

[17:40] quarter cent sales tax and alcohol referendum economic development director

[17:44] Mr. Dylan Bullen and corporate extension director Mr. Howard Wallace

[17:48] is going will give us an update. >> Good evening. I'm Howard Wallace and I

[17:54] would like to give you guys an update on what the

[17:56] um staff is doing to educate the public on the quarter cent sales tax referendum

[18:00] and the three alcohol referendums um that are going to be on the ballot for

[18:04] November 3rd, 2026 ballot. Um regarding the

[18:08] quarter cent sales tax, we have put together an education committee that

[18:12] consists of myself, Howard Wallace, Yela Edwards, Heather Woody, Amanda Prince,

[18:17] Casey Evans, and Jennifer Brown. I am serving as the chairman and Howard

[18:21] Wallace has graciously graciously um agreed to be our PIO.

[18:26] Um so, any questions that public or if anybody needs, please contact Howard

[18:31] Wallace. Um our first action was to get a

[18:34] resolution defined on the quarter cent sales tax in which y'all did with it um

[18:39] agenda item 17. Our next step is to bring for um some people in from the

[18:44] school systems and Southeastern Community College and also put together

[18:48] a flyer which you have a copy of and we're in the process of creating a

[18:52] brochure. Howard has reached out to Southeastern to help us with the

[18:56] educational video and we hope to have that completed in the next few weeks. We

[19:01] also have several other key individuals to help us get the message out. We have

[19:05] secured secured a booth at the county fair to share our educational materials

[19:10] with the public as well as utilizing social media.

[19:13] Regarding the alcohol referendum, our finance director Heather Woody is

[19:17] working to determine how, if passed, these funds would impact the county.

[19:21] These steps we are taking with these steps we have taken this far

[19:26] um to ensure the public that will be well educated and provide accurate

[19:30] information regarding the quarter-cent sales tax and three alcohol referendums.

[19:35] We will continue work to ensure the public has access to clear and factual

[19:38] information as we move forward. Um we are here to educate, not advocate,

[19:43] on these two items. Um I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

[19:48] » I think we need to make it perfectly clear, though, that they're not

[19:51] combined. >> Right.

[19:53] » I know the way y'all represent tonight, it looks like they're running together

[19:56] and you're promoting both of them. >> Right. Two separate

[19:58] » But I think they need to be known that they're they stand alone. They're

[20:02] totally separate. >> Totally separate on ballot.

[20:05] » I'd like to see if you could put me on that committee. I'd like to volunteer to

[20:09] be on that >> meeting.

[20:10] » Yes, sir. >> committee.

[20:12] » Yes, sir. Thank you. >> And Ricky, to your point about them

[20:15] being separate on the ballot, the alcohol referendum, I think correct me

[20:18] if I'm wrong, is actually three separate >> Yeah, I've got a ballot.

[20:21] » Mhm. >> And they're separate, but

[20:24] I was just saying the way y'all present it to the public.

[20:27] » Yeah. [clears throat] >> You know, tonight some of them may think

[20:29] they're running in conjunction with each other.

[20:31] And I oppose that. I I don't think it's it's good to make it think that you got

[20:35] to to, you know, be supportive of one

[20:39] or both of them. I think it need to be known.

[20:42] » We're just >> And the reason I say that, there's

[20:44] [clears throat] a lot of people that opposes the alcohol referendum and

[20:47] they're going to be coming out letting, you know, be known, but we do want the

[20:52] support and pass the quarter percent sales tax for the schools and

[20:57] and the entities that's getting it. >> Yeah.

[21:02] Yeah, we we understand and yeah, these are going to be two totally separate

[21:05] things. >> [clears throat]

[21:07] » We're just here to help educate if the public has any questions

[21:12] regarding both of these items. >> And I think that's really important that

[21:16] we educate the public because I mentioned it to some folks, they think

[21:20] that quarter of percent is one thing when it's not. So I think it's great

[21:24] that we do educate and and

[21:28] also separate the two. >> Yes, ma'am.

[21:31] » I think all of us need to get out there and educate for as much as we can that

[21:34] quarter of a cent and and you know so we'll know exactly

[21:38] and and you know people some people say, well

[21:41] a lot of people don't understand that it's 1/4 of 1 penny.

[21:45] » Right. >> You got to have 1 penny or 4 pennies to

[21:48] get a whole penny out of it. >> Right.

[21:52] » [clears throat] >> And the biggest thing is what we're

[21:55] advocating for and that's the college, the schools

[21:58] system. >> School systems, parks and rec.

[22:00] » Yeah. >> Right.

[22:02] » That's where the money will go to Article 26.

[22:04] » Right. >> Yes, sir.

[22:07] » No questions. Thank you.

[22:10] » Thank you, Mr.

[22:16] » Item number 18, but we just done that. Item number 19, attorney's office.

[22:21] Approval of the personnel policy policy. Attorney Amanda Prince is requesting

[22:26] approval of the following sections of the proposed personnel policy to become

[22:30] effective January 1, 2027. It's Prince can answer any questions.

[22:38] » I move it be approved. >> Motion by Commissioner Smith.

[22:42] » Second. >> Second by Commissioner Coleman.

[22:44] All in favor say I. >> I.

[22:46] » All opposed. Item number 20. Finance. Approval of the policy

[22:51] regarding ARPA funds. Finance Director Ms. Heather Woody is requesting approval

[22:56] of the policy regarding property management purchase using ARPA funds.

[23:01] Ms. Woody. >> Good evening.

[23:05] So, we already have a property management policy for um

[23:09] anything that is funded by taxpayer funds.

[23:13] Um the ARPA funds are a little bit more restrictive and this actually comes into

[23:17] play um with some DEQ projects that we've

[23:21] done. And the only we we've done four of them. Two of them

[23:25] were AIA's um inventories and that is where they go

[23:30] in, they GPS every piece of um the water system.

[23:35] And so, that's not something that can really be disposed [snorts] of um cuz

[23:39] it's just it's just a map with a GPS coordinates. And then there was a

[23:43] planning grant and then the other one was actually uh replacement of some

[23:48] water lines that would have a 40-to-60-some-year lifespan. Um but this

[23:54] ARPA is requiring for us to have a separate policy for these items.

[24:00] And so, that's only thing that this is doing. It's just pertaining to those

[24:03] ARPA items. >> Move to approve, Ms. Chair.

[24:06] Motion by Commissioner Bullard. >> Second.

[24:09] » Second by Commissioner Coleman. All in favor, say aye.

[24:12] All opposed. Item number 21, finance. Approval of the budget amendments and

[24:17] departmental requisitions. Finance is requesting approval for A, Sheriff's

[24:22] Office in the amount of $17,335. B, Sheriff's Office, special alcohol and

[24:27] drug $5,230.

[24:30] Prior year requisitions and current year

[24:33] requisitions. Ms. Woody. >> Okay. So, the first budget amendment I

[24:38] have is >> [snorts]

[24:39] » uh $17,335. Um the Sheriff's Office sold a car back

[24:44] to Enterprise and um we got $17,000 um for it and they're wanting to

[24:49] purchase another vehicle. So, we're reporting that revenue against the uh

[24:53] expense of capital outlay so they can make that purchase.

[24:57] The second, um, budget amendment I have is for $5,230,

[25:03] and this comes from, um, special drug and alcohol fund balance.

[25:09] And so, this is covering items that they ordered last year that is on, um,

[25:15] back order, and we have not received them yet. Um, so, we're rebudgeting

[25:20] these funds, and we're going to collapse or do away with the fiscal year 26, um,

[25:25] purchase order form, and have a fiscal year 27 purchase order for them. So,

[25:30] when they come off back order and we receive them, we can go ahead and, um,

[25:33] pay pay for them.

[25:38] Okay, on page 61 is our prior year purchase order, um, requisitions, and

[25:44] these are for purchases made without purchase orders.

[25:47] Um, I have two that is, uh, for economic development for Windsor Contracting, and

[25:52] that is capital outlay for, um, uh, multi-year construction project. Um,

[25:59] we have one for H&W Glass and Mirror for Sheriff's Office [snorts] for glass

[26:04] install. Um, Ingram Library, uh, for books for the library. Campbell Brown

[26:10] for materials to outfit a car for Sheriff's Office. Kill Well Food System,

[26:16] which is the inmates meals for Sheriff's Office in detention. And then,

[26:20] Southeastern Drug Testing, um, and that is for Human Resources. And so, after

[26:27] y'all approve these, we will not have another list for prior year requisitions

[26:31] and POs. Um, if I continue to pay these, we will never be able to start our audit

[26:37] process. >> I have a question about these.

[26:41] » Um, these are fiscal year 26?

[26:45] » Yes, these are fiscal year 26. So, these are, um, bills that were encumbered or

[26:50] we received, uh, that was for prior to June 30th, 2026.

[26:56] » Now, uh

[27:01] » And they either didn't have a purchase order at all, or they did not have

[27:05] enough funds on the purchase order for us to be able to pay them.

[27:09] » Would any of these affect our fund balance?

[27:11] » Possibility. It could. So, the top two, the two for Windsor Construction, that

[27:16] is a capital project ordinance. So, those funds are completely separate than

[27:21] fund 10. So, when we discuss fund balance, we're usually discussing our

[27:24] fund 10 or our general fund fund balance. Those are not included in with

[27:29] that. Anything below that could potentially affect fund balance. Now, on

[27:35] June 29th, June 30th, um I brought in a bunch of budget

[27:40] amendments reallocating some of the um

[27:44] revenues to fund balance usage, and I feel like I've covered most of these. Um

[27:52] but, there is a potential that some things that I was not aware of, I may

[27:56] not have known that they were that far behind, could potential we could

[28:00] potentially have a fund in cuz there wasn't enough budget to cover some of

[28:03] these. >> And we've been cautioned already about

[28:06] our fund balance. >> Yes.

[28:10] » And these uh they don't have purchase orders.

[28:12] » These do not have purchase orders. And um anything that's

[28:17] anything that is uh presented to the finance office after the purchase of has

[28:22] already been approved takes my author- authority away of creating a purchase

[28:26] order. So, that's why it's coming to the board.

[28:28] » When was When was this [clears throat] purchased, these items?

[28:31] » I do not have the invoice dates on here, but it had [snorts] to be before June

[28:35] 30th. >> Wonder if it was right before or

[28:38] on earlier in the year, you just don't know. And you don't have no idea of how

[28:42] much will come out of this year's fund balance.

[28:44] » No, not yet, because we will re- This once these are paid

[28:49] And I get the um taxes paid to the the Municipalities and everything that will

[28:56] close out our fiscal year 26 bills. But we will continue to receive fiscal year

[29:02] 26 revenues until mid-September because that's when our last sales tax payment

[29:08] that we can backdate into fiscal year 26 will come in in mid-September.

[29:14] So I will not have a firm number on how much fund balance we actually used

[29:19] Um or come close a Idea of how much. Firm number won't come

[29:24] until after the audit is complete in case they have adjusting entries but I

[29:28] won't know For sure

[29:31] Any type of estimate until we get those that final sales tax in.

[29:35] » And why can't this come out of the sheriff's budget for this year?

[29:39] » Because it was purchased actually before. Before June 30th.

[29:45] So they

[29:48] » And that was about last year. >> Yeah.

[29:50] » We didn't pay for them and we didn't have money to pay for the tables. So

[29:53] there wasn't enough money put in contracted services to pay for the

[29:57] meals. So we have to pay the inmates.

[30:02] So whether it comes out last year or this year

[30:05] We've got to pay for the inmate meals and the people want their money.

[30:10] » Okay. The only reason it's coming to the board

[30:12] because as I said it once it's Once the purchase is already made once

[30:17] it's invoiced it takes away my authority of creating a purchase order. A purchase

[30:21] order is before Anything happens. So um af- if if it's

[30:27] already invoiced it takes away my authority to turn it into a PO, admin's

[30:32] authority to turn it into a PO then it has to come to the board.

[30:37] And as I said some of these They may have had a PO for them. It may

[30:41] not been enough. So.

[30:46] » So, all of this is inmate meals? >> No, not all of it, just one.

[30:49] » 10,000. >> Which one is that?

[30:51] » It Kellwell Food Management, the one um the second one from the bottom that's

[30:55] $10,331. >> Okay.

[30:59] » There's a brief description of what they're for. I didn't

[31:04] request for them to put the invoice numbers or the invoice dates on there,

[31:07] but we do have a description of what they were for.

[31:13] And as I said, this will be the last listing [snorts] for last year.

[31:20] Anything else that comes in will have to be paid out of this year, so we can

[31:24] start our >> Okay.

[31:27] » Then on page >> to support it, Miss Chairman?

[31:30] » What's the uh >> Do we want to just do ABC, or are these

[31:33] all of them? >> So, I've got two more pages, sorry.

[31:36] » Okay, you want to do them all, or you want to do them separate?

[31:40] » So, page page 62 is the same thing, it's fiscal year 2017 purchases that did not

[31:45] have a purchase order. And so, these should not affect our fund balance.

[31:50] There should be plenty of funds available, there was just not a purchase

[31:53] order done before we received the invoice for them.

[31:56] And then the last page on page 63 and 64 is um requisition over $24,999,

[32:06] which is coming to y'all for approval based off of our approval levels that we

[32:10] have. So, this one is done correctly, it just needs to be approved so we can pay

[32:14] his contract for this year.

[32:19] And then Miss Featherston, I think you were trying to ask a question. Do you?

[32:24] » Um I forgot if I was.

[32:27] » Okay, sorry.

[32:31] » [clears throat and cough] >> And [snorts] that's everything for me,

[32:34] sorry.

[32:37] » I got a motion by Commissioner Bullard to pass A, B, C, and D.

[32:44] » Second. >> Second by Commissioner Coleman. All in

[32:47] favor say aye. >> Aye.

[32:49] » All opposed. Item number 22, administration approval

[32:52] of the council of the September September the 8th, 2026 regular session

[32:56] meeting.

[32:59] » So moved. >> Second.

[33:01] » It's marked as [clears throat] Commissioner Smith, second by

[33:03] Commissioner Floyd. All in favor say aye.

[33:05] » Aye. >> All opposed.

[33:09] Appointments and reappointments, item number 23.

[33:12] Voluntary agriculture district.

[33:17] Commissioner Smith. >> I'd like to appoint Tyler Hyatt.

[33:24] And I'll get you his phone number. >> It's Clark.

[33:29] » Voluntary agriculture district. Mr. Coleman.

[33:34] » I'd like to table that one. I'll get back with you next meeting.

[33:39] » Okay. Economic development commission.

[33:43] » I'd like to appoint Billy Hobbs to replace Mr. Jay Brunson.

[33:47] » Billy Hobbs. >> Um

[33:51] economic [snorts] development commission.

[33:55] » Reappoint Mr. Marco Bronsky. >> Reappoint Mr. Bronsky.

[34:01] Same thing, economic development commission, district five. That's me.

[34:05] And Janan That's Williams William Winslow Phipps.

[34:14] That's D He's the older one, not That's the daddy, not the son.

[34:18] » Okay. >> Economic development commission, entire

[34:21] board, Dr. Dan Strickland. >> Is he willing to serve?

[34:30] Move he be reappointed. >> So I had a motion by Commissioner Byrd,

[34:33] seconded by Commissioner Smith. All in favor say aye.

[34:36] » Aye. >> Aye. All opposed.

[34:39] Here a motion recess regular session in in Columbus County Water and Sewer

[34:42] Districts 1 2 3 4 and 5 board meeting. >> So moved.

[34:46] » Got it. Motion by Commissioner Coleman. >> Second.

[34:49] » Seconded by Commissioner [snorts] Floyd. Now all in favor say aye.

[34:52] » Aye. >> All opposed. Item number 24, Water and

[34:55] Sewer Districts 1 2 3 4 and 5 combined board meetings approved August the 3rd,

[35:00] 2026. Here a motion.

[35:04] » Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Floyd.

[35:06] » Second, Mr. Chairman. >> Seconded by Commissioner Bullard. Now

[35:09] all in favor say aye. >> Aye.

[35:10] » All opposed. Item number 25, Water and Sewer Districts 1 2 3 4 and 5

[35:15] approval of the resolution to approve Lockwood Water Supply Plan. Public

[35:20] Services Director, Mr. Harold Noble is requesting approval of this

[35:24] resolution. Noble.

[35:31] » The Lockwood Water Supply Plan is the same thing we do every year. It's to

[35:34] help us get grant funding through the state.

[35:38] This water supply. >> Would you be approved, Mr. Chairman?

[35:40] Motion by Commissioner Byrd. >> Second.

[35:43] » Seconded by Commissioner Smith. Now all in favor say aye.

[35:45] » Aye. >> Opposed. Item number 26,

[35:49] Water and Sewer District 4 approval of change order number 4 and number 5 for

[35:54] the International Logistics Park

[35:56] water sewer and road extension project and associated amended capital project

[36:01] ordinance. A, change order number 4 additional

[36:04] paving to

[36:06] for lot 3, $342,577.34.

[36:12] B, change order number 5 ABC storm emergency spillway

[36:17] riprap and covers added fittings plus water line sanitation testing,

[36:22] $67,500. And C, amended capital project ordinance

[36:26] to reflect changes. >> Where's this money coming from? The 300

[36:31] and some thousand. Is it a grant or something?

[36:33] » Developer funded. >> Excuse me?

[36:35] » The The property owners, they're they're paying for it.

[36:39] The The The grant was for the road extension.

[36:42] So, the property owners put in their portion of the money. I believe it one

[36:46] uh the first portion of it was like 741,000,

[36:49] and then A is going to be covered with with with

[36:54] their funds. >> Well, why are we having to approve it if

[36:57] someone else paying for it? >> We're We're approving the the road. It's

[37:01] It's all in the project. So, so the IDF grant was approved for the

[37:05] water sewer and road construction, but commerce said that they would pay

[37:10] for the road. We'd have to figure out how to get the do the water and sewer um

[37:15] on our own, so the developer stepped up and and and paid for for that extension.

[37:21] » And I understand what you're saying, but if he's paying for it, why are why are

[37:24] we having to approve it? So, my question >> It's all tied together in our capital

[37:28] project ordinance.

[37:31] » In other words, it's got to be approved. The word is saying we consent to the

[37:34] change. >> Cuz we got a line item for the

[37:36] developers um portion and our revenues. So, when I do a capital project

[37:41] ordinance, it'll reflect that. >> I motion to approve.

[37:44] » Second. >> Motion by Commissioner Coleman, second

[37:47] by Commissioner Byrd. All in favor, say aye.

[37:50] Opposed. Motion to adjourn combination meeting of

[37:53] Columbus County Water and Sewer Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[37:58] Motion by Commissioner Floyd.

[38:02] » Second. >> Second by Commissioner Coleman. All in

[38:04] favor. Opposed.

[38:07] Item number 27. Y'all been quiet tonight. On these

[38:11] motions. Who wants to I'm going to let you go first, Scott.

[38:14] » I rest. I made a motion to approve. >> [laughter]

[38:19] » Commissioner Smith. >> I rest.

[38:21] » Commissioner Featherstone. >> You know, I was reading something on

[38:23] Facebook that asked where did all the people go in Columbus County?

[38:28] Um and they some of the comments um

[38:33] were interesting to me. Um

[38:36] It talked about why people are not returning to Columbus

[38:40] County. And

[38:42] » [laughter] >> the one thing that I thought about was

[38:44] our sales and use tax and um the uh

[38:49] black hole with um ordinances that we're trying to pass.

[38:54] We need funding. We need funding to create

[38:59] certain businesses and and to um

[39:04] and to support our colleges our college. Southeastern Community College is the

[39:10] best thing I think that Columbus County has going, you know, we're we're we're

[39:16] educating our children. We we have the various programs to train them and to

[39:22] for them to uh start jobs here in the county and stay here. So, we need that

[39:27] money. We need that quarter cent sales tax.

[39:30] And that's a good reason. Uh I didn't put it I didn't respond to any of these

[39:34] uh comments on Facebook. But it asked where did all the people go? And that

[39:38] was one of the things that struck my my mind, you know, um our schools are

[39:44] important. It's it's important that we give our

[39:47] kids quality education and have a post

[39:51] uh high school um

[39:53] situation so that they can get additional training. And perhaps they

[39:57] will stay here because if you look around there are a lot of empty homes.

[40:02] People are uh dying and leaving leaving houses or either young people are

[40:07] leaving and not returning. So, we need something for them to come back to or

[40:12] either re remain here. That's all that I have to say.

[40:17] » Thank you, ma'am. Mr. Coleman.

[40:21] » Real light tonight. I just want to thank the employees, the county employees.

[40:25] There's a lot of things They're really the unsung heroes here.

[40:31] They're doing a job. I appreciate what they're doing. I

[40:35] appreciate their attitude about it cuz uh

[40:39] I know it's tough on them sometimes. They get the blame for a lot of things

[40:43] that they shouldn't get the blame for. And uh

[40:47] I just want to thank them personally. I I really appreciate what y'all do and

[40:51] and how you handle yourselves and represent the county.

[40:55] And uh it's a pleasure to work with y'all. Thank you.

[40:58] » [snorts] >> Mr. Bullard.

[40:59] » I'm good, Mr. Chairman. >> All right, Mr. Burt.

[41:03] » [laughter] >> Um

[41:06] I just want to apologize for being late. I think this is the second time that I

[41:12] have been late since 2008. And I don't know of a meeting I'm

[41:17] talking about an official meeting here that I've missed uh

[41:20] since that time uh unless I'm missing one and I know in

[41:26] between the term of '86 and '90, I missed one night and that's the night my

[41:31] niece passed away earlier that afternoon, you know, so Anyhow, I

[41:34] apologize for being late. I just something today I couldn't help.

[41:38] But um other than that, Mr. Chairman, uh I'll I'll rest, but if you would,

[41:44] please let the records note that uh I mean in the minutes what I'm saying.

[41:49] Yeah, the second time late in all these years.

[41:52] And I've been at every meeting. I think it's something kind of record to be

[41:55] proud of, to tell you the truth. >> Yeah.

[41:58] » I mean, we all missed during COVID now, but I'm talking about an official

[42:02] setting meeting.

[42:05] Who else, Mr. Chairman? >> Well, I'm not like the rest of you. I

[42:08] don't have much to say either. Um

[42:12] other than that, we've got Labor Day coming up and

[42:16] everybody enjoy your last summer vacation.

[42:19] Cuz maybe it eventually will cool off. >> [laughter]

[42:24] » The what now?

[42:27] Yeah, we canceled it. Yeah.

[42:31] So, we'll have the second meeting in September.

[42:34] But anyway, other than that, you have anything you want to say, Ms. Evers?

[42:44] Everyone have a safe vacation or day off.

[42:48] » School starts back. Be aware of school buses and their

[42:53] little children. And you know, it's going to be an

[42:55] exciting time for them and they And the Lord have mercy, I feel sorry

[42:59] for the mamas. Some of them you see them, they got two young'uns

[43:03] and uh young'uns needing a hand and trying to hold one with his teeth

[43:05] sometimes. They're all [snorts] over the driveway

[43:08] and it's hard for them. Just help them out, keep an eye on the

[43:11] children for them.

[43:15] » All hearts clear? Offer motion to adjourn, Mr.

[43:18] » Second motion by Commissioner Bullard, second by Commissioner Byrd. All in

[43:21] favor say, "Aye." All opposed.

[43:30] » Uh

Meeting 08-17-2026 (Part 1)

Transcript