[0:01] [sighs]

[0:22] Okay. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

[0:25] Welcome to the Gates County Board of Commissioners regular scheduled meeting.

[0:28] My name is Emily Truman. and I serve as the 2026 board chair. I'm joined by vice

[0:32] chair Nathan Barryman, commissioners Jonathan Katr, and Brian Roundtree,

[0:37] assistant county manager Warren Perry, County Attorney Pic Godwin, and clerk to

[0:41] the board Renee Draper, Commissioner uh Foresight will be unable to join us this

[0:45] evening. Um I'm going to go ahead and open with the invocation and pledge.

[0:56] Father God, we thank you for the opportunity to come together for county

[0:59] business in your name. Lord, we pray that you um just let us listen with open

[1:04] minds and that you let us work uh together for the betterment of the

[1:07] county and that you see us all home safely this evening. In Jesus name we

[1:11] pray. Amen. >> Amen.

[1:14] » I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

[1:19] republic for which it stands. One nation [clears throat] under God, indivisible,

[1:25] with liberty and justice for all.

[1:33] » All right. Um, so to open the meeting, we have a public hearing. I'm going to

[1:38] need a motion to open the public hearing to receive public comments regarding a

[1:42] proposed action to change the personnel ordinance to a personnel policy.

[1:46] » So moved. >> Second.

[1:48] » All right. All in favor? That is unanimous. Uh Mr. Perry, if you

[1:53] could provide a brief background to the board and to the public for this topic.

[2:01] » Um thank you, Madam Chair. Good evening, commissioners, Attorney Pow, and

[2:06] employees and citizens. The transition from a personnel ordinance to a

[2:11] personnel policy involves several reasons, including the need for clarity,

[2:16] the need for consistency, and the need for structure in the workplace. A

[2:21] personnel policy manual serves as the basis for all HR related documents,

[2:25] ensuring uniform standards across different departments and locations. It

[2:31] also protects both the employer and employees by outlining duties, rights,

[2:36] and minimizing disputes and legal risk. Additionally, a personal policy aligns

[2:42] with specific laws to ensure compliance reflecting on our values and culture.

[2:48] With the changes with the HR environment and current labor laws, regular updates

[2:54] will be needed. It is best said that the personnel policy is the blueprint by

[3:00] which an organization runs. As noted in our commissioners meeting on

[3:05] November 10th of last year, the commissioners in previous years had

[3:10] failed to adopt a new policy. Uh the latest edition of the new policy is

[3:15] posted on our website as well as copies here right behind me at the podium.

[3:21] After the proposed adoption of the new policy, I will hold departmental

[3:25] meetings to discuss the changes and how it may affect each employee. Some of the

[3:31] noted changes are imple implementation of Gates County longevity pay, pdeium

[3:37] increases for travel meals, increase vacation acral rates, and provisions for

[3:42] overtime pay with county manager approval.

[3:47] At this time, I will yield back to Madame Chair.

[3:50] » All right. Thank you, sir. Um, Miss Draper, do we have anyone signed up to

[3:54] speak?

[4:00] No. All right. Um, with no one here to speak on the changes um, suggested, if

[4:05] we could get a motion to close the public hearing.

[4:08] » So move. >> So second.

[4:10] » All right. All in favor. Okay. So we are

[4:15] unanimous and out. So perver before proceeding to the next item on the

[4:19] agenda, I need a motion to repeal the current personnel ordinance as the

[4:23] adoption of the personnel policy is listed under the consent agenda.

[4:28] » So moved. Second. >> All right. And all in favor?

[4:33] And that is unanimous. Thank you all. All right. So moving down, are there any

[4:38] additions or deletions to the agenda as presented? And if none, I ask for a

[4:42] motion to approve the agenda as pres as presented. So move,

[4:46] » second. >> All right. All in favor? Show of hands.

[4:50] And we have unanimous. >> All right. Are there um

[4:55] any other amendments or clarifications to the consent agenda?

[4:58] And if not, a motion to approve the consent agenda would be in order.

[5:02] » So moved. >> So seconded.

[5:04] » All right. All in favor of the approval of the consent agenda.

[5:09] Okay. That is unanimous. All right. Moving into public comment. Um, I do

[5:15] have a note here. Um, audience, the board recently revised the rules of

[5:20] procedure which took effect last month. Um, two public comment periods are still

[5:25] available during our meetings, but the format has changed to be topic specific.

[5:30] The first comment period for agenda related topics only with a 5minut time

[5:34] limit. If you wish to speak on any item listed on the agenda, this is your

[5:38] opportunity. a second comment period held at the end of the meeting for all

[5:42] other topics with a threeminut time limit. There are two separate sign on

[5:46] sheets for this topic specific revision um that will be at the front of the

[5:49] meeting and we'll repeat this for the next couple of months as we move into

[5:52] this new process. Um so with that said, do we have anyone

[5:57] signed up to speak for the first comment period?

[6:03] No. Okay. Well, moving straight along, we will

[6:07] have the sheriff's office update next. And I know Sheriff Campbell

[6:14] has something for us.

[6:22] Good evening, commissioners. Mr. Perry, uh, Attorney Gwin, uh, come to you

[6:27] tonight with a with a lot of good news. Uh, I'm I'll try to get through it as

[6:30] quick as I can. You've heard me stand up here and talk about Prime Health before.

[6:35] Well, I wanted you to be able to hold that in your hand and look at it and see

[6:39] how much this company saves our county. This has to do with inmate medical

[6:45] bills. And that is something that's been a thorn in my side since I became

[6:49] sheriff. When you have a inmate, people don't realize this. When you have an

[6:52] inmate, uh, he's in your custody and he goes to jail and he has a medical

[6:58] condition. Well, there's a cost for that and that cost comes directly back to the

[7:03] county. It's not picked up by the state. Our county has to pay for that. So

[7:07] through the service association, uh I was made aware of Prime Health. So they

[7:12] do what's called a scrub on our bill. When we get inmate medical bills, we

[7:17] send these bills directly to Prime Health. They do what's called a scrub

[7:22] and and you can see by this is almost cutting the bills almost in half. Uh you

[7:28] can see here on the the total charges from July to December our inmate medical

[7:34] was $47,000 do through Prime Health that bill was

[7:40] cut to just a little over $29,000. So just in this statement alone that

[7:46] saved the county almost $18,000. So it's a wonderful thing and we have

[7:51] saved a lot of money. And uh because you you got you got inmates that's just

[7:56] trying to trying to play the system and we call it incarceritis. You know,

[8:01] they're fine, but once you put cuffs on there, they immediately get sick. So

[8:05] anyway, uh [sighs]

[8:10] » uh our body cameras, we got those in. We're just getting started in the

[8:14] training on those. Hopefully, we'll have them up and uh everybody will be we've

[8:19] got 10 total uh body cameras and we hope to have them on and uh the officers uh

[8:26] trained and ready to go with them by February the 1st. Um we got two more new

[8:32] vehicles in. These are destroyer gray Durango. They look really, really sharp.

[8:37] We could not get the black, but the destroy the gray still looks really,

[8:41] really good striped up. So, Michael Bunch, bless his his sweetheart, he he

[8:45] got the first new one. So, glad to give that to him. Uh, one other thing, our

[8:49] call volume for the month of December was 501 calls. So, we we're still busy.

[8:54] Thank you. >> All right. Thank you.

[8:58] » Okay. Um, we have no old business, so moving into new business. U Madame

[9:05] Clerk, you have the floor.

[9:12] Thank you, Madam Chair and commissioners. I have so much I have a

[9:16] slideshow for y'all. >> Ready?

[9:29] » All right.

[9:33] So, at the very back of your agenda, you're going to find detailed

[9:38] information from the recent local emergency planning committee. This

[9:43] material includes updates, [clears throat] excuse me, on emergency

[9:47] preparedness initiatives, community safety protocols, and collaborative

[9:52] efforts between local agencies. Mr. Dr. Tutweiler requested that this

[9:57] information be shared with the board to ensure transparency and alignment with

[10:01] ongoing safety measures. Sharing this information not only fulfills compliance

[10:06] requirements but also reinforces commitment to proactive planning and

[10:11] public safety.

[10:15] Uh, next item is the Alber Commission is accepting applications for the 2027

[10:22] essential essential single family rehabilitation program for homeowners in

[10:27] Gates and Terrell counties. This program helps eligible homeowners

[10:32] make critical repairs. The program prioritizes elderly, disabled, and

[10:37] veteran households as well as homes with health and [snorts] safety hazards. This

[10:42] information has been shared on our Facebook. Uh and more and if anybody

[10:48] needs more information, they can reach out at the number listed for Evermore

[10:53] Commission.

[11:00] All right. Um, right here on February 12th at 6 PM, the Gates County America

[11:06] 250NC committee will host Lisa Payton Jones of Washington Waterfront

[11:12] Underground Rail Mu Railroad Museum. Uh, she will be presenting an interactive

[11:18] living history program that prom that promises to be both educational and

[11:23] engaging with some singing and dancing. Um, we're really looking forward to this

[11:28] and additional details about this event can be found um on our Facebook page on

[11:34] the A250 Gates County Facebook page and here is a QR code for that and it will

[11:40] take you directly to that page. Next, we have

[11:46] the quarter cent sales tax referendum information. Um, I have emailed the

[11:52] board the final draft of this brochure that you see listed here and a hard copy

[12:00] is at everybody's desk or seat. Um, administration is ready to move forward

[12:04] with bulk printing and then we'll distribute to ensure widespread

[12:09] community awareness. Educational materials will soon be available on the

[12:14] county's website and this QR code here that you see will take you directly to

[12:18] that site that houses all the information. Additionally, a town hall

[12:24] meeting will be scheduled um on February 24th at 7:00 p.m. And

[12:30] right now the location is to be determined. We are having coordination

[12:36] efforts of trying to find a centralized location in the county. So, um, this

[12:42] town hall is going to serve as an open forum for residents to ask any

[12:45] questions, express any concerns, and gain clarity on referendum details.

[12:52] [snorts]

[12:56] Um, the 2026 property listing period is currently active and will run into the

[13:02] end of this month. All personal property must be listed by January 31st to avoid

[13:06] a 10% penalty. Licensed vehicles are excluded, but untagged vehicles and

[13:13] items like boats, ATVs, and farm equipment must be listed. The elderly

[13:18] and disabled residents may qualify for exemptions. So, we just ask that you

[13:23] please contact the tax department at the number listed here if you have any

[13:27] additional questions.

[13:32] community advisory boards. Um during the October meeting, consideration of

[13:37] adopting resolutions and rules of procedures for several newly established

[13:42] boards was tabled here. Um as you all are aware, these advisory boards are

[13:47] design are designed to enhance citizen engagement and provide specialized input

[13:53] on local issues. It was discussed that evening that the board should collective

[13:58] collectively review each of these boards and I'm prepared to present the

[14:03] information that I do have at any upcoming work session.

[14:11] Um, this information actually has not been shared online yet. From February

[14:16] 16th through February 27th, the Emergency Operations Center here uh in

[14:21] Gates County will host a highway construction trade academy. Um this is

[14:26] going to offer both classroom instruction and hands-on training. The

[14:31] program is funded by the NC DOT Office of Civil Rights through its on the job

[14:37] training initiative. topics um as you see here are going to include safety

[14:42] protocols, equipment operation and project management fundamentals. Uh

[14:48] registration is required to ensure proper planning and resource allocation

[14:52] and I will have this information posted within the next few days.

[14:57] [clears throat] Excuse me.

[14:59] [sighs] Next, um the regular schedule meeting

[15:05] schedule is February 18th. I will not be in attendance due to my participation at

[15:10] the IIMC conference. The board meeting will proceed as scheduled and any

[15:15] necessary arrangements for agenda management and documentation will be

[15:19] made in advance to ensure a smooth process.

[15:25] Uh convenience centers, the 2026 calendar is on our website now. And a

[15:30] note just to reference for the audience and folks online, there are other

[15:36] counties listed. So, um, just make sure that you pay pay close attention to

[15:41] Gates. That is that last column before the next section.

[15:49] This flyer was shared with me recently, so I throw it in here for this evening.

[15:53] Uh, the COA business small business center, excuse me, will hold a marketing

[15:57] and a rural community training on March 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the

[16:02] Merchants Mil Pond State Park.

[16:07] County offices will be closed January 19th in observance of Dr. Martin Luther

[16:12] King Jr's birthday.

[16:18] Uh, also on January 19th, the Merchants Meal Pond State Park will host the Day

[16:22] of Service volunteer event from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers are

[16:26] encouraged to bring appropriate outdoor gear, including gloves and closed toe

[16:31] shoes.

[16:35] All right. And um I've got this proclamation was in your agenda packet

[16:41] and I will now read it which I will ask for the board's uh consideration and

[16:46] approval. So proclamation honoring Dr. Martin

[16:50] Luther King Jr. Day whereas Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on

[16:56] January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and devoted his life to justice,

[17:03] equality, and the peaceful pursuit of civil rights for all Americans. And

[17:08] whereas through his leadership in the civil rights movement, Dr. King helped

[17:13] secure landmark social and legislative proc progress, including greater access

[17:18] to voting, fair housing, and equal treatment under the law. And whereas his

[17:24] commitment to nonviolent action, moral courage and dignity of every person

[17:30] advanced the cause of human rights and brought about lasting change in

[17:34] communities across our nation. And whereas Martin Luther King Jr. Day is

[17:40] recognized as a federal holiday to honor Dr. King's life and legacy and to

[17:46] celebrate his enduring contributions to freedom, equality, and service. And

[17:52] whereas this holiday encourages reflection on Dr. King's vision, and

[17:58] challenges each of us to uphold the principles of justice, compassion, and

[18:03] civic responsibility in our daily lives. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the

[18:08] Gates County Board of Commissioners that Monday, January 19th, 2026 is designated

[18:15] as Dr. Martin Luther King Junior's Junior Day in Gates County. and we

[18:20] encourage all residents to honor his legacy through reflection, community

[18:25] engagement, and actions that foster greater understanding and equity for

[18:31] all. And then last but not least, just in lie

[18:35] of Mr. Sour, um here's some picturesque scenes here right here from Gates

[18:41] County. And that's all I have. >> Thank you. Um I think the only point of

[18:47] action for that is um if we can get a motion to adopt the proclamation as read

[18:51] honoring D Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

[18:54] » So move. >> So second

[18:56] » and all in favor unanimous. All right. Thank you.

[19:01] [clears throat] Assistant manager Perry. Um turn to you

[19:04] for county manager updates. >> Okay. Thank [clears throat] you. Uh

[19:11] the auditing firm of Malding and Jenkins uh is in the final review of the

[19:16] county's financial statements for the fiscal year end June 30th, 2025. And it

[19:22] is anticipated the report to the commissioners will occur at the February

[19:27] board meeting, which we now know will be on the 18th.

[19:31] As previously reported to the board, the fund balance for the general fund

[19:34] increased by $554,798

[19:39] and the unassigned fund balance is now 6,271,75

[19:46] as of June 30th of 2025 and is using the LGC's formula. The

[19:53] county's general fund balance available for appropriate appropriation exceeds

[19:58] now 39%. Sales tax receipts exceeded the original

[20:03] budget ordinance by $273,318

[20:09] or 7.3%. The county's tax collection rate

[20:14] improved from 96.5% to 97.10%.

[20:19] So, we appreciate the citizens and the tax office for this improvement. Also,

[20:25] major kudos to the public utilities department and the finance department

[20:31] for coordination and transition to the monthly billing cycle for all water

[20:36] customers. Next month in February, uh the county will be seeking requests

[20:42] for a statement of qualifications for the architectural services to assist in

[20:47] the building of a new community center. We will continue to update the county on

[20:53] uh this progress. And lastly, on the HR front, uh the county will be

[20:58] implementing management training for supervisors later this quarter. And that

[21:03] is all I have. >> All right. Thank you, sir.

[21:07] move into commissioner updates. Um, Commissioner Roundtree.

[21:11] » Yes. Hope hope everyone had a great holiday. Happy new year to everyone. Um

[21:18] my first update is Trillium update and uh on January the 29th which is a

[21:26] Thursday check in began at 8:30 and this is from

[21:31] 900 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is the uh re-entry program uh that we had once

[21:39] here in Gates County. This one will be located at Elizabeth City State

[21:43] University. Um the address is K White Ballroom

[21:49] 1704 Weeksville Road, Elizabeth City, North Carolina 279

[21:55] 09. And this is a similation of how um

[22:00] people who transition from being incarcerated to the real world shows the

[22:06] challenges and the adjustments that they make in order to make that transition as

[22:12] smooth as possible. It gives us a a greater awareness what they go through

[22:17] throughout this transition. It's very interactive. It have scenarios in which

[22:23] the incar former incarcerated citizens face the challenges they face. So this

[22:28] is going to be great. I attended one before along with madame chair was very

[22:32] insightful and uh also gave me uh a better understanding of what these

[22:39] citizens that's transition from incarceration to regular society how

[22:45] difficult it can be and how much they need support during this transition. So

[22:49] that's going to be on Thursday, January 29th at Elizabeth City State University

[22:54] at K White Ballroom and you check in at 8:30 and then the actual assimilation

[23:01] the program is going to be from 9 to 12. Also our trillium update uh we have

[23:09] eating disorders awareness symposium. This is going to include mental health

[23:14] impacts and also mental health concerns. This is going to take place February

[23:20] 27th from 8 to 11:30 a.m. It's going to be at Berea Baptist Church, 2033 North

[23:29] Road Street, also in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Um,

[23:34] this is going to be very good for um making the community aware of different

[23:40] eating disorders, bring them awareness, how to counter that, things to do to

[23:45] implement. And last, I want to give uh

[23:50] congratulations to Mrs. Shondaanda Harrison. She's the business business

[23:55] owner for Totally Learning, Totally Kids Learning Center. Uh she just recently

[24:01] opened up and this was a great um daycare u opportunity for our community

[24:07] because it relieved the public schools of their daycare challenges. Also, it

[24:14] pro it provides daycare for our citizens and it's a great business opportunity

[24:20] for Miss Harrison. I had a chance to be at the grand opening or excuse me at

[24:25] open house and it was beautiful. Classrooms were structured well. They

[24:30] had some students there. Um the teachers were on point. Uh the environment was a

[24:36] loving, nurturing environment. a win-win situation because, you know, daycare is

[24:42] very essential for the working class. We need a place that we can be comfortable

[24:47] and know that they are being taught, knowing they have safety um throughout

[24:52] the facility and knowing that love and nurturing is taking place. And I'm so

[24:57] grateful that she was able to partner with Gates County Public Schools. and um

[25:02] also she's providing great uh daycare services for our citizens, for our

[25:09] parents, and I applaud her on that. Uh that uh is my final uh update for

[25:15] tonight. >> All right. Thank you, Commissioner

[25:17] Citnel [clears throat]

[25:21] Policy. Um

[25:25] how long's this been going on, Pit? >> A long time. I know at least three kind

[25:29] at least three county managers and it started out uh the rough draft of it was

[25:36] it was rough for our employees. [laughter]

[25:38] » Uh and [clears throat] then I want to throw a number out there. It's

[25:43] probably been going on for 10 years. >> And and we we got it today. So that's a

[25:51] big kudos to uh Mr. Perry and Mr. sour for getting that accomplished. It's been

[25:59] going on for a long time and it's something else we've we've put to rest.

[26:03] Um water billing going back to monthly. I know I would enjoy it. I I look at my

[26:09] wife all the time like we we paid the water bill. [laughter]

[26:13] Uh getting back on that monthly cycle is is just it's going to be better for

[26:17] everybody. Um I've had a number of citizens reach out to me over the last

[26:23] couple weeks. I've talked to Commissioner Truman or Madam Chair uh

[26:27] about it some and got some information from her. I know she did a lot of

[26:31] research ran the board of education and uh filling the UR seat uh they announced

[26:37] they were not going to fill the UR seat at this time until the election.

[26:43] » Um and my constituents and you don't feel like they have a voice at the

[26:47] table. So hopefully they will not be making any major decisions

[26:52] without um without great thought and hopefully they

[26:57] can wait till they have that seat f filled after the election. Um so I just

[27:03] wanted to relay the messages that I've been getting from my constituents and

[27:09] your so that's all I have. >> All right. Thank you, sir.

[27:14] » Vice chair. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um

[27:16] [clears throat] looking forward to this new year as we

[27:20] begin to work on the many things that uh our county has going on. Um you wi with

[27:25] the completion of some of the designs that we've been working through over

[27:29] this past year uh and putting those to bid so that way we can uh select a

[27:34] contractor and get moving with those improvements with the border systems of

[27:38] the county. It's been a long time since they be able to do those type of

[27:41] improvements. So we are looking forward to that. We're looking forward to our

[27:44] work sections uh that we have with our uh county employees and and as we

[27:51] continue to move into the new uh budgeting season and and understanding

[27:56] the needs and requirements for our county and as we work through that. So,

[28:00] um, we encourage anyone to reach out, uh, to discuss anything that, uh, you

[28:06] would like to see within the county's budget this year. And, and because this

[28:09] is our our budget season, we're going to be having those type of, uh, discussions

[28:13] over the next few months as we lead into that. Um the the chair and I this past

[28:18] I'll let her speak a little bit more about this but uh we this past week we

[28:22] uh continued our training as far as on the leadership side with the NCAACC

[28:29] and uh it's always a good time when you can get together with a group of other

[28:34] commissioners from our other 100 counties um within North Carolina and

[28:39] and see how they do things. you know, what what do we do that's working better

[28:43] than what they do and what they do that maybe working a little bit better than

[28:47] than we have and and uh that free flow of ideas is always good to be able to uh

[28:53] have that engagement with them. So, um yeah, I I enjoyed that. I enjoyed the uh

[28:58] the the teaching sessions that we had uh as we try to uh uh further develop

[29:05] ourselves as county commissioners. Um just uh yesterday I had uh my uh

[29:12] quarterly meeting with the Gits and I I tell you

[29:17] just to see what Mr. Patrice does and everything that she uh works through and

[29:22] accomplishes is is just outstanding with uh you the the little bit that she has

[29:27] and she can go so far with what little bit that she has. And so, um, I enjoy

[29:32] sitting on that board and working with them and and listening to what needs

[29:36] that they uh have for coming and uh and representing them to the board as well.

[29:41] And and so uh I appreciate that time yesterday as we went through uh their

[29:46] upcoming plans for this year and how they can continue expand their services.

[29:50] And so I ask everyone that that service is available. So if you need a ride

[29:55] anywhere, uh they will be glad to give it to you. And so um u

[30:02] that's uh that concludes my meetings for tonight.

[30:05] » Thank you sir. Um and I just have a few things. Yeah. I'll mention uh the

[30:09] NCAACCC. It's uh leading your governing body. It's uh informally called chair

[30:14] vice chair training. Um just to kind of give you go over statutes, legal issues,

[30:19] just kind of make sure you're on the up and up on what the different laws are as

[30:21] you move forward with governing. Um, and it's always, like you said, pretty

[30:26] exciting to to get together with other commissioners from across the state and

[30:29] kind of hear the things that they are going through, the different things that

[30:32] they've overcome. Um, we

[30:36] always end up talking about, you know, public comment periods and and they

[30:41] that's a thing across the state. Most people, you know, one comment period a

[30:44] month, three minutes. I I like that we're a little more gracious with the

[30:48] five minutes at the beginning and the three minutes at the end and different

[30:51] things like that. just giving the community the opportunity to speak um is

[30:55] a pretty big deal, I think. And and so that's something that we we appreciate

[31:00] having the opportunity to do. Um I will reiterate what our lovely clerk was

[31:06] saying um about trying to get a location secured for the town hall for this

[31:10] article 46. Uh that I did want to talk about for just a minute. Um Verizon

[31:14] killed my opportunity today to try and reach out to most people that I planned

[31:18] on calling this afternoon. um Verizon decided I did not need to call anyone.

[31:23] So um or nor did tens of thousands of others across the country. So um those

[31:29] calls will happen as soon as we have that location secured. We'll have that

[31:32] information out on Facebook and on the website. Um and then

[31:37] uh again mentioned at the next meeting. We'll make sure we announce that there

[31:40] because we do have another commissioner meeting before that night. Um, but I

[31:44] know there are a lot of questions about what is this quarter cent tales sales

[31:48] tax referendum and it will be on the ballot on March 3rd um in the primary.

[31:54] Uh during the October 15th meeting around the 30 minute mark uh we had

[31:59] discussion under old business that focused on what this was for and it

[32:02] would be countywide food insecurity. Um this past year in our budget process, we

[32:08] voted to um fund the food nutrition program, child nutrition program at the

[32:14] schools. So right now in Gates County, all of the children in the public

[32:17] schools have free breakfast and lunch to them. Um there have been numerous um

[32:25] positive statements come from staff at the schools stating how hungry kids um

[32:30] made made learning more difficult and how it's been better this year. um the

[32:34] kids are not as anxious, um not as irritable, um and they're just they're

[32:39] fed, which is a big deal. Uh we'd love the opportunity to continue doing that.

[32:43] And that's where this article 46 comes in. Essentially, if you spend $10,000 on

[32:47] sales um in the county in a year, you're going to have $25 go towards food

[32:52] insecurity. For every$10,000 you spend, not including prescription, groceries,

[32:58] medications, um any kind of medications, and gas,

[33:01] those don't go up because you can't for law. So, $10,000,

[33:06] it's $25 basically. Um, that's going to go to food insecurity and food

[33:10] insecurity is included. Um, we didn't want any extra funds going to just

[33:15] miscellaneous things. So, we have encompassed this is saying food

[33:18] insecurity across the whole and that includes the food nutrition program.

[33:22] That'll be programs like gyms, the backpack ministry. Um recently in the

[33:26] past uh few months we've had some local initiated citizen um local church groups

[33:32] initiated those type things uh food pantries that are there for the public

[33:36] that will give us the opportunity to be able to contribute to those as well. Um

[33:40] the entirety of these funds would go to food and security whatever that looks

[33:44] like. Um taking care of our children first um and then moving into gyms and

[33:48] other opportunities. So we'll have more coming forward on that. We have some

[33:51] videos. We'll have some Q&As's. Um, we have the town hall. We're going to put

[33:56] more information on Facebook um, as we have it and as we can, but it is

[34:00] something that needs to be talked about because March 3rd is right around the

[34:03] corner. Uh, and I think lastly, I just want to say the re-entry. I did not know

[34:07] about that. Um, if you have the opportunity to go, I will never not push

[34:10] for people to go to the re-entry training. It is phenomenal. It will give

[34:13] you a perspective that people need. Um, so it is a free program. He mentioned

[34:19] January 29th at ECSU. So, if you can do that, um I'll ask if we can have that

[34:25] put on our Facebook page as well, the link, so that we can have um have that

[34:29] accessible. That is all I have. Um we're going to move into the 3minut um public

[34:37] comment period um if we have anyone signed up for that. One of the things

[34:41] that we had taken away from our time um in the leadership training last week

[34:47] were counties stating that they have timers or mic cuts that kind of being at

[34:51] the end of the time so that the chair, vice chair, whoever is up here doesn't

[34:55] have to interrupt to cut um cut the speaker. Um so those things will be

[35:00] implemented at different times um to kind of help see how we facilitate

[35:06] and if it goes a little smoother. Um, but right now I'm gonna defer to the

[35:10] clerk, see who we have. >> Kelly.

[35:13] » All right. So, if you could come up and just state

[35:17] your name and voting district for the record.

[35:21] » First. >> Yeah, that's fine. Thank you.

[35:24] » Thank you. >> I have enoughbody.

[35:27] » You're [laughter] share if you need to. Yep.

[35:31] » I've actually

[35:35] Yeah. Okay.

[35:39] My name is Kelly Turner and I am in Gates.

[35:43] Um, I'm here tonight to follow up on an email that I sent to the board and

[35:47] county manager regarding an incident at our property involving deer hunting with

[35:51] dogs. While the incident itself was unsettling, I want to be very clear that

[35:56] my goal tonight is not to ban dog hunting in Gates County. Hunting is an

[36:01] important part of our culture and heritage. What I am asking for is a

[36:06] thoughtful, modern restriction that reflects how our county has changed.

[36:11] Gates County is not the same as it was decades ago. Large tracks of lands have

[36:16] been divided into small smaller parcels. Families live closer together. Many

[36:21] residents raise livestock, keep pets, and are tending to the land more like a

[36:25] homestead. With these changes, the way that we manage deer hunting, especially

[36:30] by running dogs, needs to be re-evaluated.

[36:33] Recently, seven to eight deer dog hunting trucks were parked along Highway

[36:37] 37 beside our property while hunters waited for their dogs to push deer out

[36:42] of the swamp behind our home. We do not allow dog hunting on our land and have

[36:47] been clear and respectful about that for the past 3 years. Despite this, a pack

[36:53] of dogs came out of the swamp and approached our goat and chicken pens and

[36:56] created an unsafe situation. The law was called and after a good while, the

[37:02] hunters were finally able to contain their dogs after catching them by hand

[37:07] and pulling them by their collars into their dog boxes. Thankfully, no one was

[37:12] hurt, but this situation highlights a larger issue of safety and

[37:15] accountability. I would like to ask the board to

[37:18] consider reasonable restrictions on dog hunting with deer hunting with dogs such

[37:24] as requiring minimum acreage such as 500 acres of more to run deer dogs. Whether

[37:29] that's combining AC acres or individual parcels,

[37:33] prohibiting hunting activities from public roadways, including parking and

[37:38] waiting along highways and narrow back roads, and requiring hunters to actively

[37:42] follow their dogs or only retrieve them at designated points within property

[37:46] they have permission to hunt. Also strengthening expectations that dogs

[37:50] remain within land where explicit permission has been granted. These type

[37:54] of restrictions are not anti-hunting. They're pro-s safety, pro property

[37:58] rights, and pro community. I'm going to skip this part because I'm

[38:01] almost out of time. I knew this is an issue that the board has addressed

[38:04] before. Because of that, I reached out to members of our community to hear

[38:07] their thoughts and I was surprised by how many people, long-term residents and

[38:12] newer families alike, shared these same concerns. The people want change and I

[38:16] am here to help them achieve it. I am not here to speak during public comment

[38:20] and never hear about this issue again. I would genuinely welcome the opportunity

[38:24] to sit down with members of the board or participate in a working group or public

[38:29] discussion to explore what next steps would look like to update our county

[38:32] ordinances. This is not about personal opinions for or against dog hunting. The

[38:37] board has a duty to serve the people of Gates County and the people want to be

[38:40] heard. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you.

[38:45] » Do we have any others? All right, Miss Saunders, if you could

[38:49] just state your name and um voting district.

[38:54] » Good evening, commissioners. Mr. Perry, attorney gowin. I am Crystal Saunders,

[38:59] resident of Gatesville, um probably about a mile and a half from here. Um

[39:03] Mr. Barman, you actually touched on something I was going to talk about. I

[39:07] was in church two Sundays ago and uh elder older lady got sick. ambulance was

[39:15] called and I know we don't have 911 and you know all that foolishness from

[39:20] before and all of that. However, I'm sitting there thinking we need to get

[39:25] some other people trained in our county because the ambulance people that were

[39:30] on duty. They were down in Edon suffoc had to be called. Thank kudos to

[39:36] Pquimmens or whoever runs that center now. Kudos to them. and they came

[39:42] directly. They were there. By the time Gates County got there, she was loaded

[39:47] up getting ready to go out the parking lot. So, there's something that has to

[39:51] be done as a community whether we do something as a community where we have

[39:56] more volunteers, more equipment at different places that can be utilized

[40:02] because she passed out. Oxygen is a big thing. You know, we have this new thing

[40:07] now where you can buy the spray cans of oxygen. I'm like, I'm investing that for

[40:11] my family. You see what I'm saying? And so, but you think about your churches

[40:16] and stuff and to the thought of she's passed out. Every I'm a science teacher.

[40:21] I teach biology. Seconds matter when you're talking about somebody's don't

[40:25] have a pulse, not breathing. >> And so that that is a real concern.

[40:31] » So, if we could start conversations around something like that.

[40:36] » All right. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[40:40] Do we have any even further? >> Miss Ann

[40:46] [clears throat]

[40:51] Howell Hall Township. I just have a quick question. You mentioned that uh

[40:56] the water bill will be going back monthly. Is that correct? Was there

[41:00] anything said about the billing going back to Gates County instead of going to

[41:06] wherever? Honestly,

[41:10] we can look into that, but as of right now, no. I think we were told at the

[41:14] time that they hoped it would be coming back to Gates County. And I know a lot

[41:19] of people I'm for one, I drive to Gatesville and to pay it here because

[41:24] I'm stubborn. I'm just not going to mail it,

[41:28] » especially with mail going up like it is right now.

[41:31] » My wife does the same thing. [laughter] >> A lot of people do. Yes, ma'am. Thank

[41:35] you. All right. Thank you. And I'm just going to say I'm glad

[41:38] you're here because you can I don't know it's still okay.

[41:44] All right. Is there any That's all. Okay. All right. Um with all the

[41:49] business addressed, we will entertain a motion to adjurnn. Madam Chair, if I

[41:54] might before we absolutely, >> I would just like as county attorney uh

[41:59] to reiterate what uh commissioner said in regards to thanking Warren Perry and

[42:07] uh Scott Sour for their hard work in getting the uh personnel policy

[42:13] together. We spent many hours on it and we spent many years on it uh before.

[42:19] It's a very important thing and uh they need to be recognized for their work.

[42:26] » That's all. >> Yeah, I agree.

[42:28] » Yeah. Thank you. Uh Mr. Godwin, I would want to recognize the uh the team we had

[42:34] that assisted with that was uh Patrice Lasser, uh Willie Smith, Lisa Cherry,

[42:40] and um Christy Baron. So kudos to them also. Thank you.

[42:47] » All right. Thank you. Yes, sir. All right. We will now um look for a motion

[42:52] to adjurnn. >> So move.

[42:55] » So second it. >> All right. All in favor?

[43:00] We are ajourned.

[43:11] Yeah. It's one of the days.

1-14-2026: 6pm Regular Meeting

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