[0:06] Good morning, happy New Year.

[0:08] I'd like to bring the January 5th meeting

[0:10] of the Nor County Commissioners to order.

[0:12] At this time, we'll have our invocation, uh, led

[0:17] by Dr. Harris, and we'll have our Pledge

[0:19] of Allegiance led by Mac Doherty.

[0:22] Uh, and in doing our invocation this morning,

[0:26] of course we're going to be, remember Roland missed, um,

[0:30] who passed during the holidays,

[0:32] and so please keep, continue

[0:34] to keep his family in your prayers

[0:36] 'cause we are surely going to miss him.

[0:39] Okay?

[0:41] As we bow our heads all wise, eternal God, our Father,

[0:45] we are thankful that you brought us to this, a brand new day

[0:49] and a brand new year.

[0:51] We acknowledge, Lord, that you carried us

[0:53] through all of last year.

[0:55] So I know that with the same power you will see us

[0:58] through this year, we're remembering the family of

[1:02] Roland Best and all of those who

[1:05] were deceased in the year 2025.

[1:09] We ask now, Lord, that you would bless us in all

[1:12] of our deliberations,

[1:13] that we will do better in 2026 than we did in 2025.

[1:19] We always should make improvement.

[1:22] Bless us and we will forever give your name to praise,

[1:25] the honor and the glory.

[1:26] It shall be th in the name of our Lord and Creator we pray.

[1:31] Amen. Amen.

[1:35] A pledge to flag of the United States of America

[1:41] and to the republic for what which it stands,

[1:44] one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty

[1:48] and justice for all.

[1:52] Thank y'all. Uh, I would like

[1:57] to remind the board members of our ethics law with conflict

[2:01] of interest in accordance within the North County Board

[2:04] of Commissioners in the North Carolina General Statute

[2:06] Section 1 53 a dash 44.

[2:10] It is the duty of every member present

[2:12] to vote on all matters before the Board,

[2:13] unless there is a conflict of interest as determined

[2:17] by the board or by law.

[2:19] Does any board member have any known conflict of interest

[2:21] with respect to any matter coming before the board today?

[2:26] Okay, hearing now, we will move on under public information.

[2:31] Uh, we'd like to recognize, um, some employees

[2:35] for their years of service.

[2:37] We have a formal recognition quarterly

[2:39] where we name those folks

[2:40] and, uh, they get a little something

[2:42] for their years of service.

[2:44] But for five years we have Jordan Jones from Social

[2:48] Services, Keisha Gooding from Social Services for 15 years.

[2:52] We have Leslie Langley from Social Services,

[2:56] Patsy Sanders from Social Services

[2:59] and Crystal Rouse from Transit.

[3:02] Let's give them all a hand.

[3:10] Okay. At this time, uh,

[3:15] you need to say something he's gonna do.

[3:18] Okay. Um, we'll have a public hearing

[3:22] for proposed financing of construction

[3:25] of a new commercial shell building

[3:27] for economic development in the Nor County Industrial Park.

[3:30] And so do you need to speak first or we go in?

[3:34] You you go into the public hearing first. I'll

[3:36] Make a motion. Second.

[3:37] There's been a motion

[3:38] and a second to have the public hearing.

[3:40] All those in favor say aye. And all those opposed? Likewise.

[3:44] And we will turn it over to Mr. David Baxter, our attorney.

[3:47] Thank you Madam Chair. Good morning, commissioners.

[3:50] Uh, this is the public hearing, uh,

[3:52] for the Red Leg Economic Development Financing

[3:55] for the, uh, shell building.

[3:56] Um, this is, if you recall, this is for a,

[3:59] a pad ready project, uh, highway 70 Industrial Park, um,

[4:03] with the intent to construct a shell building

[4:05] on the pad ready site.

[4:07] Uh, this board has al already approved the design build

[4:09] process for the Shell Building.

[4:11] Um, you did that a few meetings ago.

[4:13] Uh, the staff is initiating the design build selection

[4:16] process of the design builder, uh, necessary for, uh,

[4:19] approval with the local government commission.

[4:21] Uh, the source of these funds is a red leg loan.

[4:24] Uh, it's administered by the United States

[4:26] Department of Agricultural.

[4:27] And it's a pass through grant through Tri-County Electric,

[4:29] uh, membership cooperative.

[4:31] Um, it provides, uh, low

[4:33] or no interest financing

[4:34] for certain economic development projects.

[4:37] Um, the general statutes require this type of financing

[4:40] to be approved by the local government commission.

[4:42] Um, and so that's kind of one

[4:44] of the reasons we're here today.

[4:45] Um, the, the financing will support, as I said,

[4:48] the construction of a a about 22,000 square foot shell

[4:52] building on the pad ready site.

[4:54] Um, a couple of things about the LGC requirements

[4:56] for this type of financing, uh, you're required

[4:58] to hold a public hearing, which you're doing right now.

[5:01] Um, and during that public hearing, uh, discuss the purpose

[5:04] of the financing, which we're doing right now.

[5:07] Uh, that it's for economic development purposes

[5:09] for the construction of the Shell building.

[5:11] Uh, after the hearing, uh, a little bit later on the agenda,

[5:13] we'll ask you to adopt a resolution affirming the financing

[5:17] that's in the public interest, the terms of the financing,

[5:20] and to allow staff to, uh, apply to the LGC

[5:23] to approve this financing.

[5:25] Uh, and that a resolution is in your packet, I believe.

[5:28] Um, and as I said

[5:29] before, um, you've recently approved the design build

[5:32] process by which we'll construct this.

[5:34] This is just the financing portion, uh,

[5:36] to validate the request.

[5:38] So, uh, are there any questions for me?

[5:40] Uh, that's kind of all I have on the intro.

[5:42] Is the sign up sheet still over there?

[5:44] It is. Is anybody sign there?

[5:46] I don't see any names on it, no ma'am.

[5:48] Okay. Make a motion. We go out, pull the hearing.

[5:52] Second.

[5:54] You've heard the motion and a second.

[5:56] All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed?

[5:59] Likewise. Thank you.

[6:03] Is there anybody signed up for public comments? No. Okay.

[6:06] Thank you sir. Uh, under our consent agenda,

[6:11] we have items number one through 11.

[6:15] And in the new business we have items 12 through 17.

[6:20] 18 is board appointments, 19 is the manager's report,

[6:23] and 20 are comments from the commissioners motion.

[6:26] Second, it's been a motion

[6:28] and a second to approve the agenda as stated.

[6:31] All those in favor say aye. And all those opposed? Likewise.

[6:36] Okay. Under new business item number 12 is a resolution

[6:40] authorizing acceptance sub tide application

[6:43] and authorizing county manager to execute the memorandum

[6:47] of understanding amongst all parties.

[6:51] And Mr. Short?

[6:53] Yes ma'am. You what?

[6:56] Uh, just a few words on the application. I wanna first,

[6:59] Would you tell 'em what Tide means?

[7:01] Yes, ma'am. I was gonna, uh, the program itself is,

[7:04] as you'll recall, is the tax incentive

[7:07] for downtown enhancement.

[7:08] We, uh, now have that program effective

[7:11] with all the municipalities in the county.

[7:13] Essentially. Um, it's a program to help, uh,

[7:17] boost job creation investment in our

[7:19] downtown districts throughout the county.

[7:21] Um, how the program works is for that, uh, additional value,

[7:25] whatever your investment is, say your present day value,

[7:28] $50,000, you invest a hundred thousand dollars, uh, for

[7:33] that new value of $150,000,

[7:35] the difference in your tax bill would effectively be granted

[7:38] back to you, uh, so long as you continue

[7:41] to hit those earmarks every year after year.

[7:44] Um, uh, today, happy to say that, uh, the town

[7:47] of La Grange has our first application

[7:49] for the board's consideration.

[7:50] Obviously, um, going forward, um, we would process this,

[7:55] make sure that the investment is appropriate,

[7:57] the job creation is appropriate,

[7:58] and then every year we would kind of audit that.

[8:01] Uh, going forward, before that grant is issued, uh, Ms.

[8:04] Tamika Moy has submitted the application

[8:07] for 1 25 South Casual Street.

[8:09] Uh, and just asking that the board bless this initial

[8:12] application and we will outline, uh, the particulars, uh,

[8:16] with the individual, with the town of LaGrange

[8:18] and the county, um, and the expectations in that MOU.

[8:21] So this will authorize the manager to execute that.

[8:26] Okay. You've heard the recommendation. Objection, approve.

[8:30] Second, and a motion to approve. Second and a second.

[8:34] Any other questions or comments?

[8:36] If not all those in favor say aye. Aye.

[8:39] And all those opposed? Likewise.

[8:41] Number 13 is a resolution authorized in filing an

[8:44] application for approval of financing arrangement authorized

[8:48] by the North Carolina general statute 1 68 dash 20

[8:52] intentively approving such financing agreement. Mr. Baxter.

[8:57] And I think I went through it quickly,

[9:00] but I think that's about all I have to say about it.

[9:02] Unless somebody's got questions for me,

[9:03] I just ask him for a motion to approve

[9:05] Any questions, move to approve.

[9:08] Second, been a motion and a second,

[9:10] or any other questions or comments?

[9:13] If not all those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye.

[9:16] And all those opposed? Likewise.

[9:18] Item number 14 is a resolution authorizing a request

[9:22] to increase funding for the professional services legal line

[9:25] item for a secondary DSS attorney's contract

[9:29] expenses in the amount of $62,734. Ms. Naer?

[9:34] Good morning. Good morning.

[9:38] So in September of 2024, um, the agency had about 60

[9:42] to 65 foster children.

[9:44] When I arrived here in Lenoir County, um, by September

[9:47] of this year, those numbers had almost doubled.

[9:51] Um, I checked with my administrator this morning

[9:53] and it's actually 112, um,

[9:56] children currently in foster care in Lenoir County.

[9:59] And that number continues to fluctuate up and down.

[10:02] Um, once permanency is achieved for some of our children,

[10:05] um, or new children are brought into care.

[10:08] That little, um, graph there is just the number

[10:11] of child welfare court filings

[10:13] that have increased since 2022.

[10:16] As you can see in 22, 23

[10:18] and 24, those numbers state about the same.

[10:21] Um, at 295, fiscal year 25, as of September

[10:26] of last year, we had filed 432.

[10:31] So that number had drastically gone up.

[10:34] Um, I will say anytime a child is brought into foster care,

[10:38] it takes approximately five

[10:39] to six court documents that have to be filed.

[10:42] That's why that number looks a bit different, um,

[10:44] than the number of children that we have in care.

[10:48] Um, our DSS attorney also handles all

[10:51] of our adult services matters,

[10:53] and those have also gone up significantly.

[10:55] Um, we currently have 22 wards and three pending hearing.

[11:00] Um, and those are adults, um, that require our care.

[11:04] So then in, and in 2024, we only had 11 wards, so

[11:08] that number's also doubled.

[11:10] Um, the American Bar Association recommends DSS attorneys

[11:14] only have about 60 cases a piece.

[11:16] Um, and currently our DSS attorney

[11:19] that we have is carrying about 130 cases

[11:22] that are active in abuse, neglect, independency court.

[11:26] Um, and that does not include any

[11:28] of the adult services cases.

[11:30] So in North Carolina, it takes one year to reach permanence,

[11:35] meaning from the time we file that petition until the time

[11:38] that we have a permanent plan for that child

[11:40] to either be adopted or live with a relative

[11:43] or reunify with their biological parents, it takes one year

[11:47] for that to occur in our court system.

[11:49] So once a court case is filed, it's gonna be open for

[11:52] that full one year period.

[11:55] Um, on average we have court, um, typically twice a month.

[12:00] I've been able to speak with Judge Stackhouse

[12:02] and we do have some special settings coming in January.

[12:05] We have three additional court dates this month, um, to help

[12:08] with our docket,

[12:09] but we have about 12 to 15 cases that are scheduled

[12:13] to be heard on each court date.

[12:15] Um, and that number can change obviously if we have, um,

[12:19] if we take custody of new children

[12:20] because we only have seven days to get in front

[12:22] of a judge once we do that.

[12:24] Um, so with that, it kind of is creating a sustained

[12:29] and escalating workload for our current DSS attorney.

[12:33] Um, and that presents risks to the timeliness

[12:36] of children achieving permanence due process

[12:38] and just legal compliance.

[12:40] Um, so our request, I did send out a request

[12:43] for proposals in October of 2025 for, um, legal services for

[12:48] proposals were received back from that.

[12:51] Um, and then following a review process,

[12:54] one proposal was um, selected.

[12:56] Um, her name is Ms. Leanne Goss.

[12:59] Um, and so I'm just seeking the additional funding in the

[13:03] hiring of a second attorney

[13:04] for the Department of Social Services.

[13:06] Um, this will not affect the general fund, uh,

[13:11] balance at all.

[13:13] Um, it'll be coming from a different pot of money.

[13:18] So do y'all have any questions for me?

[13:21] I do. Um, so what do you attribute the spike

[13:25] in the number of cases?

[13:27] That's a significant

[13:28] Job. Mm-hmm.

[13:29] So I will say that in 24,

[13:34] that is when the staffing crisis occurred.

[13:36] It started in 2023, it continued through 2024

[13:40] until I arrived in September.

[13:42] Um, part of the reason when I got here that they had all

[13:45] of those backlog cases,

[13:46] there was over a hundred backlog cases that dated back

[13:50] to 2023.

[13:51] So some of these cases were just getting caught up.

[13:55] Um, meaning those court actions

[13:57] that should have been filed months prior

[13:58] were finally being filed.

[14:00] I will also say there's been a,

[14:02] a shift in state policy that happened here.

[14:05] Uh, we went live in path and see in July of 2025.

[14:09] Um, that policy

[14:13] has significantly increased the number

[14:15] of immediate response reports

[14:16] and 24 hour reports that the agency sees

[14:19] because of some changes with the legal definitions

[14:22] of abuse and neglect.

[14:24] Um, so I think some of that is, um, attributed to that.

[14:29] Um, and then I also think, you know, with,

[14:33] there's a lot of, un un, what's the right word?

[14:37] Untreated mental health, um, and domestic violence

[14:41] and substance abuse that we are catching up on.

[14:44] And we do try to work with families.

[14:46] We try to keep children in the home,

[14:48] but if we're not able to do that,

[14:50] then obviously we do have to file.

[14:52] So the second question I have is, is, is this

[14:57] expense here to cover the backlog

[15:00] or will this be a recurring expense?

[15:04] So we currently, um, Mr. Griffin,

[15:07] the current DSS attorney is a, an actual,

[15:10] a full-time employee of the county.

[15:12] Um, this will be a contract attorney that we are hiring

[15:16] to bring on as our secondary attorney.

[15:19] Um, so it will be recurring.

[15:22] I would expect it to be recurring.

[15:24] Um, that workload, I don't foresee going down just

[15:28] with the shift in everything.

[15:30] Um, I will also say, you know, now

[15:32] that cases are being handled appropriately

[15:35] and timely decisions are being made, um,

[15:39] it's preventing it doesn't allow for kids

[15:41] to stay in the home longer than they need to be.

[15:43] We can go ahead and start that process

[15:45] and get permanence achieved faster for them.

[15:48] Um, so it's, I don't foresee it going down.

[15:50] It will be an ongoing expense when we're planning

[15:52] for our budget next year that we will have to include,

[15:55] okay, this is enough.

[15:57] Um, this dollar amount is enough to get us through the end

[16:00] of this fiscal year in to July of this year.

[16:03] Commissioner do to your question?

[16:05] We've been talking about this for a while now. Yes.

[16:07] So we've been monitoring that

[16:08] to see if it was still gonna trend like it has been.

[16:10] And so we haven't seen much change.

[16:12] It'll probably go up and so we've been talking about it

[16:14] for some time before we brought this to the board.

[16:16] So we think now, uh, our numbers probably are

[16:18] where they're gonna be and uh, so most likely we need

[16:20] that additional capacity in DSS.

[16:22] Okay. And Brittany, if you talk about, I think some

[16:25] of this additional funds is also

[16:26] reimbursable to a certain degree.

[16:28] Yes. All of these funds are, um, the, our contracts are,

[16:32] it's 45 to 50%.

[16:34] Is that correct? Yes. 45 to 50% reimbursable by the state.

[16:38] So those, um, we can submit that information

[16:41] to the state monthly on our 1571 that we have to do

[16:45] and that will get us reimbursed 45 to 50%

[16:48] of the amount shown.

[16:50] Okay. Recoup over those funds? Yes.

[16:51] Okay. Thank you. Originally that we did,

[16:54] were doing contracting, but we got to the backlog

[16:58] and everything and that's when we decided

[16:59] that we would put the attorneys on staff.

[17:03] Yeah. But with, uh, rising costs, you don't have too much

[17:06] of a choice, do you Correct.

[17:08] Any other questions or comments?

[17:11] Motion to approve. Second.

[17:13] It's been a motion and a second.

[17:15] All those in favor say aye. Aye. And all those? Likewise.

[17:20] Thank you Ms Na. Thank you.

[17:22] Item number 15 is a resolution

[17:24] and budget ordinance amendment authorizing acceptance

[17:28] and disbursement of one North Carolina funds

[17:31] for Crown Equipment Corporation as part

[17:33] of the economic development project known

[17:35] as Project Relive in the amount

[17:37] of $400,000. Is Trey

[17:41] Here? Hey, Madam Chair, I'll

[17:42] take that item for T Tray.

[17:43] He's in, uh, Disney World with his family, so we need

[17:46] to pray for him probably. Yeah.

[17:48] Um, The request

[17:49] before the board is associated

[17:50] with the 2021 Economic Development Project

[17:52] with Crown Equipment.

[17:54] Uh, as the board recalls Crown was awarded $400,000 from the

[17:57] Department of Commerce for a building reuse project.

[18:00] And the county, uh, as always serves as a pass

[18:02] through agency for those grants.

[18:04] Commerce has notified us that Crown has met all the

[18:06] requirements of the grant program

[18:07] and we are requesting that the board authorize, uh,

[18:10] the acceptance of those grant funds

[18:11] and then allow us to disperse those funds to crown, uh,

[18:14] following their completion of the project.

[18:16] Motion to approve. Second, then a motion

[18:19] and a second are any other questions or comments?

[18:23] If not all those in favor say aye. A aye.

[18:25] And all those opposed? Likewise.

[18:29] Number 16 is a resolution

[18:31] and budget ordinance amendment authorizing your finance

[18:34] officer to process the berry building settlement

[18:37] and the amount of $500,000. Ms. Berrys,

[18:41] Good morning. Good

[18:42] Morning. Thank

[18:43] you Madam Chair. I wanna read a brief statement, um,

[18:45] uh, before the public on, uh, the action before the board.

[18:49] And this is one that there's been a

[18:51] lot of questions about.

[18:52] So I hope that, uh,

[18:54] those in the viewing audience will pay attention to, uh,

[18:58] the statement regarding this.

[18:59] 'cause it's not as always it had been portrayed.

[19:03] Thank you Madam Chair. Uh, on behalf of the Board

[19:05] of County Commissioners, I would like

[19:06] to provide a brief statement regarding the resolution

[19:08] of a recent legal matter involving Lenore County,

[19:10] Barry Building Group, dun Adult Architects

[19:12] and DaVita Engineering.

[19:14] During the renovation of the county administration building.

[19:16] Our contract was unfortunately the victim

[19:18] of a sophisticated cyber crime

[19:20] in which fraudulent banking information was used

[19:22] to divert payments intended for legitimate work.

[19:25] As a result, several payments were

[19:26] sent to a fraudulent account.

[19:28] On October 22nd, Lenoir County participated in mediation

[19:31] with all of our parties with a shared goal

[19:33] of reaching a fair resolution

[19:34] and avoiding a lengthy and costly legal process.

[19:37] I'm pleased to report that this matter has now been fully

[19:39] resolved through an amicable settlement.

[19:41] Importantly, no taxpayer dollars

[19:43] were used to resolve this case. Could

[19:44] You repeat that please?

[19:47] That there was a fully resolved

[19:49] through an an amicable settlement.

[19:51] Uh, importantly, no taxpayer dollars

[19:53] were used to resolve this case.

[19:54] The county's insurance carriers have

[19:56] provided $756,250 in coverage for the fraudulent payments,

[20:00] and the county has agreed to apply those funds

[20:02] as its contribution toward the overall settlement.

[20:05] We understand that members of the public may have had

[20:07] questions as this issue unfolded, however it has been

[20:09] and remains the policy of Lenoir County not

[20:11] to comment publicly on matters of active litigation.

[20:14] Now that this case has concluded, we can reaffirm

[20:16] that the county approached this matter of due diligence

[20:18] and seriousness acted responsibly throughout,

[20:21] and we remain focused on protecting the integrity

[20:22] of the legal process and the careful use of local resources.

[20:26] We appreciate the cooperation

[20:27] of all parties involved in reaching this

[20:29] resolution with this matter.

[20:30] Now behind us, our focus is firmly on moving forward,

[20:32] continuing to serve the citizens of Lenoir County

[20:34] with transparency, accountability,

[20:36] and dedication. Thank you, Madam Chair.

[20:38] Thank you, sir. So with that being said,

[20:42] this $500,000 was funds that were received

[20:47] in the, um, county from insurance coverage.

[20:52] So these are not taxpayer dollars,

[20:54] and those funds were dropped into the general fund at the

[20:57] end of the fiscal year because of the ongoing litigation.

[21:01] So now we have to move those funds from fund balance over

[21:04] to make sure we make this payment

[21:08] Move to approve. Second,

[21:10] There's been a motion and a second are any

[21:12] other questions or comments?

[21:14] Just to be clear, the remaining balance also is still

[21:17] insurance funds and this is combined with it,

[21:20] Correct? Yes, sir. Everything

[21:21] is insurance funds

[21:23] One once again. Yeah.

[21:24] Did not come out of,

[21:26] There is no taxpayer dollars.

[21:29] So hopefully some of this political wrangling

[21:31] that's going on can be put to bed.

[21:32] Thank you. I just wanna state it one more time. No,

[21:36] No. Taxpayer dollars,

[21:37] Tax payer dollars were used to settle this.

[21:41] And the reason we're making sure that's emphasized is

[21:44] because there was a lot of rumors

[21:47] and a lot of, uh, accusations

[21:49] and, uh, there were a lot of things.

[21:52] People don't realize it sometimes,

[21:53] but when you get involved in this,

[21:56] you can't go out and talk about it.

[21:58] And I want to commend our lawyer as ugly as people,

[22:01] some people got at us

[22:03] and as bad as we wanted to, he kept reminding us

[22:06] you cannot talk.

[22:08] And so through his due diligence with us, uh, I think

[22:12] that was definitely the right thing to do

[22:15] and things turned out well.

[22:16] Would you like to make any comments?

[22:18] I'm sure I I'll reiterate that.

[22:21] You know, it is one of the hardest things

[22:22] for elected officials to do is

[22:24] to not comment on things like this,

[22:27] but it, it upheld the integrity of the litigation process.

[22:31] And you know what the last thing you want is for

[22:34] outside influences to, to influence a business decision,

[22:38] which is essentially what it is, is to, you know,

[22:41] settle a lawsuit with, you know, to, to avoid payment of,

[22:44] of taxpayer funds in, in an unfortunate situation.

[22:48] I think the, the, I commend this board

[22:50] for staying the course.

[22:52] Uh, I think it was a, it was a positive outcome

[22:54] and a negative situation.

[22:56] Um, and, and I think, uh, it was a good outcome for the,

[23:00] for the, the folks living in, in Lenoir County, um,

[23:03] because it was insurance money that was used.

[23:05] And, um, so, so I, I reiterate that, that it,

[23:08] it is very hard and difficult to do

[23:10] and sometimes the public gets impatient,

[23:12] but, uh, I think that the ends justify the means

[23:15] and I think the outcome was a positive one.

[23:17] And we do appreciate you and your staff so much course

[23:19] because there was a lot of work done on Yeah, absolutely.

[23:22] And, um, he kept us surprised and kept reminding us,

[23:25] because a lot of times people don't realize it,

[23:28] but you can say one sentence and it can ruin the whole case.

[23:33] Uh, and the outcome could be

[23:36] entirely different from what it should be.

[23:38] So it is really hard to do that,

[23:40] especially when you got people

[23:42] Calling you up. Yeah,

[23:43] Yeah. Right. I understand.

[23:44] I don't mind,

[23:45] I don't mind being called, you know, asking about it,

[23:48] but when we tell you, we can't tell you, we can't tell,

[23:50] tell you to protect the dollars

[23:53] of the taxpayer. That that's

[23:54] Right. As I recall,

[23:55] we got berated one day by a taxpayer

[24:00] and uh, I believe yes,

[24:02] he said if he was wrong, he would apologize.

[24:04] So I'm sure there will be an apology.

[24:08] Yeah, we were told that we needed to apologize. So anyway,

[24:12] Madam, madam chair, may I share?

[24:14] Sure. I've gone to a lot

[24:15] of training throughout the past year about, uh,

[24:18] cyber crimes, cyber activities that have, uh, impacted

[24:22] not only county government, city government,

[24:24] but our community college systems.

[24:26] And we are not the only ones this happens and,

[24:31] and the criminals are going

[24:33] after this every hour of every day.

[24:36] So, um,

[24:37] but I commend our staff on, on the follow up they've done

[24:40] to make sure that we are at least doing everything we can

[24:44] to avoid this happening to us.

[24:46] So

[24:48] Thank you. Yes,

[24:49] very important. I appreciate the county manager.

[24:52] He probably gained a few gray hairs through this.

[24:56] I'm trying to hold onto hair. I got

[24:58] Getting A little, but anyway,

[25:00] that's enough upset about that.

[25:01] And uh, I do appreciate the due diligence of the,

[25:06] because it was hard question.

[25:07] But anyway, do we vote

[25:09] On that? We,

[25:10] Um, so all those in favor say aye A and all those opposed?

[25:14] Likewise. Okay.

[25:17] Item number 17 is a resolution authorizing the finance

[25:22] officer to process a line item transfer in the fire district

[25:26] funds in the amount of

[25:27] $1,901,296 Ms.

[25:32] Bears.

[25:33] Thank you. Um, this line item transfer,

[25:38] the funds are already sitting in the budget,

[25:41] but they're sitting in one line item.

[25:44] And for tracking purposes,

[25:46] it would be best if we could split that line item up so

[25:49] that we are tracking two completely different things.

[25:52] And that is the reason for the request.

[25:55] There's no additional money being added,

[25:57] it's already in the budget.

[25:59] We're just splitting it out

[26:00] To make the tracking clearer, right?

[26:02] Yes, ma'am. And,

[26:04] and splitting out like this will give greater transparency

[26:09] and and accountability as to

[26:11] Where The yes sir will be.

[26:13] Be easier for people to, to see what's there. Yes. Okay.

[26:16] Commissioner, just as we noted in the update,

[26:18] this is all part of the project we're working on

[26:20] with our consultant to come in and look at operations

[26:22] and this was the recognition they had to, to, uh,

[26:25] bifurcate avalor and sales tax revenue for the ions

[26:29] Motion.

[26:30] There's a motion and a second are any

[26:33] other questions or comments?

[26:35] If not all those in favor say aye. Aye.

[26:38] And all those opposed? Likewise. Thank you.

[26:41] Under appointments, uh, for citizens to boards

[26:45] and stuff, we don't have anybody for a second reading.

[26:49] We do have, um, a couple for the first reading, uh,

[26:53] for the Lenoir County DSS board.

[26:55] Margaret Grace, Alexander Merri. Is that not the second?

[26:58] That's second. That's Second. That is second. Second.

[27:02] Okay. I remember her.

[27:07] It's not noted, is it? Okay.

[27:11] So it's the second reading I, I'm sorry.

[27:14] Um, for the Lenoir County DSS board, Margaret Grace,

[27:17] Alexander Merri, uh,

[27:20] and for jury commission, Anthony Clark.

[27:23] Motion to approve. There's been a motion.

[27:26] Second and a second. All those in favor say aye. Aye.

[27:30] And all those opposed? Likewise.

[27:33] Uh, for those that don't know, we usually have two readings

[27:35] that we read the first time

[27:38] and then it's approved at the next meeting.

[27:40] So that's why I was said first and second.

[27:44] Okay, Mr. James. Alright.

[27:48] Thank you Madam Chair. Uh, just a few things.

[27:51] Um, and your abstract or your agenda is the Planning

[27:54] and Inspections report for November 25

[27:56] and the transit report from November 25 as well.

[27:59] As always, if you have any questions

[28:00] or concerns, please let me know.

[28:02] Um, did wanna remind the board we're getting

[28:04] to towards budget seasons for Ffy 27.

[28:06] So, uh, Jennifer's getting cranked up.

[28:08] Department heads are starting to work on their budget.

[28:10] Um, so look forward to working

[28:11] with y'all through that process.

[28:12] Um, we'll be sharing a budget development calendar

[28:15] with you all over the coming weeks

[28:17] and, uh, and begin in that process.

[28:18] So I look forward to all that hard work that goes into it.

[28:21] Appreciate all the feedback from the board in that process.

[28:24] And that's all for me. Madam Chair,

[28:25] Did we not do anything to Mr. Best today?

[28:29] Father? It was next meeting. What'd you say?

[28:32] Next meeting, Mr. Swear

[28:34] In. And

[28:35] That's the 20th.

[28:36] We'll do the, um, proclamation and then we're swear in.

[28:40] Okay. On the 20th.

[28:42] Yes sir. Alrighty. Okay.

[28:46] Um, for items from the commissioners at this time,

[28:52] Mr. King, do you have anything?

[28:55] I just had a good holiday. Very busy.

[28:59] Uh, kinda all around the county at different events.

[29:02] Uh, appreciate all the invitations that I've received

[29:06] and I certainly am gonna miss Commissioner Best.

[29:08] I've known him pretty much my whole life, so he is,

[29:12] he will definitely be missed

[29:14] and, uh, look forward to his wife coming in soon and,

[29:18] and us, uh, celebrating what he did for us for many years

[29:21] as a, a law enforcement and also as a commissioner.

[29:25] So that's about it. Look forward to the new year.

[29:28] Thank you Dr. Harris.

[29:30] Yes. I am grateful that we were blessed to make it

[29:35] to this brand new year.

[29:37] Amen. When we think about, there are a lot of individuals

[29:39] who did not make it this far

[29:42] and certainly we are remembering the best family.

[29:47] As I recall that

[29:49] we started out at the Lenoir Community College in

[29:53] around 1970.

[29:55] He was going for basic law enforcement training

[29:59] and at that time I was trying to go into radio

[30:03] and television broadcasting.

[30:06] Uh, both of us were able

[30:08] to graduate from those courses at Lenore Community College.

[30:12] He became a law enforcement officer.

[30:15] I became a radio announcer.

[30:17] So we are looking forward to a great year

[30:20] as we come into 2026.

[30:23] I knew there was a reason you read all the proclamations.

[30:27] You think I keep reading them after Uhuh?

[30:31] Thank you Commissioner Ross. Yeah, just

[30:33] Gonna tell everybody have to New Year

[30:34] and hope they are able to stick

[30:37] to their New Year's resolution at least over a

[30:41] month. But, uh, yeah,

[30:43] I will. I didn't make him.

[30:44] Yeah,

[30:45] I'm gonna Ms. Rowland. I enjoyed

[30:46] working with him. He was a fine man.

[30:48] He had a sweet wife. Um,

[30:51] and it's a shame we had to have a transition the way we did.

[30:56] But he will be missed.

[30:59] And I'm looking forward to all the new events

[31:02] and meetings that are coming up this year.

[31:06] Say that tongue in cheek,

[31:08] but I think it's gonna be a good year.

[31:10] What was our, what was last year was Thrive in 25. Mm-hmm.

[31:14] What'd we say? 26 in the mix. In the mix

[31:21] Commissioner?

[31:23] Yes. I wanted to just thank all the employees

[31:25] for the opportunity to celebrate

[31:27] the Christmas season with them.

[31:29] Uh, that was, that was a delightful time to be able to, uh,

[31:34] to meet more people that are, are gifts so generously, um,

[31:38] of their time and, and professional skills to this county.

[31:43] Um, and go beyond the call of duty in many cases.

[31:46] So I also will miss my buddy. Thank you

[31:51] Mr. Doherty.

[31:53] Well, I act the, everybody on here.

[31:55] Happy New Year to everybody. Um, will certainly miss Roland.

[32:00] Um, he was a kind soul and a good commissioner.

[32:05] Um, I'd like to congratulate the sheriff on now

[32:10] that filing is closed on being unopposed and yay.

[32:14] Look forward to seeing you for the next five years

[32:18] and, uh, God willing, that is so,

[32:22] um, but that's all I ask.

[32:26] And let's see. You filed

[32:28] and you didn't have any opposition, did you?

[32:30] Yes. You,

[32:31] and I'm not sure you look forward

[32:32] to seeing me the next five, but I'll be here.

[32:36] Yes, we are, absolutely.

[32:38] Um, and on Commissioner Best, we will

[32:43] have the name presented

[32:45] to us from the Democratic Party at the next meeting

[32:48] and then vote on that.

[32:50] And if everything goes well, he will be, um, sworn in.

[32:54] And also Commissioner Best's family will be here.

[32:58] Um, we wanted to present them with a few items

[33:02] and, um, so they're gonna be here then.

[33:06] Um, we did attend, let's see, Preston Harris,

[33:11] myself and June Cummings

[33:16] attended the, uh, celebration of life for Roland

[33:21] and also, uh, Craig Hill, former commissioner was with us.

[33:26] And Mike's spoke and, you know, Mike

[33:28] and some of the such, um, office staff, Jennifer and Akita

[33:32] and Michael actually brought his wife.

[33:36] We gotta see her. But, uh,

[33:39] it truly was a celebration of life.

[33:42] Um, I wish maybe a, a 10th of

[33:47] what was said positive

[33:48] to him would be said when I passed on.

[33:51] 'cause um, he was just a good man.

[33:54] I've known him for, like, they asked Michael

[33:58] and I to speak at the funeral,

[33:59] but it's so funny sometimes how the good Lord has a plan

[34:03] and people come in and outta your life.

[34:06] He and I, uh, knew, I guess we first got

[34:08] to know each other a little bit when I was, uh, started out

[34:11] as a volunteer and, uh,

[34:13] we were working on some school stuff, countywide.

[34:16] That's when I got to know he and Glenda.

[34:18] They were always really involved in their

[34:20] children's activities.

[34:22] And then, uh, we moved away for about five years

[34:25] and then moved back and I went to work at, um,

[34:30] Dobb Chief Development Center.

[34:31] And I can't even remember now if he was there

[34:34] or if I was there first.

[34:35] But anyhow, it didn't matter.

[34:37] So there we were again working side by side.

[34:41] And then, um, we were both involved in the, um,

[34:45] democratic Party

[34:46] and we sort of renewed our relationship again that way.

[34:51] And then after we, I had been at Dobbs for a little bit.

[34:54] Um, I became the representative

[34:57] for Scenic State Employees Association there

[35:00] and I coerced Roland into becoming a member

[35:04] and he became an active member

[35:05] and, uh, served as our bylaws chair

[35:09] and our policy platform.

[35:11] And I can't tell you what all else sold tickets

[35:14] or turned his tickets in.

[35:16] If he didn't get 'em sold, he could buy 'em.

[35:18] But you can bet your bottom dollar he was going

[35:20] to have his tickets turned in.

[35:22] So I always remembered that about him.

[35:24] But, um, he served on, uh, some state, uh,

[35:29] committees with scenic too.

[35:32] And then, um, lo

[35:34] and behold we went wound up being commissioners together.

[35:38] So, um, it's funny how the plan has worked,

[35:41] but he was indeed a close friend

[35:44] and, um, I'm gonna miss his

[35:46] laugh probably more than anything.

[35:48] Yeah, he had a distinctive laugh

[35:51] and uh, he had, his wife has always,

[35:53] Glenda has always been very supportive.

[35:55] I got to meet her when I was on the school board

[35:57] because she worked in the central office.

[35:59] So, um, it's just tough when we have this to happen.

[36:04] Um, but he will be missed.

[36:07] He contributed a lot

[36:09] and he, um, was dedicated

[36:13] to the citizens of Lenoir County.

[36:16] Um, he always tried to do what was best

[36:19] and if he didn't know, he'd ask the question.

[36:22] And I admire that instead of, you know, wondering

[36:24] and thinking about it himself.

[36:26] And he always, uh, I know he would call me

[36:28] and ask me questions and I know he talked with, uh,

[36:30] Michael also, but, um, I'm gonna miss him

[36:35] as a commissioner and I'm gonna miss him as a friend.

[36:38] But I know where he is and I know he is happy

[36:42] and he's not suffering anymore.

[36:44] And, um, he's watching down overs. So. Thanks Roland.

[36:50] You will not be forgotten.

[36:53] Alright, uh, if nobody else has anything,

[36:57] I would entertain a motion to adjourn.

[37:00] Motion second, then a motion and a second to adjourn.

[37:03] All those in favor say aye.

[37:05] A And all those a opposed, likewise. All right.

Lenoir County Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting - January 5, 2026

Transcript