[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6612362,"mediaKeyId","2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676","parentId",2891548,"title","Halifax hires Stewart Engineering for comprehensive plan update and joins state outdoor-recreation program","audioSeconds",328,"startMs",7282000,"endMs",7610000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676&start=7282&end=7610","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676/thumbnail_7282000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6612362/Halifax-County/North-Carolina/Halifax-hires-Stewart-Engineering-for-comprehensive-plan-update-and-joins-state-outdoor-recreation-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612362-7a46b9e93161666e5c6091a5b93cb918/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089113&Signature=RzYewFUFKHqq69OMwELB2LV1kaDMNmQePYEeciDGKMj5gUYK~IHGCIFb4WKEV2KtSLDo6OmRzS5NHtohsqK3TgDS1TeWs6u3hnkPNJvYYXmRLCoPWTsvcVNDOuEqE8uX2ieJu0PQ3T8ELB5IQxKVDO3LTWZZ5A~LgX4IaiAkuQgSSXhFnMPvGOTgfRKRWPlJJQX44VvsbpKThA6j7K~sjSyUbAsx23w6K6uFgGQ0qc12mm9hvthr3knSZznT0pa5oMnBxyyIy9OJ77KVtzDmLKIzV~OkJk6sUAw1kIiEX1Ip~a-8jSxuWUHhtTRvXREYqBrprhrUggbDL7ReMw2MBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Halifax County","date","2025-04-07T19:07:53.43Z","article","The Halifax County Board of Commissioners approved hiring Stewart Engineering (Stewart, Engineer, Inc. as presented) to update the county’s comprehensive development plan and approved a resolution to participate in the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s CORE (Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies) program.

Planning Director Chris Rountree briefed commissioners on the comprehensive development plan (CDP) update and said staff budgeted $50,000 for the 2024–25 fiscal year. Rountree told the board Stewart was recommended partly because it recently completed a CDP for a neighboring county (Nash) and is familiar with regional planning needs. Commissioners emphasized the CDP should include broader elements including parks and recreation and a detailed parks master plan to support grant applications.

The board voted unanimously to select the firm to begin the planning process, which staff said should include community input, an element for parks and recreation that can double as a standalone master plan, and an implementation schedule with annual review mechanisms.

Commissioner Christina Wells presented a related item, asking the commission to sign a resolution joining the state Department of Commerce’s CORE program, a technical-assistance and planning initiative to help rural communities leverage natural assets such as the Roanoke River and Lake Gaston to grow outdoor-recreation-related businesses and tourism. Wells said CORE’s work is free to participating counties, will establish a local working group of stakeholders, and produce a five-year strategic plan identifying short-term actions to promote recreation-led economic development. The board approved the CORE participation resolution and an MOU allowing Commerce to begin working with county staff and stakeholders.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Halifax County Government - Regular Meeting - April 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board selected Stewart Engineering to update the comprehensive development plan and agreed to participate in the state’s CORE outdoor recreation economic program to leverage natural assets for tourism and business development.","taxTitle","Halifax County, North Carolina","taxId",58915,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612367,"Commissioners back steps toward countywide parks and recreation leadership; manager to prepare job description and budget",7753,2274000,10027000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676&start=2274&end=10027","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676/thumbnail_2274000.jpg","/articles/6612367/Halifax-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-back-steps-toward-countywide-parks-and-recreation-leadership-manager-to-prepare-job-description-and-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612367-022757aeea222a0974a00f4e6cc434eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089113&Signature=NQ0fwewB7Borw7~Ym9Dtx~Lmx3fmgatT9GQAocaf1vPHp7M2RTMwpIi6MOC6k5QLLevdri2mc-pfrXBa648yCcYp4M~RrPzoFFtSZJe-bGnVT29VyBiCatvLiv7BEZvTgVSKTVO-iXqABtqpZisD~-kE82CcoUL4jfRSAn4ke173iELEt32n8kDgtLM0wJnAg7Ob3cBPoj5A9yszLEwLAke6InWW7XhyCmz2kgySqqvQ-Q6eSotkJ-rAWOys2pWXoewMEV6y02G9oV7wT32Od~07ceaF9VW0cGSdyv5rnMcCd2E4VQqjeay3Ia5igvsB67UI0uN-vCk4AU2~~-tD-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Commissioners moved to take the next steps toward establishing countywide parks and recreation leadership after lengthy public comment and debate about services in the western part of Halifax County.

Commissioner Redden and others urged the board to create a formal county Parks and Recreation Department and to hire a full-time director. Commissioners cited the 2014 county recreation master plan and called for more accessible recreation programs across the county, including for youth, adults and older residents. Several residents and department leaders — including Beth Burchell, director of NC Cooperative Extension’s Halifax County Center — described existing programs (4‑H, summer camps, community gardens) and urged coordinated county leadership.

Faced with differing views about timing and cost, the board adopted a two-step approach. Commissioners asked County Manager Dia Denton and HR to prepare a formal job description, a recommended pay grade/salary range, and a basic operating budget for a recreation director plus minimal initial support staff. Commissioners Webb and others specified that staff should include an estimate for at least one administrative support role and possible office location; the motion passed with a recorded second motion approving the county manager’s task to assemble a position description and budget (vote recorded 4–2).

Earlier in the discussion a separate motion to authorize the creation of a full-time recreation director and a department was made; the transcript shows that motion was proposed and discussed. The board proceeded to direct staff to produce the required job description and cost estimates so commissioners could evaluate implementation during upcoming budget deliberations.

Deputy staff and community partners said they are ready to assist with program design and recommended phased implementation so the county can pilot activities, secure grants and spread operating costs. County Manager Denton said staff will return with the requested position description, recommended salary grade and preliminary operating budget for the board to consider in the current budget cycle.","After extended debate, the board directed county staff to produce a recreation director job description, salary range and operating budget; commissioners discussed creating a Halifax County Parks and Recreation Department and some agreed action steps were recorded.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612372,"County manager: courthouse renovation stays, courtroom addition paused because sprinklers push project over budget",299,3753000,4052000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676&start=3753&end=4052","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676/thumbnail_3753000.jpg","/articles/6612372/Halifax-County/North-Carolina/County-manager-courthouse-renovation-stays-courtroom-addition-paused-because-sprinklers-push-project-over-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612372-0106f217ed9daf85c96ca44147597122/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089113&Signature=GtIyNt8jhAtvSBPUi0-vi62GXUIjden3RU~xM5w-u7jh1JRKoXIl5gi8OFxr-bsCJwuQ0GRMDYn9BJv9akCrRrBdUHxG3k--7L4LHbDnATNwH~asKjVwZgttw7gqTVMn~AI0wbQr8Lq1OHw1x1kG6GEd6zXJINDTbmUkaD~a5pubDNAIbHanjVzHapoqPIg2~SzCppj69xSFplfQI6MqCkRcitMnnAwlkid4PtxxDQ1HNyz1liXUhJq94uWUeoHnBgrPVMTjSZah3zzse5xEnf5zivTi5OZfyL2vT~uMnoWnXQuPJaP09Y7ufx8wtNIU1oxp6bI5FmqHlZ6--nW~nA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County Manager Dia Denton told the Board of Commissioners that an $8.7 million appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly will fund major renovations to the county courthouse but the project scope has been narrowed because of building-code costs.

Denton said the county received two grants from the state — $450,000 for planning and $8,250,000 for construction — and that architects’ initial estimates exceeded the available budget. The revised plan retains the primary goal of upfitting the third floor (approximately 18,000 square feet) and will relocate the District Attorney’s office and judges to that floor, add two stairwells and an elevator shaft, and create additional office and storage space.

Denton said the renovation will not include adding a new courtroom on the third floor at this time. Doing so would trigger building-code requirements to install a sprinkler system throughout the building, a work item the manager said carried a price tag of more than $1 million. Because of those additional code-related costs the county has deferred the courtroom addition until additional funding is available.

Denton briefed the board on the project delivery method (construction manager at-risk) and said contractors will schedule much of the work at night and on weekends to minimize disruption to court activity. She also reported that interest earned on the project balance is helping close a small funding gap — approximately $262,000 has accumulated in interest on the earmarked funds — and that those earnings may reduce or eliminate a planned request for capital-reserve funding.

The manager said bids have not yet been awarded and final cost estimates will depend on the competitive bid results; further updates will come as the construction manager completes the estimate and the board considers any required supplemental funding.","Halifax County manager reported $8.7 million in state funds for courthouse renovation; project will upfit the third floor for judges and DA but the county will postpone adding a new courtroom because sprinklers and code upgrades would exceed current budget.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612377,"Halifax judicial leaders outline shift to eCourts, and county officials describe jail, public defender and DA changes",0,2964000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676&start=2964&end=2964","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676/thumbnail_2964000.jpg","/articles/6612377/Halifax-County/North-Carolina/Halifax-judicial-leaders-outline-shift-to-eCourts-and-county-officials-describe-jail-public-defender-and-DA-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612377-08e7a951e324dab3082424db0e78d6f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089113&Signature=cOsmP667Wq2eB~yD~IBbVcUNt52PajafwIGOkkZ0STXTh~jghwI0xJVDaMBnem2vIL5ZoY1hufeBrq2SIMCYN2BlrhYEfSQXAIHQVdfiS~tfgelrDNInAwnahLgDAQWdmbqltjuKkS2QXxAmXCZW5jzw74vy0eE2SBk1nIZ71MSm1gG~~7HxvrnVpAsn8WfDRu6IkP8ba9G1a2m9ASzwkpbkcHf9dyBTgXO9edfpp41h8MXSBxv6NQTyTdAm5owUx~g0J7vwGu5iM3MRBGRqIp4LXbMhY~HOwZ7gHjbyFhztmCqwXIvNm1WDMAHFCvn4wPMSy0DG0N6qBXlSN2LcHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Halifax County judicial officials briefed the Board of Commissioners on a suite of changes aimed at modernizing courts, improving case processing and expanding legal representation for residents. The most immediate change is a statewide eCourts implementation that will make court files electronic beginning April 28 and will alter how the public and attorneys interact with court business.

Chief District Court Judge Teresa Raquel Robinson Freeman told the board that Judicial District 7 (which includes Halifax County) is on track to launch eCourts on April 28, joining other counties. Freeman said the change will make the court system paperless and require extensive scanning of legacy files into the Odyssey system. She warned that the transition will cause a short-term backlog and mandatory calendar limits while clerks and court staff convert files and stakeholders adjust to new procedures. Freeman said judges will sign orders electronically going forward and that the Administrative Office of the Courts will provide on-site assistance into May.

District Attorney Kim Scott and Chief Public Defender Conza Ruffin reported related casework and staffing trends. Scott summarized recent performance metrics across the judicial district — notably declines in pending felony cases and a reported increase in homicide filings — and credited improved case triage and coordination with the sheriff and jail for faster dispositions of those jailed pretrial. Ruffin said the District 7 public defender office began taking cases in mid-2024 and now has 10 of 12 attorney positions filled, supported by legal assistants and an investigator; she described efforts to connect clients to community services beyond courtroom representation.

Sheriff Matt Brown described operational changes at the jail that have reduced population pressure and improved attorney access for inmates. Brown said the sheriff’s office started weekly jail courts to triage cases earlier, introduced daily electronic notifications to attorneys about client status, and deployed tablets that allow inmates to take educational classes, call attorneys within set windows, and access reentry resources. Prosecutors and defense counsel at the meeting said those changes improved communication and accelerated case resolution.

Commissioners and court leaders flagged immediate needs tied to eCourts: additional clerk staffing, equipment and courtroom upgrades such as power and data ports to support laptops and digital workflows. Judge Freeman thanked the county for court-space upgrades already funded and said the county’s investments will ease the transition. County staff said they will continue to coordinate with the Administrative Office of the Courts on training and deployment plans.","Judge Teresa R. Robinson Freeman told the board the district will go paperless with eCourts on April 28; the district attorney and chief public defender reported case dispositions and staffing updates. Sheriff Matt Brown described jail reforms including jail court and new tablets for inmates.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6612381,"Halifax County approves $41,000 contingency payment for hydrilla control along Lake Gaston shoreline",451,2633000,3084000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676&start=2633&end=3084","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2891548-d4eb00ef14b044636bbc0625b2bbb676/thumbnail_2633000.jpg","/articles/6612381/Halifax-County/North-Carolina/Halifax-County-approves-41000-contingency-payment-for-hydrilla-control-along-Lake-Gaston-shoreline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6612381-bc78d9d43e33d6165f7d1d36effff9b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771089113&Signature=aQ5tTaBAIXruu3cijPsaKi0E0CarAjAU75ytzlbm2bpMdx6yUWDaQVucsbmfQmP4uOdyW5mwnkVM03eU-XsHETNOOJDT1nx1rdvJwG3I4uqoVmETqzzRKRcXJiP2-eS9lS8dGqs3uw4vZWkzD40-L1D3pYJAzogWX~t8Fgwt7ceCLE7zGoERzSJHNwfDCSRQaFleQMN0AQ0zca1~UAb4wyj7hiDibg5vX0SXwqRr03sxoXba7enPQS-kJgNw~draFfrOh3gS4QS0D7QSRfHgD12kob~DHueQ5deQQ2xpuawJFtUMJRgFT2Fn4qX~kf-~oc6VzDp5gCoex5lJLVmb9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Halifax County commissioners voted to provide an additional $41,000 to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council for hydrilla control along the county’s shoreline, but only if the council amends its budget with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to show the funds will be used strictly for hydrilla treatment.

The measure, moved by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Silva, followed a legal briefing by County Attorney Gwen Rollins who said the county may provide additional matching funds if the council amends and DEQ accepts a larger project budget. Jeff Zimmer, identified at the meeting as a council treasurer, spoke at public comment to thank commissioners for the proposed funding.

County Attorney Rollins told commissioners that the county’s authority to increase its contribution depends on a grant agreement and a formal budget for the program that specifies how county funds will be spent and what will happen if money is underspent. Rollins advised that the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council’s budget would need to be amended and accepted by DEQ before the county could finalize a grant agreement for the additional funds.

Commissioner Webb made a motion “to provide an additional $41,000 to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council strictly for hydrilla along the Halifax County shoreline, contingent upon the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council amending their budget with the Department of Environmental Quality that will allow us to provide the additional funding.” Commissioner Silver seconded the motion. Following brief discussion the board voted and the clerk announced the motion passed unanimously.

The board’s action supplements earlier matching funds the county approved; Rollins and staff noted the new payment requires a grant agreement that specifies program work, spending controls, and reporting back to Halifax County staff. The county will not release the funds until DEQ has accepted the amended project budget and the county’s grant agreement is in place.

The item will be incorporated into a formal grant agreement that spells out project budget, reporting requirements and conditions for any unspent funds. The county attorney said staff would prepare the grant paperwork and return to the board if additional legal or contractual clarifications are needed.","The Board of Commissioners approved an additional $41,000 to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council for hydrilla treatment along Halifax County shoreline, contingent on the council amending its budget with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Halifax hires Stewart Engineering for comprehensive plan update and joins state outdoor-recreation program

Commissioners back steps toward countywide parks and recreation leadership; manager to prepare job description and budget

County manager: courthouse renovation stays, courtroom addition paused because sprinklers push project over budget

Halifax judicial leaders outline shift to eCourts, and county officials describe jail, public defender and DA changes

Halifax County approves $41,000 contingency payment for hydrilla control along Lake Gaston shoreline