[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,75,86,98],{"_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",6611977,"mediaKeyId","2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8","parentId",2892787,"title","Columbus County approves building-reuse incentive for Bard Fencing; project expected to create 51 jobs","audioSeconds",3168,"startMs",96000,"endMs",3264000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8&start=96&end=3264","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8/thumbnail_96000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611977/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Columbus-County-approves-building-reuse-incentive-for-Bard-Fencing-project-expected-to-create-51-jobs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611977-bb05c995119ea6f659d68b6a164fe242/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210783&Signature=ePvShrCkfeDXRHTGmNWvMVahAWKFC~aRNDO9L9aN7CGr8Gg1os0JD0wJjn68ljIek~S4h9MpcGTdtbhKA3Fwdq26Bs9bkgkv6aImYpWOnnl4WOxEdu9ynng10uN3Q~eTi7j9YI7UiwGFL8MoOmO62L-7~4ER5-dOxHaL4yGZRYLTlQBa215sgBeNX4E1mtMfRZs4HDHRmshsgJDzB1uiEd~fg89MBGKTcIy9ewxFeIoL6FHTj4AzkiKrUoIKweleL-HNQYJ34uoBEnn2uCt016VsiQsHJiLC8nQVN1~W9fE5ccqv3r1uXz3TfjvV0KeiSH0qkbO4xAzNCH5LBN7uJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Columbus County","date","2025-04-08T01:04:57.917Z","article","The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted on March 17 to accept a building reuse incentive grant tied to a fencing company that has signed a lease in Chadbourne and expects to create 51 jobs.

EDC planning director Gary Lanier described the project as “big news for Columbus County, big news for the town of Tabor City,” saying the company plans a $16,300,000 capital investment and 51 jobs. Lanier told the board the incentive also serves as the county’s portion of a building‑reuse match and that the agreement is structured around new property tax revenues generated by the project.

The board opened a public hearing on the grant earlier in the meeting. At that hearing Lanier said the grant was “worth up to $780,000 estimated,” and described the county’s role as tied to projected new tax receipts, not a direct cash appropriation from existing county funds. After no members of the public offered comments during the hearing, the board closed the hearing and then moved to approve the grant.

Motion and vote details recorded in the meeting: the public hearing was closed by motion of Commissioner Ballard and seconded by Commissioner Burr; the board later approved the incentive grant on a motion by Commissioner Byrd, seconded by Commissioner Bullard. Commissioners voted in favor during roll call and the motion carried.

County officials estimated the grant will be funded through a reimbursement mechanism tied to new property tax receipts from the project rather than from existing county operating funds. The county presentation did not include a detailed payment schedule in the public record; Lanier said the incentive amount is “based off their the new income or new property tax that is gonna be put into the county.”

What happens next: Lanier said the company has signed a lease and was ready to move forward; county staff and the EDC will follow up on administrative steps to execute the grant agreement and monitor job and investment milestones that trigger the incentive payments.

Speakers quoted or referenced in this report were present in the March 17 meeting and identified on the record.

Ending: The vote clears the way for Bard Fencing (named in the county’s application materials) to proceed with site work and equipment investment in Columbus County; the board did not set a separate appropriation in the meeting minutes beyond the tax‑reimbursement structure Lanier described.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meeting 04-07-2025 (Part 3)","oneSentenceSummary","The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted on March 17 to accept a building reuse incentive grant tied to a fencing company that has signed a lease in Chadbourne and expects to create 51 jobs.","taxTitle","Columbus County, North Carolina","taxId",58819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611963,"Votes at a glance: Key actions taken by Columbus County commissioners on March 17",3101,163000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8&start=163&end=3264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8/thumbnail_163000.jpg","/articles/6611963/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Key-actions-taken-by-Columbus-County-commissioners-on-March-17","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611963-e32acbacfa48fa190ba076b3ca95ee55/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210783&Signature=EoadH31TlmZI-2R80AwkkR2CCa4SIOegvFYvFVgHYNsPDWGVzVXpYixQ~WeN6JLl9p5-Wabx217KEe0McHO34GgiRoLUGHFWQoEyBME~h2SIahnF8hm~Qp5IQh-CtLjNKF1nyIfCgepyB5FmiabnMWyy33bnH2RgfxM1r6-gQFUABKVGF4-z7ZKhn2N6fl21Z-ZhtYY~pheU3Sp1SErdScuX0QG4~W3srhf5ybgWbk~PtwqyNb1wZENPWzwWUBBhPOJ0WLVjlOTYen-vc9NUI0rzofpnQbRPOV7jSKUPXW~AQtxaIwAe3bnUxwzHhVWojGsDhEcohwFVOh5i-Dpa2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","This summary lists formal motions and recorded outcomes from the Columbus County Board of Commissioners’ March 17 meeting. It is a concise reference listing motions, movers, seconders and the recorded board outcomes as stated in the public meeting record.

1) Close public hearing on building reuse incentive grant
Motion: Close the public hearing that had been opened regarding the building reuse and incentive grant.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Ballard / Commissioner Burr
Outcome: Motion carried (recorded as approved).

2) Approve acceptance of building reuse and incentive grant (Bard Fencing)
Motion: Approve the building reuse and incentive grant associated with the Bard Fencing project (projected 51 jobs, $16.3M capital investment).
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Byrd / Commissioner Bullard
Outcome: Approved.

3) Approve agenda and add item to purchase three sheriff’s vehicles (added as item 23A)
Motion: Add purchase of three sheriff’s vehicles to the agenda and approve the agenda and associated tax refunds/releases.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Bullard / Commissioner Byrd
Outcome: Motion carried.

4) Approve minutes and routine proclamations
Motions and outcomes: Board approved prior meeting minutes and multiple proclamations on the record (Week of the Young Child; Sexual Assault Awareness month proclamation; Telecommunicators Week; Lyman Appreciation Day) on individual motions; all were recorded as approved.

5) Accept EDC recommendation — building reuse incentive (Bard Fencing)
(See item 2 above.)

6) Approve release of lottery funds for HVAC at East Columbus and South Columbus High School
Motion: Approve release of $760,000 in lottery repair and renovation funds for HVAC installation in both schools’ gymnasiums. Presenter: Assistant Superintendent Adam Thompson.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Watts / Commissioner Byrd
Outcome: Approved.

7) Approve amendment to lease agreement for Columbus County Transportation (vehicle VIN updates)
Motion: Amend lease agreement with contracted vendor to cycle out old vehicles and update VIN numbers.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Byrd / Commissioner Floyd
Outcome: Approved.

8) Approve low bid and contract authorization for AWOC cleaning/grubbing (Rufus Young Construction)
Motion: Accept low bid from Rufus Young Construction and authorize contract for AWOC cleaning and grubby; recorded as approved.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Berg / Commissioner Bullard
Outcome: Approved.

9) Extend contract for EMS/9‑1‑1 medical director (Dr. Chambers)
Motion: Approve contract extension with Dr. Chambers as EMS/9‑1‑1 medical director.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Byrd / Commissioner Bullard
Outcome: Approved.

10) Approve low bid and contract authorization for new sheriff’s office construction (Waters Construction)
Motion: Approve $4,440,500 low bid from Waters Construction and authorize contract pending manager and attorney approval; funding source SCIF allocation.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Byrd / Commissioner Smith
Outcome: Approved.

11) Approve right‑of‑way relocation for power line (facility services)
Motion: Approve request to move power line and associated work to allow new building construction; board approved with direction to confirm easement release details.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Byrd / Commissioner (second recorded)
Outcome: Approved.

12) Approve food service agreement for detention center (new vendor)
Motion: Approve contract for detention center food service (new vendor transition completed; finance office to process payments).
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Byrd / Commissioner Smith
Outcome: Approved.

13) Approve purchase of 15 body cameras with WatchGuard via a 50/50 grant
Motion: Approve purchase of 15 WatchGuard body cameras with grant covering roughly half the cost (total grant up to ~$29,000; county match required).
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Bullard / Commissioner Watts
Outcome: Approved.

14) Approve purchase of three sheriff’s vehicles (roll call recorded)
Motion: Authorize purchase of three vehicles (one pickup, two Ford Explorers as presented); finance to use available balance.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner Byrd / Commissioner Bullard
Outcome: Motion carried on roll call (recorded as yes/no sequence in the public record; final recorded tally in meeting audio indicated a majority in favor).

15) Budget and finance items
Motions: Board approved financial reports, departmental purchase orders and a set of budget amendments and project ordinance adjustments following staff presentation; board voted to treat several line items together and to deny one travel request outside the county travel freeze (related to conference travel) except for required licensure credits where necessary.
Outcome: Budget and administrative items approved; one travel authorization denied consistent with freeze policy.

16) Transfer county portion of Chapman Park (Chadbourne) to West Columbus Youth Sports Club
Motion: Approve deed/transfer of the county’s portion of Chapman Park to the West Columbus Youth Sports Club for continued public recreational use, with reversion to the county if use ceases.
Mover/Seconder: Commissioner ??? / Commissioner Floyd (recorded as motion carried)
Outcome: Approved.

17) Appointments and reappointments
Motion: Board approved multiple reappointments and appointments to county boards and committees including health board and others; Daniel Buck was introduced and confirmed as the county’s new health director by the board of health and presented to the commissioners for recognition.
Outcome: Approved as presented.

Notes on voting records: The meeting record frequently records motions as “all in favor? Aye” with no roll‑call numbers listed for every motion; the three‑vehicle purchase was decided by roll call and a majority was recorded. Where the on‑record audio did not list individual tallies, this summary records the outcomes as stated on the public record.","This summary lists formal motions and outcomes recorded during the Columbus County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 17.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611967,"‘The Wall That Heals’ to visit Whiteville April 20–28; organizers ask county residents for volunteers and support",260,1515000,1775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8&start=1515&end=1775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8/thumbnail_1515000.jpg","/articles/6611967/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/The-Wall-That-Heals-to-visit-Whiteville-April-2028-organizers-ask-county-residents-for-volunteers-and-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611967-8dd63711f49ec4fbed2eec6c9de26f3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210783&Signature=KyNI7oi5RUWGul2ueuoHSZps1kLMzWZqzqoZ7FNlj~2xA9MSHqc6riuQjomTpeB58sCsxxbwKfWsmcJnhE0n0z~ivikg3faZ38iajQz2ZWc-CCQlo5EkCL5gP5sXwe8bXzLmIgAksLAU9fPQmj1VeuyslWNxeN9YAIADddNaSvEB1hlPhSBhYGz1DaoJJM7uCeU~q9DzU0NNdcLqtaS4n4bPkKh7hxdS41sScojH10NLEiUb-rcA32MFBkWSX5EtOhyLNWChwirKad55Q4Vx~ucmUxt8AJ0WGfam-GXcbHUXnmFRjwzyNDG4xf5i9cKYCWl6f1wPPsheAugwXPWlNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives for the Veterans Memorial Park of America told the Columbus County Board on March 17 that the traveling exhibit known as “The Wall That Heals” will be on display in Whiteville from April 20 through April 28 and urged county residents to attend and volunteer.

Organizer Angela Norris told the board the exhibit is a three‑quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and that Columbus County was selected from more than 100 applications to host the tour stop. Norris said the display includes a mobile education center with memorabilia and a scrolling display of the names on the Vietnam Memorial; she recited the total of 58,281 names that will be represented in the exhibit’s educational material.

Norris outlined planned events: the wall will be escorted through downtown Whiteville on Tuesday of the installation week (expected during lunchtime) in a motorcycle escort; the wall will be open to the public 24 hours a day while set up and will close at 2 p.m. on Sunday for dismantling. A welcome home ceremony is scheduled the evening after installation; an Agent Orange remembrance will take place at sunset on Friday; and schools and groups will be able to schedule private tours.

Norris said volunteers are needed for setup (30–40 volunteers were requested for the morning of the installation) and encouraged residents to bring children and young people to tour the wall and the education center. She emphasized the emotional importance of the visit for Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families and discouraged eating, drinking, smoking, or bringing pets near the wall while ceremonies are underway; she said the organization expects a large public turnout.

Ending: Organizers asked county residents to turn out for ceremonies and to help with setup and volunteer duties; the board heard the presentation as an informational item and no formal county funding decision was made during the meeting.

","Organizers told the Columbus County commissioners that a three‑quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be displayed in Whiteville April 20–28 with a mobile education center, ceremonies including an Agent Orange remembrance, and round‑the‑clock public access while on site.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_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},6611972,"NC DEQ outlines progress and funding request to eradicate invasive giant salvinia at Gatway Swamp",1131,1952000,3083000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8&start=1952&end=3083","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892787-0bc244191ba5fd28ad78eb5a136f34e8/thumbnail_1952000.jpg","/articles/6611972/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/NC-DEQ-outlines-progress-and-funding-request-to-eradicate-invasive-giant-salvinia-at-Gatway-Swamp","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611972-35c50238365ce6d6e6825cf65bc822ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210783&Signature=TTTy5cTjZxejy35ATBwAXcXhdGNUur5BIBqa7rFGpC1nGclfO-Jwos73eGaasI5LF~LpCHFo6CeewXZnLCPQCGzEzgIzzVSU4W75btQHXsxM1M1p5FohhyRFhjmg~mvAc3CqmhS~rP20CNa0M-C1uXaES2dlBrOhmtZE5Lo1uuiJyT-knqgHqDlB41zYyyWGySn0ApW2Rss3OFQsYYm3G2F1bLEwJ2IsnPHXqO6E83BiOwgCok~~yJykzSnAynYLKB1rtEE1INUzaH8xq6U8-q5EbBLJvRJ9g-q~DqCa2KvuCdL-JwQM7jzOSSWQ8L1OxII4Jdkz9NRE-Gu-CNmPzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ron Ehman, a representative of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, briefed the Columbus County Board of Commissioners on March 17 about an ongoing effort to remove the invasive aquatic plant giant salvinia from ponds in Gatway Swamp near Cherry Grove.

Ehman said the infestation was detected in 2020 and the state began active management in 2021. He described the plant as a regulated invasive species that can “impact recreation activities on the water, impact agriculture operations, and cause flooding.” Ehman said the site covers roughly 250 acres in total and that recent efforts have targeted about 130 acres for treatment.

Treatment methods described included in‑water liquid herbicide applications where long exposure time is required, and a granular pellet approach in higher‑flow areas where liquid treatment could be diluted. Ehman said crews have accessed the site from dam locations and by kayak; he also noted the project team has considered using a drone to reach difficult pockets.

On funding, Ehman said the 2025 work plan requests $150,000 in total project costs with a 50/50 cost share; he said that would equate to $75,000 from the county for the coming year. He said the state has covered significant portions of the multi‑year effort and that the county share being requested for 2025 is “in line with the last couple years.” Ehman presented a multi‑year budget projection in which the county’s annual share would decline over time if current removal trends continue.

Board members asked technical questions about dewatering options, drought effects, herbicide choices and impacts on fish and wildlife. Ehman said reduced water levels can help treatment effectiveness but that fully dewatering the system is not feasible because of ongoing inflow; he also said the herbicide used is selected to minimize damage to native cypress trees and other non‑target species. Ehman reported early ecological benefits as treated areas have begun to show more open water and signs of recovering aquatic life.

No formal appropriation was made at the meeting; Ehman’s presentation served as an update and a request for the county’s cost‑share consideration during upcoming budget discussions.

Ending: DEQ officials said they expect to continue active treatment this year and will return to the county with more detailed budget information and a proposed schedule for field work.

","A North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality official gave commissioners an update on an ongoing eradication project for giant salvinia in Gatway Swamp, describing multi‑year treatment work, acreage treated, and a 2025 budget request that would require a $75,000 county match.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Columbus County approves building-reuse incentive for Bard Fencing; project expected to create 51 jobs

Votes at a glance: Key actions taken by Columbus County commissioners on March 17

‘The Wall That Heals’ to visit Whiteville April 20–28; organizers ask county residents for volunteers and support

NC DEQ outlines progress and funding request to eradicate invasive giant salvinia at Gatway Swamp