[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6611953,"mediaKeyId","2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584","parentId",2892792,"title","Focus Broadband says larger build nearing completion; USDA sign-off pending for Angola section","audioSeconds",257,"startMs",3396000,"endMs",3653000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584&start=3396&end=3653","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584/thumbnail_3396000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6611953/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Focus-Broadband-says-larger-build-nearing-completion-USDA-sign-off-pending-for-Angola-section","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611953-8f0119647be8fd5e54178d73eaea1e82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027282&Signature=YfuHmrqT35ZKCvk922ybj92NyyiHKT7EdVGIxdc65A6W7NS1i5NNlZfDFAx76ex6rSMQxGDuKDExD0zJX7ADdW4PO5CHJJzF7kc9kkAsqyntHDofgBZ-NnvOplgioFsGaxw1gWJBomWVZyaRTG~unStSK57-DEZZJhaMStn7tKbRWlxPGeSZEV-CzyARhslCHkiGiKU0yV1dmjELlXEGUm3lgMh5XP1YGWbyPfknCnNIMMP2HFQCfFoSy2nQdYDS6LrE9JlhcNLZb5b-IXYGEVsiL4tqHsXrte~9WhpnTeQphgpa7K4KiagGo76w8Ts81c8YNnfeEgvg69Uzn1mQyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pender County","date","2025-04-08T00:05:34.507Z","article","A Focus Broadband representative told the Pender County Board of Commissioners on April 7 that the company has increased service in the county and expects the remaining federal contract approvals to arrive in time to finish the project by the end of the year.

The presenter said service is now available to more than 6,800 addresses countywide (up from 5,500 in October 2024) and that more than 2,800 customers already have active installations — an increase of roughly 700 subscribers since the last update. Focus Broadband is completing multiple federal and state grant-funded phases; the Angola section remains under construction pending final approval of a USDA contract.

\"We're finishing up in the areas you see that are highlighted...we are currently waiting on the USDA to approve the contract so we can sign the agreements with the contractors and move forward with that,\" the presenter told commissioners. The company representative said the USDA approval timeline is uncertain — \"it may take another two weeks or another two months\" — but that even in the longer scenario work could be finished before year-end assuming no unexpected federal delays.

Commissioners asked whether the \"coming soon\" areas on the map had target dates. Focus Broadband said completion of the high-priority phases could be achieved by the end of this year, but that smaller \"donut-hole\" addresses left without service after the main build would be filled by additional state grants and programs (for example, the Cavs grant) because reporting changes moved from census-block to address-level mapping.

The presenter framed the project as having been under way since 2019 and said the cost and timeline had been extended compared with early estimates. The company credited county staff and federal/state grant partners with enabling the fuller buildout. Commissioners and staff discussed outreach to remaining, unserved households and the need to coordinate final grant and contractor steps once USDA approval is issued.

The broadband update closes with the company offering to provide a revised coverage map and answer follow-up questions; commissioners requested more precise timelines once USDA action occurs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 07, 2025 Board of County Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Focus Broadband told the Pender County commission its network serves about 6,800 addresses and more than 2,800 customers, and that USDA approval of a contract for the Angola section is the principal remaining step to complete the county build.","taxTitle","Pender County, North Carolina","taxId",75713,"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},6611957,"Pender County holds TEFRA hearing, approves Novant Health tax-exempt bond sign-off",313,3062000,3375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584&start=3062&end=3375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584/thumbnail_3062000.jpg","/articles/6611957/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Pender-County-holds-TEFRA-hearing-approves-Novant-Health-tax-exempt-bond-sign-off","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611957-8b1d2adc4d9885b2e4d800efdcdefdbc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027282&Signature=AT9fqhZUyA193Qc7d235fZNiGhxpwl8Qt1GPThFbWLMKxBjCBBFgndoBKiVR8STiTaWTTfgz5V0AlCAB3C80S2Nph7vaUwGLS4iyOsQnIe7qiEH83X4KgsySCC4qRdW5n4qAwWAMO~-ud45IG6IwUtEMG00LUd-9fjUDGDcFG1pCz5fj1NAZmDkWK4p6aMwLmYqxLRbMljK3O7G-Nh-4guzqtTHLSlNXYMe2tlBqM0nUndQ0dusCxdopJnRTLH8VAF4uCYupuMyc-cAwns50ZW-pAdnVTkc-~an5Pgmj6hkUvSAvTp8nL4zTrgsEXiB1JCx7WK11KbmsxCVtQN22bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pender County commissioners held a TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act) public hearing April 7 and approved a resolution enabling tax-exempt bond financing for Novant Health projects that include work at Pender Medical Center.

Alice Adams, attorney with Robinson Bradshaw & Henson, represented Novant Health and described the federal TEFRA process: local elected bodies must publicly approve tax-exempt bond financings for nonprofit projects within their jurisdiction. Adams emphasized the action was a federal tax-law procedural step and does not create county debt.

A commissioner disclosed they are an employee of Novant Health and recused from participating in the vote; the board proceeded under the vice chair and approved the resolution. The motion to approve followed a public hearing; a voice vote was taken and the board signified unanimous approval among participating members.

Adams told commissioners the county’s action would not place any financial obligation on the county; she said the hearing and resolution are required by federal tax rules when nonprofit bond proceeds will be used at facilities located in the county. She offered to answer further questions and provided the board the TEFRA notice and resolution language for review.

The county’s adoption of the TEFRA resolution clears an administrative step for Novant Health to proceed with using tax-exempt bond proceeds for nonprofit medical facilities in the county, subject to federal procedures and other lender/issuer requirements.

The county clerk will record the public hearing and resolution in the meeting record and provide required documentation to Novant’s counsel as part of the TEFRA approval process.","The board held a TEFRA public hearing and voted to approve Novant Health's request to allow tax-exempt bond financing for projects that include work at Pender Medical Center; one commissioner disclosed an employment relationship and recused from the vote.",{"_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},6611962,"Jimmy Tate sworn in as Pender County commissioner; Commissioner Springer chosen vice chair",1210,2415000,3625000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584&start=2415&end=3625","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584/thumbnail_2415000.jpg","/articles/6611962/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Jimmy-Tate-sworn-in-as-Pender-County-commissioner-Commissioner-Springer-chosen-vice-chair","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611962-5a81e379c35ea36c310a4efea05bbad1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027282&Signature=cZUI-M4YJkvKvIhAoF3COvtG6caOJ3f~fFI7FwLIAk73sAmdYAmDdl8mm7cUuxd0X8lr3fxqg2BBPKl60LwaQCkGybtScaJHXA2Tt-wINX~uKzkDcs5Rc3TVTUpeakDoEU5yUi1fFXs721yI7Uia73xOIOau2xDLwcJwYaq1urKHZmRlC~uYHE0Yvtr8rhqHevAC-HPNEhpoCbKRe-fjF-IERWdWtxnn692Nc5PyofzLlVDwX6LZ7BfZaOJvWWy5Xk7LD4hQcu~722lAdnceG89wb-37PTMMLR5ONFDR6f~03SyQODHciJ4npl3dn7619RSBnq9ZpFF-4YxiO6d-wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jimmy T. Tate took the oath of office Wednesday as Pender County’s District 4 commissioner and returned to the commission with a call for unity among county residents. The board then nominated and unanimously confirmed Commissioner Springer as vice chair.

Tate was sworn in by state Representative Carson Smith. After repeating the oath, Tate thanked family, neighbors and supporters who came to the meeting and said he was “very humble” to return to public service. \"I haven't been gone that long,\" Tate said in brief remarks, and asked for the community’s prayers and support as he resumed duties.

The swearing-in followed the commission’s organizational agenda item. Commissioner Jimmy Tate moved to nominate Commissioner Springer as vice chair; the motion received a second and passed by unanimous voice vote. The board then adopted the meeting agenda and moved into scheduled business.

Tate used his remarks to acknowledge supporters across the county, including members of his family and local civic leaders, and thanked Representative Carson Smith for administering the oath. The newly appointed commissioner also recognized attendees from his church and community and said he looked forward to working with colleagues to address county matters.

The nomination and confirmation of Springer to the vice-chairmanship were procedural and unanimous. Board members signified approval by raising hands and saying \"aye.\" No opposing votes or abstentions were recorded on that motion.

The commission moved on from the organizational items to public hearings and regular business after the leadership appointments.

Looking ahead, the board continues to handle agenda items for April that include infrastructure, procurement and grant-related votes.","At its April 7 meeting the Pender County Board of Commissioners swore in District 4 appointee Jimmy T. Tate and unanimously selected Commissioner Springer as vice chair.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611943,"Union Rescue and local volunteers ask commissioners to protect volunteer EMS amid county system changes",611,5505000,6116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584&start=5505&end=6116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584/thumbnail_5505000.jpg","/articles/6611943/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Union-Rescue-and-local-volunteers-ask-commissioners-to-protect-volunteer-EMS-amid-county-system-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611943-a91d97ce0eb596fcc24290f7cd357886/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027282&Signature=L-dXxHXdlqvkSMdJfTv~jvw-0d0TBNfY5aM18~H1hh5EcVXuLxSRgx03aHJsHWWAtbA6ZbBEnLoCLhu7Gx~OSIBaj1AtnEzggGlKMG9XWAqZFdDyAXRmg~S6vrC4ItiYSSKKFj0KeE56ZUqYHNQTDJOnpJBIhwbE~Zgbnni4U4-60GCneLAS4mDs8Y18BcyWiFvhQPYWwwSFxUwLBvoK04wHWdt~BjFHQebEiwy1zSguwYY658n7pv2Y0p2bWzrVPZsz7c6fACPhn0k4ziQvD9mGBAfe5AI8LMyEhsUyqsgkszfluynhkvAfUsYY7XXwBYImxQqX85WytrUddt1Wkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several representatives of Union Rescue and other volunteer emergency services addressed the Pender County Board of Commissioners during the public-comment period on April 7, urging the board to protect volunteer responders as the county considers system changes.

Union Rescue leaders and longtime volunteers praised commissioners for taking steps the presenters said were necessary to protect taxpayers, but asked the board to be mindful of volunteer organizations’ continued role and to avoid measures that would harm volunteer recruitment and retention.

\"Since the inception of Union Rescue Squad ... we have saved this county by our volunteers approximately $25,000,000 of volunteer service,\" said Chief Diane Giddens, identifying long-term service and the squad’s role in local emergency response. Giddens asked commissioners to \"lean our minds to our volunteers within the county…Let's try to protect them as much as we possibly can.\"

Speakers from Union Rescue described years of volunteer service, requested opportunities to host commissioners for site visits, and asked the board to consider the organizational capacity and debt-free financial posture of the volunteer agency. Several commissioners thanked the volunteers and asked staff and agency leaders to work together to avoid escalating confrontation between volunteer and county-run services.

Commissioner Jimmy Tate, newly sworn in the same evening, urged cooperation and said he expected the chief executives of both volunteer agencies to \"come together\" and work with the county. Tate said the commission is committed to ensuring both entities can serve the public effectively.

No formal action was taken during public comment, but commissioners directed staff and the respective chiefs to continue communications and to schedule follow-up engagement, including invitations for commissioners to tour facilities and attend agency meetings.","During public comment Pender County volunteer EMS leaders urged commissioners to preserve and support volunteer rescue services while the county evaluates a new countywide EMS system; commissioners said they want cooperation between volunteer services and the county.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6611948,"Votes at a glance: Pender County Commission, April 7",6300,6210000,12510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584&start=6210&end=12510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2892792-540113e4831cc14b44faecc6a8cc2584/thumbnail_6210000.jpg","/articles/6611948/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Pender-County-Commission-April-7","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6611948-8d6e04c8f5ce562120653a5c58b6043e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771027282&Signature=QzU0skczDK5eEQv0w2Di5gs9zFX2oC9kx4ZGB~XBYFOMRH5bgy-Uq6jmP7EJ8WvLWfOlfb3byFn4ySey9VaOnc~b4ss5SxC3kEkPSYWVanu~mnXM3fhqtoXzuLgdETrSpG5swasOAoJiWyFtKtV1UZmv99CttcUN~P4Y47N4~n0Xvzt6~IvmayYAC6KG0P~x9tuHCYdREC4Q31j87fruXMN0XlSg2bxtKZIhXUSRfERnsoL54d2FO4nKFIeVd-0m5AOn2luWXstmdDSTBSioJinA1jgsmj6joMHDw-g6MDEJsmd4sQ0rXwhsLL9HjnI2ZnvTMmhcFsOhc1-4VsSV8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pender County Board of Commissioners took a series of formal votes April 7. Most actions were routine approvals of contracts, purchase orders or procedural resolutions; the board recorded no roll-call vote tallies in the public transcript and used voice or show-of-hands votes for the motions below. Where a commissioner recused, the transcript records the disclosure.

Key actions approved by the board at the April 7 meeting (motions passed unless noted):

- 9.1 Approval of previously unapproved meeting minutes (housekeeping): Motion to approve backlog of closed-session minutes and open-session minutes; passed by voice vote.

- 9.2 Sole-source procurement approval: Approved a sole-source procurement for GrayKey extraction technology for the Sheriff’s Office (annual license/maintenance), as presented by Sheriff Cutler. Procurement documented as sole source; motion passed by voice vote.

- 9.3 Purchase order increase to cover vehicle repairs (insurance proceeds applied): Approved PO increase to allow vehicle repairs paid from insurance receipts; motion passed by voice vote.

- 6.1 TEFRA public hearing and resolution: Following a public hearing and presentation by counsel for Novant Health, the board approved the TEFRA resolution to permit tax-exempt bond issuance for Novant projects located in the county (a commissioner disclosed employment with Novant and recused from that vote).

- 9.6 PFAS and 1,4-dioxane study (utilities): Approved a contract amendment and purchase order to add 1,4-dioxane sampling and treatment-technology study to an existing PFAS study. The board approved use of $400,000 in grant funds plus an additional county share of $37,000 to complete the expanded scope (total contract approximately $437,000). Motion passed by voice vote.

- 9.7 Amendment to McKim & Creed contract (Highway 421 sewer/water study): Approved an amendment to McKim & Creed’s contract to study conveyance, plant site and recommendations (task adjustments reduced to exclude a previously added Bergau-specific task); approved at a reduced scope and amount (task 1 & 3 only) yielding a PO in the packet for $117,400; motion passed.

- 10.1 Acceptance of donation for Sheriff’s Office: Approved acceptance of two Polaris off-road personnel carriers donated as surplus military equipment for search-and-rescue and flood response (the Sheriff indicated units will be used by public safety and available to share with other first-responder agencies as appropriate).

- 10.2 HHS site tree removal and replacement: The board reviewed a contract amendment for tree removal and replanting at the new Health & Human Services site and tabled the item to secure additional cost details and species/rooting information before approving any tree-replanting scope.

- 10.3 Deed and cost-share agreement for Abbey Nature Preserve park tract: Approved execution of deed accepting the conservation tract and park parcel, and a cost-share maintenance agreement with Clayton Properties Group for access and stormwater maintenance as proposed in the packet.

- 10.4 Budget amendment / Owner’s contingency for Central Pender Park, Phase 1: Approved a budget amendment to return $330,000 from the general fund back into the park project (owner’s contingency) to cover unforeseen geotechnical and change-order risk; motion passed by voice vote.

- 10.5 Approval of Camstrup meters as the county’s AMI-capable meter of record: Department of Utilities recommended switching to Camstrup ultrasonic AMI meters (sold through Fortiline); board approved sole-source procurement of the Camstrup metering platform for the county’s AMI program.

- 10.6 Purchase order for AMI equipment for Maple Hill: Approved a purchase order with Fortiline for AMI equipment and accessories for Maple Hill service area in the amount of $297,004.64 (materials include meters, boxes, setters and parts); motion passed.

Other procedural and consent items (consent agenda) were approved during the meeting, with several items pulled by commissioners for discussion and potential later action. The board also scheduled follow-up and additional documentation as needed on the items noted.

Votes at the meeting were taken by voice or raised hand; the meeting transcript records the motions and general “aye” consensus for each item. Where a recorded individual roll-call tally was not in the transcript, the board clerk will post final minute pages and resolution texts to the official minutes and county website.","Summary of formal actions taken by the Pender County Board of Commissioners at its April 7 meeting, including procurement approvals, contract amendments, grant/procurement steps and land/deed actions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Focus Broadband says larger build nearing completion; USDA sign-off pending for Angola section

Pender County holds TEFRA hearing, approves Novant Health tax-exempt bond sign-off

Jimmy Tate sworn in as Pender County commissioner; Commissioner Springer chosen vice chair

Union Rescue and local volunteers ask commissioners to protect volunteer EMS amid county system changes

Votes at a glance: Pender County Commission, April 7