[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6581683,"mediaKeyId","3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a","parentId",3071542,"title","Residents urge transparency on legal invoices and raise air-quality, districting and broadband concerns at Northampton County meeting","audioSeconds",196,"startMs",3283000,"endMs",3479000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a&start=3283&end=3479","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a/thumbnail_3283000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6581683/Northampton-County/North-Carolina/Residents-urge-transparency-on-legal-invoices-and-raise-air-quality-districting-and-broadband-concerns-at-Northampton-County-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581683-de41b1fc1eb3b4f03d4b2a9def6a6578/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139032&Signature=LvmksK0UwMGbsfmDVXYBwzzdFLVJUv4mzHEq7Vk44KxqoM0gZwQU7pIZ-kY1CV089UGZxz7T-CAS9L2upkUHSlyxPP2HQ7U59ZBJUAXSDzZsYBBha7JSQp0zBR0-vE1TQYljNaaNQSwiFfEJ4IdsF8Vik6iWAQfDdQKELX7myKFU95nSfN7b690JPpIiQaMpM3Ofv5vg6dZlfLiCL7IgSKxUD69gYHqaY97BxegDJaTYAAVC6cIOCNt41jmDJ~UOzmg1jlMLm8Cy90xHF3xt7~IN4Smh2RBMd1Eqvm16NWhRRPgEyREewnV~cxicD6uL3O1trVyxmfvBjlBqDSgpIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Northampton County","date","2025-04-21T23:22:37.337Z","article","Multiple residents addressed the board during the citizens-comment period, raising concerns about legal billing transparency, open burning and district maps.

Invoices and internal controls: Resident Earl Daniels said he had requested three items from the county's finance office: a resolution delegating hiring and firing authority, copies of relevant policies, and all invoices paid to the county attorney from August 2024 through January 2025. Daniels said the county attorney responded that no such resolution had been located and that the board's personnel policy provides the manager's delegated authority. Daniels said he received copies of invoices showing the county paid the attorney $92,027.16 during the cited period, with $13,566 redacted; he said redactions prevented taxpayers from identifying services for those amounts. Daniels also said he filed a Freedom of Information Act request for unredacted invoices and for a list of county credit-card holders and internal controls around credit-card use.

Air quality and burning: Resident Richie Harding presented PurpleAir monitor printouts and said open burning near the Balltech/Cherry Tree Road area produced particulate readings the night prior that reached unhealthy levels. He read monitor values including a reading he cited as 154 at 5:52 p.m. and said that smoke and ash were entering homes; he asked the board to address burning practices and noted DEQ guidance stating material cannot be added to a burn pile after 6 p.m. Another participant, who identified himself as a builder, clarified that DEQ's restriction bars adding new material after 6 p.m. but does not prohibit a pile already burning from continuing to burn overnight.

Districting and broadband concerns: Harding also raised concerns about the county's electoral districts, saying they were drawn decades ago and alleging the current lines concentrate Black registered voters in a subset of districts. He asked the board to consider redrawing districts and noted demographic and property patterns around Lake Gaston. Another resident raised questions about the county's 2040 comprehensive plan and about potential federal funding clawbacks for certain broadband and pandemic-era programs, describing a perceived reduction in future federal support.

Board response and next steps: Commissioners briefly responded to clarify DEQ burning rules and said staff will respond to written FOIA requests and provide further information where available. The clerk announced that the public-comment period closed after the scheduled speakers.

Ending: Several commissioners thanked residents for attending and encouraged continued engagement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commissioners Meeting - Budget Review","oneSentenceSummary","Residents used citizens'comment to request unredacted invoices, allege waste and call for redrawing county election districts; others presented air-quality monitor readings showing elevated particulate levels from open burning near Lake Gaston.","taxTitle","Northampton County, North Carolina","taxId",73549,"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},6581687,"Votes at a glance: Northampton County board approves DEQ water-application resolution, nonprofit grants; agenda and consent approved",485,5179000,5664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a&start=5179&end=5664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a/thumbnail_5179000.jpg","/articles/6581687/Northampton-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Northampton-County-board-approves-DEQ-water-application-resolution-nonprofit-grants-agenda-and-consent-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581687-f0c2bef262c369966ddc919c8c46d762/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139032&Signature=o6apSefd8JCYt0ifS-IEo0R6LRyDEEmjp19ZPy7cUR~IZrDe-5z3Sl1FTLL4nDvbvApbG0Odr-g9~L5PiGchnYDDwE5hPTMw9sEgOzJReCubCdRTtXxMLXYuCiI9rJVpeSOYL6Rha~SkmKmqmsYn1U7QDh9XafrEQ~ATV7uULjwuNYokm-JJh1Sm4vlwSu7FwNEyf~YjlyGyEf~PsK4heWJOfBkD4xTLyD0ur53S7YvfZFHQK2ddVR8Hdspj2NW3Uihk0zH0UR9qUVtnFNo7hDgN2yNj9S0-2GgRBw4ENEeTKpQIPd4TnovwvTKf8sNiS5g~EbfnfKVsEB~VsuIiNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several procedural and funding items moved forward at the regular meeting following the budget workshop.

What the board approved
- Resolution to apply for DEQ funding for two county wells: The board approved a resolution authorizing staff to submit an application to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to rehabilitate and test two county-owned wells in Pendleton and Lasker. Staff said the DEQ spring funding round includes both grants and loans and that the county will have the option to accept or decline any award. Motion to allow staff to seek the funding passed by voice vote.

- Nonprofit grant awards (2024/2025 cycle): The board approved annual nonprofit grant awards totaling $19,814 (under the $20,000 allocation). The Economic Development Committee recommended funding for three organizations:
- Lake Gaston Community Center, $3,000, to support a historical marker and community recognition work.
- Garysburg Volunteer Fire Department, $6,814, for equipment and training.
- Community Senior Enhancement Program (Severn), $10,000, to repair a facility floor that the committee said is needed to keep senior programming operating.

- Agenda and consent agenda: Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda without substantive amendment.

Other procedural actions
- The board voted to enter closed session under cited North Carolina statutes for attorney-client and economic development matters; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Ending
Board members said staff will pursue available funding for the wells and that nonprofit recipients will be notified. The Jackson Grove contract vote was postponed to May 5 and will be revisited then.","At the April meeting following the budget workshop, commissioners approved a resolution to seek DEQ funding for rehabilitation of two county wells, awarded nonprofit funding totaling $19,814, and approved the meeting agenda and consent items. The Jackson Grove contract award was postponed to May 5.",{"_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},6581690,"Commissioners postpone vote on $2.75M Jackson Grove workforce-housing contract after staff flags $275,000 shortfall",1010,4066000,5076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a&start=4066&end=5076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a/thumbnail_4066000.jpg","/articles/6581690/Northampton-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-postpone-vote-on-275M-Jackson-Grove-workforce-housing-contract-after-staff-flags-275000-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581690-0340be1ecb36b9ab8b2d0432a063f781/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139032&Signature=EpHdIWVkE3-MmbX2CZdf4ZV5adwJnk~IE-z2yWDtJ09P4hXioGsCSR154HeUEoGp0NDz3dQeRLAy8IZK4-pZuuP6dlsw~SZ-E8D76z-zA2rFD9YRNlxp4H6r4s8n2g-d-gVLVEhGGElabL5XkW4ELfv6hPXr0yxPmlfNIuHL9fNoGqUinYjeWYLk0XTG9RgwJ75J-v~tcQEbVDgKnx1ZyjNd0r-9eP8QV3pHTJX64FkIiG9ab7j1cdzHMioqI5q01bWwIya-36zlNj5EUi7jv-P42r1ueWy4lQG2ZSNn4mt~KhPTLPrGB0BDSHa~~At~z5wFF3S-ZkqHyZsRmSbniw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff recommended awarding a construction contract for the Jackson Grove workforce housing project and appropriating additional county funds to cover a bid shortfall, but commissioners postponed a final vote.

What was proposed: staff said Northampton County received a $3 million USDA grant to support workforce housing and that the successful bidder after two rounds of bidding was Group 3 Management of Kinston. The presented bid and incurred engineering costs left a funding deficit staff estimated at about $275,000. Staff recommended accepting the bid and using general-fund dollars to cover the shortfall while noting contingency in the contract could return unused funds.

Why commissioners postponed: several commissioners asked about the timing and about whether the board should act that night. Staff said the bid expiration occurs in the first week of May, which prompted urgency. Commissioners expressed differing views on priorities, with some stressing the county's housing shortage and recruitment value for teachers and county employees and others urging more time to consider other county needs. One commissioner asked whether an extension could be obtained from the bidder; staff said an extension could be requested and a special meeting could be called if necessary.

Vote and immediate next steps: a motion to postpone consideration of the award to the May 5 meeting carried 3 to 2. Staff said if a contract extension is not available before May 5, the county could call a special meeting to act earlier.

Staff comment: the presenter noted that the $3 million grant was awarded in 2022 and that costs rose in subsequent years when architectural and construction costs were bid; the county would own the houses and could receive rental or sale revenue, staff said.

Ending: The board directed staff to pursue an extension if possible and to return the item for decision at the May 5 meeting or to schedule a special meeting if the bid deadline cannot be extended.
","Staff recommended awarding a USDA-backed $3 million workforce housing project bid to Group 3 Management but said site and engineering costs create a $275,000 shortfall. Commissioners voted 3-2 to postpone action to the May 5 meeting to seek more time or a contract extension.",{"_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},6581695,"Northampton County staff preview fiscal 2026 budget, propose small tax-rate cut amid staffing-driven increases",2165,242000,2407000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a&start=242&end=2407","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071542-ae4382ad2404bebb03e5e48dc26bc97a/thumbnail_242000.jpg","/articles/6581695/Northampton-County/North-Carolina/Northampton-County-staff-preview-fiscal-2026-budget-propose-small-tax-rate-cut-amid-staffing-driven-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581695-9c1d12a6fe5555e50cc27da7eb0ef622/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139032&Signature=nJU5eIFZ5nBFsdJCUsJnjrIjF654ICs~3gXBJdkQShDIU-SECerS4X1DkBKNnunscq1OLO8Cg8hIcTz23AdCH-rMi4FVd~rASotq9MygTOsg6wOuDkIAF33j6pKkk2nq9DRQk33cTcOrdy9VH1viV3qGQ7lXUAv37IUUkrQiWcVXLWtUsUxYmJT8UB~He2RyluK7DKA3ajmyonLFDD3cXVJ-MBSksoPXMFFFUQlU3CHgI4nQ5-mYhxE7~PX~uShNVJFvkAVfgncsgBhmpTWbxVzWRmoIiDZZrgTMnBZHx26ZajhvM2Cek3HnxQbV2lD6vDDKZV9NtuFtJJ6iMDD48g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff presented a preliminary fiscal 2026 budget at a budget workshop, highlighting year-over-year spending increases driven largely by salary and benefit changes and several department-specific additions.

The presenter said the packet included a preliminary budget ordinance, comparative financial statements and about 128 pages of department worksheets; a condensed comparative budget summary was shown to commissioners. Staff recommended reviewing only the worksheets for line items with notable changes rather than the full packet.

Why it matters: the budget shows staffing decisions and planned services that affect county operations and taxpayer revenue needs in the coming year. Staff also proposed a small reduction in the property tax rate while reporting an increase in the county's projected tax base.

Key figures and drivers
- Property tax and rate: Staff reported the majority of revenue still comes from property tax. Total property-tax-related revenue categories increased by about $252,000 year over year; the ad valorem line alone rose by about $706,000 due to an increase in the projected tax base. Staff said the proposal would lower the county's tax rate from 83 cents to 82.5 cents per $100 of assessed value.

- General government: A modest overall increase in general government spending was explained largely by personnel costs. In human resources, staff said a newly added safety/risk-management position accounts for roughly $40,000 of the increase; associated retirement and hospitalization company-share costs also rose.

- Elections: The elections budget rose about $52,199, primarily because three elections are budgeted for the coming year versus one in the prior year. Staff cited increased poll-worker pay (about $17,500), additional ballot printing and layout costs, training and purchases (including about $3,200 for additional voting laptops).

- Buildings and grounds: That cost center rose roughly $55,000. Staff attributed most of the increase to salaries (including a new director who started in December 2024), equipment replacement, additional phone lines for alarm systems and higher utility estimates tied to the county annex (electricity and fuel estimates were cited).

- Public safety and sheriff's office: Public safety increased by roughly $231,000 overall; the sheriff's budget rose by about $76,000 to a figure staff cited near $4.4 million. Staff said salary-related items '11/2 percent merit steps, a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment and a $1,250 retention bonus 'accounted for about $90,000 of the change. Vehicle leases and upfitting for six patrol cars were also budgeted.

- Emergency communications (E-911): Salaries were listed as increasing by about $98,000. Staff said the department is budgeting a 5.5 percent merit pool plus a 2 percent COLA and noted the center carries vacancies that affect actual spending.

- Ambulance/EMS: The ambulance fund showed an overall increase (on the order of tens of thousands) with staffing-related increases (2 percent COLA and merit) and a line for an expected increase to the medical director contract. Staff noted some capital items (remounts and software) are budgeted in a separate capital ordinance rather than operating expense.

- Veterans, schools and recreation: Staff reported adding a second part-time veterans affairs officer (one for the west side, one for the east) and modest supplies. Worksheets provided school-district increases in the aggregate and by district; staff noted changes across multiple districts and referenced an aggregate schools increase reflected in the packet. The recreation department's budget increase included $25,000 budgeted for security at a gym and about $19,000 for new wellness-center cameras.

- Debt and revenue notes: Staff said county debt service will drop by about $399,000 this year because the final payment on a refunding bond is scheduled. On the revenue side, staff emphasized property tax as the largest revenue source and described the tax department's worksheet showing a larger projected tax base than the prior year.

- Rescue-squad fees: Staff reported an increase in sales-and-services revenue tied to rescue-squad fees and Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement for trips; one worksheet line was described as rising by roughly $663,000 for sales and services and staff noted a separate schedule from EMS director Casey Griggs.

Process and next steps
Staff said they will continue to refine numbers and asked commissioners to submit questions in advance. The presenter said the board will resume the workshop on May 5 to review enterprise/proprietary funds and that department heads (for example, health and social services) may attend a future session to explain large or complex line items.

Ending
County staff urged commissioners and residents to review the provided worksheets and to submit questions; the next budget workshop session was scheduled for May 5 at 5:30 p.m.
","County staff presented a preliminary fiscal 2026 budget showing modest overall increases driven largely by staffing, benefits and three scheduled elections. Officials propose lowering the property tax rate from 83 cents to 82.5 cents while noting an increase in the county's taxable base.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge transparency on legal invoices and raise air-quality, districting and broadband concerns at Northampton County meeting

Votes at a glance: Northampton County board approves DEQ water-application resolution, nonprofit grants; agenda and consent approved

Commissioners postpone vote on $2.75M Jackson Grove workforce-housing contract after staff flags $275,000 shortfall

Northampton County staff preview fiscal 2026 budget, propose small tax-rate cut amid staffing-driven increases