[{"_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",6569008,"mediaKeyId","3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8","parentId",3192813,"title","County attorney outlines legal options after commissioners raise concerns about school-area protests that impede traffic","audioSeconds",137,"startMs",3322000,"endMs",3459000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8&start=3322&end=3459","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8/thumbnail_3322000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6569008/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/County-attorney-outlines-legal-options-after-commissioners-raise-concerns-about-school-area-protests-that-impede-traffic","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569008-69e68b0aec3caa3e2357de9d23ec0c26/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452825&Signature=aUTBaLMl2OQ2IPMKXCvny0cUqyyO1vF6snulWKYzQ0VqqO5qD1xbw69F22m-6USfVD3W5rA5N5pfvqnlyVP-GP2Y9RlEGwsmR4YFEOwQd1sGOA9Ooor3POX7PucB8N1lY-shY6gLMK3H-yW3IyMTlNAqqNFzyj6NPXqKIPlFPYh32CDCu5zbqz1b8dVRcxi6FCr~HYzq4w4xgV47U5kiFvDXxKg~r8HPHfP6n3DNSTzxFAWJCm~NpxUz6kb-887nzWLEcK8S1doswAc6effvxjl2S4UzehlIajJdDpKT73bu-C7dxxOeKvVOQYTdSyWn8rO2DgI9TfkvgBsze3tuVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Columbus County","date","2025-05-06T00:12:51.837Z","article","Commissioners discussed recent protests near schools that, they said, disrupted traffic and reduced attendance. County counsel summarized existing criminal statutes and the county's ordinance authority for addressing pedestrian gatherings that impede highways, and the board asked staff to research ordinance options and enforcement mechanisms.

A commissioner described protests in front of schools that caused traffic backups and student absences. The county attorney said state law makes it a misdemeanor to \"willfully stand, sit, or lie upon a highway or street in such a manner as to impede the regular flow of traffic,\" and said participation in a demonstration that impedes a highway can elevate the offense. The attorney also said the county could adopt an ordinance regulating time, place and manner of gatherings on state roadways in unincorporated areas; municipalities would need their own ordinances inside their boundaries.

\"The school can have policy or put up no trespassing signs, some things of that nature. They can control crowds on their property. But interrupting the flow of traffic on a state highway or street is another issue,\" the county attorney said.

Commissioners asked staff to check statute citations, possible civil citation amounts and options for permitting or designating alternate protest locations and times so demonstrations would not disrupt school operations. One commissioner suggested civil citations revenue could be used to benefit the schools; the attorney said she would check legal parameters.

Ending: The sheriff and county attorney will follow up with the board and report potential ordinance language, permit fee amounts, and enforcement options at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meeting 05-05-2025 (Part 3)","oneSentenceSummary","After commissioners reported protests near schools that disrupted traffic and attendance, the county attorney said state criminal statutes and county ordinance authority could be used to address demonstrations that impede roadways; the board asked staff to investigate options and potential ordinance language.","taxTitle","Columbus County, North Carolina","taxId",58819,"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},6569012,"Votes at a glance: Columbus County Board actions on grants, contracts, sewer projects and proclamations",4430,610000,5040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8&start=610&end=5040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8/thumbnail_610000.jpg","/articles/6569012/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Columbus-County-Board-actions-on-grants-contracts-sewer-projects-and-proclamations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569012-aea71b477dd7d44f7e60c898d4dfd44b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452825&Signature=d8XxDMspw-Km0QzEO6zdk2zamauGi9BpAr3B6IdI~eds3MxcZh9oqNOY0w54ifF5oUXjZdVC8v4WKgMcghcRgrmlVoiClavh5~TClR-wpFSRIyHSd4DDQs657LCs4XaBbHKhRJFQUG8mBOzLq1QelKcAkK0QWKIuVyuBd4P3LMmLNMo5K2O9nWBaYx5adp5bPxvwx2Szw1jSKCOWV4h09UN6tb1ZHlocFZkyFVy1MwOwoaaV9HltaNmzN1UjxmsVvWEZqzNPJSp3kH3kGfzg-tTasN7v09FYFjDu4EzVt6fQj9TDJDIlFzINFO6rmJW7qJqoyDGtE5GirUGowzZVKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The following is a summary of formal actions the Columbus County Board of Commissioners approved during the meeting.

- Proclamation: Approved a proclamation recognizing National Child Care Provider Appreciation Day; motion by Commissioner Byrd, seconded by Commissioner Smith; motion carried.

- Employee spotlight: Recognized Brian Riggins of Solid Waste; presentation and formal recognition approved.

- Foundation Forward Charters of Freedom: Commissioners agreed to allow Foundation Forward to proceed with site selection and a letter of intent; staff to receive point of contact from the nonprofit. Presenter: Mike Unruh, Foundation Forward. Staff said there is no direct cost to the county.

- Acceptance of Division of Aviation Block Grant: Approved acceptance of a Division of Aviation block grant in the amount of $21,914 for the airport AWOS system; motion carried.

- Airport terminal naming (add-on 14a): Approved naming the Columbus Regional Airport terminal the \"Brendan H. Jones Terminal Building\" at the airport authority's request; motion carried.

- Emergency Services: Approved Coastal Architecture as vendor for the local shelter capacity-building project to design/assist with automatic transfer switches at five school locations; motion carried.

- Economic development: Approved low bid from Gracie/Grayley Building Inc. in the amount of $1,302,735 for the Tabor City shell building project, pending county attorney contract language changes; board authorized proceeding when contract reflects county changes.

- Windsor Commercial professional services: Approved professional services agreement with Windsor for project management on the logistics parkway extension (IDF grant project); motion carried.

- 1NC grant acceptance: Approved acceptance of a $275,000 1NC grant to support a company (named in the packet as \"Barrier Fencing\") contingent on job-creation documentation per program rules; motion carried.

- Finance: Accepted March 2025 financial report and approved related budget amendments and project ordinances as listed in the agenda packet (includes transfers to align funding for water district projects and a small multi-year ordinance for emergency services grant timing); motion to approve passed.

- Water and sewer district actions: Approved memorandum of understanding permitting emergency interconnection with the town of Chadbourn (District 2); approved task order number 13 for phases 4 and 5 of the Beaver Dam Water Road waterline extension; approved low bid for the Livingston Creek project to Midcom Inc. in the amount of $2,510,338.25 (contract pending manager and attorney final approval). Motions carried.

- Appointments: Appointed Michael Powell to the Southeastern Community College Board of Trustees, replacing Moe Davis; motion carried.

Ending: Many approvals were conditional on final contract language or subsequent ministerial steps (e.g., attorney review, manager signature). Where noted, staff will return with executed documents or implementation plans.","A concise list of the formal votes taken at the Columbus County Board of Commissioners meeting, including grant acceptances, contract approvals, water and sewer project awards, proclamations and appointments.",{"_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},6569016,"Columbus County schedules May 19 budget workshop as finance staff warns of multimillion-dollar shortfall",260,3020000,3280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8&start=3020&end=3280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8/thumbnail_3020000.jpg","/articles/6569016/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Columbus-County-schedules-May-19-budget-workshop-as-finance-staff-warns-of-multimillion-dollar-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569016-3bfe40b6034082413603eae4ce85da67/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452825&Signature=H85SX-H28T4mEQb7g42rigSAPJVuigD0HlCPgo1xV6L1BFkTazjal6XIRWwreLneOFfoIKa9GFRsg10STmTaWGujZWr5SFnIqqMqidm7osDNdnRnJqFgiXzqD1IvRH83CD0Hnzsvlmf-I9fCmANpFmtE9goQnlCd~mxeDSZv49dsLkuowkWJUuAYWrqdM4rWmlnlop1VteOFB74rB5NdSDb5ydJmS5ICHY56ska2XK1hryyciO2NbQyr4ZLmHhFfOqtsmZezvaZwNe6T1mbKShALVYkTiYqWvIgFrcmE-7TYIGK5FoC2bHoEA-vvvctXoea1kg~CiQSlmQGzyXz~wg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbus County commissioners approved a workshop for Monday, May 19, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to review the county's proposed budget, after county staff warned the board the budget remains far from balanced.

County Manager Eddie Madden told the board the budget must be submitted to the Local Government Commission after the board receives a draft and that staff would need the board's input in the weeks before the June 30 adoption deadline. \"We have an obligation to submit our proposed budget to the local government commission on or about the nineteenth,\" Madden said.

Heather Woody, finance director, reported several revenue pressures and departmental timing issues. Woody said Social Services faces what she characterized as a multi-million-dollar shortfall for the remainder of the fiscal year, estimating a $3,000,000 deficit but expecting $1.5 million to $2 million to arrive. She told commissioners that at the end of March the county's bank balances were about $53,961,000 compared with roughly $57,000,307 at the same time last year.

Woody also outlined that some revenues and expenditures run a month behind, including court system receipts and department reimbursements. She warned that an upcoming large debt transfer for Viper radios, which exceeded $900,000, would affect the county's available balances and that commissioners should be cautious about spending for the remainder of the year.

The board voted to set the May 19 workshop; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Ending: Staff said they will present an initial draft to the Local Government Commission and continue meetings with the board in the coming weeks; commissioners were advised that, if a balanced budget cannot be adopted by June 30, the board can adopt a continuing resolution to operate under the prior year's budget.
","County manager and finance director told commissioners the budget remains unbalanced and scheduled a May 19 workshop; staff reported lower-than-expected revenues and department-specific shortfalls, particularly in social services.",{"_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},6569021,"Columbus County sets municipal tax-collection fee at 3% after commissioners debate",834,2150000,2984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8&start=2150&end=2984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3192813-e051c0d53f0132785306f168ef49e8b8/thumbnail_2150000.jpg","/articles/6569021/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Columbus-County-sets-municipal-tax-collection-fee-at-3-after-commissioners-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6569021-a7b56d99820769edafbada28a7156623/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452825&Signature=ncv7kolA3gVKeAESWTeLM0UDD8w~6ecgZ7cI1QT8zqpWTBQZYxS3EnPZF0XeYRNwby~QdlrqVTK5x~TPWL-G4RO5CbO0oOent8UxqCYQhyZ2jmlEq-B20I~ZvFw1lRvoicEeyaeiXxp6TiWcYrrUCmATMYlt8H42XE34PWbmllqYSjZt3MPq8xcrDhuZwqh-uJubZeH-xgIrR5K~Aij08jcGy8CgG6sOjBtlMSKqIp3YNhQD6vlqp-SJWtHQdaFmjtmpVl1pcaoeZHeGrpMDNhIKnHgC3mOl71Qxm~MdEpwO3l~p6jP9trsYkuLW~9D~01zKhhXaymEsCB9th-hxSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted to set the county's fee for collecting municipal property taxes at 3% of taxes collected, the board decided after substantive discussion and a roll-call vote.

The board's action followed a presentation from Eddie Mann, identified in the meeting as planning manager, who said the county has been losing money performing tax-collection duties for towns and recommended a percentage-based fee. \"After carefully considering these proposals and reviewing them thoroughly, we are of the opinion, that the best and the most simple solution for the county is to set a rate based on a percentage of taxes collected including delinquent accounts,\" Mann said during the discussion.

The county previously had a mix of approaches; some municipalities paid flat per-account fees that have not been updated in decades, Mann said. He told the board the county had at times spent more in postage and supplies than it collected for small municipalities and that a percentage model is used by other North Carolina counties.

Commissioner Byrd moved to set the fee at 3% to match neighboring counties, saying the board should \"do the same as our joining counties, Bladen County and Robeson County at 3%.\" The motion was seconded and approved in a roll call. Commissioners voting yes were Featherston, Smith, Bullard and the commissioner listed in the transcript as \"Burp\"; Commissioners Floyd and Watts recorded no votes. The motion passed by a 4-2 margin.

County staff had recommended a 2.5% starting rate and estimated that if all municipalities contracted with the county the 2.5% option would generate roughly $136,000 in revenue to cover expenses. Mann emphasized the program is voluntary and that each town would decide whether to contract with the county.

Board members pressed staff for comparisons with neighboring counties. Mann said Robeson and Bladen counties charge 3% in at least some cases, and staff pulled comparison data for the board.

The vote amends the county's approach to municipal collections. Several commissioners said the final figure is intended to avoid the county continuing to subsidize municipal collections at taxpayers' expense; others warned the revenue estimate would fall if larger towns declined the county's service.

The board recorded no additional policy changes in the motion; Mann and other staff said the county must change software and billing processes before the next billing cycle begins.

The board's change to a 3% collection fee will be implemented through new contracts with municipalities; staff said municipalities may decline and collect taxes themselves.

Ending: The board's decision resolves the immediate question of what the county will charge towns that ask the county to bill and collect property taxes on their behalf. Further contract negotiations and software adjustments remain to be completed before the next billing cycle.","After weeks of talks with towns, the Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to charge municipalities 3% of taxes collected for county tax-collection services, overruling staff\u0000recommendation of 2.5%. Commissioners and town leaders had disagreed over rate structure and whether to charge a flat fee or percentage.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County attorney outlines legal options after commissioners raise concerns about school-area protests that impede traffic

Votes at a glance: Columbus County Board actions on grants, contracts, sewer projects and proclamations

Columbus County schedules May 19 budget workshop as finance staff warns of multimillion-dollar shortfall

Columbus County sets municipal tax-collection fee at 3% after commissioners debate