[{"_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",6565063,"mediaKeyId","3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b","parentId",3229323,"title","County recognizes staff certifications and proclaims May 2025 Economic Development Week","audioSeconds",1036,"startMs",130000,"endMs",1166000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b&start=130&end=1166","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b/thumbnail_130000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6565063/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/County-recognizes-staff-certifications-and-proclaims-May-2025-Economic-Development-Week","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565063-06dd80364c28d3f324e8bf4bef5c3741/orig.mp4?Expires=1774777875&Signature=FQMryNKOlWTnXMiNep9vVsf46N4u5LkNvSfeK46ozDMdWMDRCJR0BXNj7XDJEcBTRpaVUSsUbx1p5f4JQ6rEU0sZZBxafHtmTepwSU~s3izptPN8IL77YG9otSpHywJadDK15QRYJA0y98UU~Vi1EwdiDMIJnLK2RCNAEoAdz58h9DUNdP4NLnBWbwQzR8dhcXsBVtzGZaVTIns8t2UZu~CHa2nyqysLFA452MgvDfMNdtHjurHd0Lp0r6~Lh2IiUryVIIxzE9dqGZEMSf5bryL0bjvrTb6nMNoEPh5dLZS-O07ByhLSoC82xJfRPKP0jjpZ5zzUZBgw87IWEKJcVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cumberland County","date","2025-05-08T13:03:16Z","article","Cumberland County recognized two finance employees on Monday for earning the Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer credential and celebrated the designation of Economic Development Week for May 2025.

Finance Director Robin Coontz presented certifications to Jessica Hollander, finance account manager, and Sophia Mernahan, procurement/purchasing manager. Coontz said both completed required courses through the UNC School of Government, met experience requirements, and successfully passed the certification exam; Hollander was the top scorer in the 2025 class and received the Stephen C. Grant Achievement Award.

Vice Chairwoman Jones then read a board proclamation declaring the week of May 12, 2025, as Economic Development Week in Cumberland County, praising local economic development staff and partners for promoting job creation, infrastructure, and equitable growth. The proclamation was adopted and signed by Chairman Kirk Devier.

Commissioners congratulated the recognized employees and commended the county’s community development and economic development teams for their role in raising incomes and promoting projects across the county; an economic development team member thanked both current and past commissioners for their support.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting May 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board recognized county finance staff for statewide purchasing certifications and proclaimed May 2025 as Economic Development Week for Cumberland County, praising local economic development efforts.","taxTitle","Cumberland County, North Carolina","taxId",3861,"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},6565067,"Board names members to ABC, Cape Fear Valley trustees, Civic Center Commission and other boards; several ties resolved by runoffs",1173,2296000,3469000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b&start=2296&end=3469","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b/thumbnail_2296000.jpg","/articles/6565067/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Board-names-members-to-ABC-Cape-Fear-Valley-trustees-Civic-Center-Commission-and-other-boards-several-ties-resolved-by-runoffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565067-5450e0f018d5965605be6921e728bdbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1774777875&Signature=YVrZ-hRA6qKZ2-oxe1BIDUL6tHHh6g2-o116hesg33~4u9qeh5iRVYQTUGqKd9eoR~Ea07hinM44LsUbrzskHCpxDfaYNYKqtdqBIqIaYOtfiDhBpTWPNB02q-r4rKLz8BDfZP6kuJ7ChHxuZs7R2mUf12rhcpYr~RTS0lcmnOVSveAFYkILRYbB11r8i1oDS3nPKiVFrXkZJIzXVKBtSol50UJeoR265z1JAUuwp3mfY5NJ1F6KeLjXzLz~njqn2wVny8YRem87Xrzd6R1DDGqVLSD9mVOYhNPMXIPLAaWXasJnM8K9AbfcTDRLFPJLaYFxZTKWEy93YUp316IyAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners completed a series of appointments on Monday, selecting members for multiple local boards and commissions. Several contests required additional rounds of voting to break ties.

For the ABC Board (two vacancies), the board appointed Terry Thomas and Wade Fuller; each received five votes in the initial tally. Vice Chairwoman Jones made the motion to appoint the two top vote‑getters and the board approved the appointment.

For the Cape Fear Valley Board of Trustees the board appointed Shannon Matthews to the registered nurse vacancy by unanimous vote and selected two general public representatives from a slate of five. After tallying votes, Dr. Sanjay (Sanjay Shea/“Shaw” in the transcript) received seven votes and Dr. Rashad Gupta received three votes; the board appointed those two as the highest vote‑getters under the county’s process.

The Civic Center Commission had four vacancies. After vote tallies and a runoff to break a tie, the board appointed Lee Spruill, Chloe Tyler, Allen Rogers and Lindora Thompson.

For the Fayetteville‑Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (two vacancies), the board filled seats including Christina (Christine) Allen and Brian Crackover after a runoff. For the Tourism Development Authority representative (hotels over 100 rooms) the board appointed Michelle Williams.

Board members said they would verify vote procedures under the board’s new policy rules; the county attorney was asked to confirm the appointment process for any future questions about majority versus top vote‑getter rules. Most appointments were handled by roll call of individual selections as described during the appointments process; the clerk recorded vote totals and the board applied the policy as described when naming the top vote‑getters.","The board voted on multiple board and commission appointments, installing candidates to the ABC Board, Cape Fear Valley Board of Trustees, Civic Center Commission and economic development bodies. Several votes required runoffs; most appointments were decided by majority or plurality under the board’s process.",{"_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},6565072,"Commissioners defer employee health‑center contract, ask staff to return with options May 19",630,1593000,2223000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b&start=1593&end=2223","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b/thumbnail_1593000.jpg","/articles/6565072/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-defer-employee-healthcenter-contract-ask-staff-to-return-with-options-May-19","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565072-169e496fe4d8b1afb2669dad3bc449e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1774777875&Signature=DvIYNP483d~gXe8gmkOjNN6E57-rfy6ccQRbs3Zh0skKwTiTmBYBQb2siqKTc5loDJ8UOI0lmWx0NoXUoqFeQli~~gzwwuy0YsJ7KiRMWIXXqvAxBtkH1-63i33F1ai0KSXVl7dlA7gqs0KJUfsYSxVWbGSQr5uL~RtXvNzIHpD9KrfJpBWHSd4n60MwkcZnlDSV4uupSXNdzTpAd7K~cgtBqMpRpQjwuK02-TO~UdmWvP-2JeQHE-~nMNGQf2jczH7yuQ5oXskWaIcwsg0g9WoNb~gEBcYrJruekRDymxdGmas-T7sQA7lfPgE-JauU5sZTMGBdYsUilhQCmEM8JA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Monday deferred action on a proposed three‑year renewal with employee‑health provider ProactiveMD and asked staff to return to the board at the May 19 meeting with additional contract language and cost options.

County staff presented a recommended three‑year renewal with ProactiveMD at an estimated cost of $1,254,975 (an increase of $470,922 over the current contract) and a staffing proposal that included two nurse practitioners, two licensed practical nurses and an office manager. Finance Director Robin Coontz said replacing one nurse practitioner with a medical doctor under the three‑year term would increase the annual cost by about $140,000. She said a one‑year contract would be substantially more expensive and that ProactiveMD has said it does not offer a termination‑for‑convenience clause; the provider told staff that, if early termination occurred, the county could be responsible for the full three‑year fee absent contract language to the contrary.

Commissioners raised concerns about appointment access and reports from employees about walk‑in availability. Commissioner Tyson asked for assurances that quality and access would be maintained under a renewed contract; County Manager Grier and staff said they would include performance and review metrics in the contract. Commissioner Patel asked staff to return with specific cost comparisons for one‑year and three‑year terms and the potential termination language; Patel moved to bring the item back on May 19 and the motion passed (Tyson, Jones, Chairman Devier, Patel and Faircloth voting yes; Adams voting no).

Finance director Coontz said the three‑year staffing model with ProactiveMD as presented would require an estimated additional 470,922 in contract costs, noting the number reflected added personnel. She also said that adding a medical doctor to the three‑year model would raise the annual cost by roughly $140,000; she cautioned that locating an MD could take three to four months. Staff said they meet with the provider at least quarterly and that an annual review requirement could be incorporated into the contract.

The board’s action was procedural: staff were directed to return with a revised contract proposal that includes termination language and an annual review metric for board consideration on May 19.","The board deferred a proposed three‑year renewal with ProactiveMD for the county employee health center and asked staff to return May 19 with additional contract options and termination language after commissioners raised cost and quality concerns.",{"_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},6565076,"Commissioners approve one-year amendment to local sales-tax distribution amid objections from Commissioner Adams",305,1254000,1559000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b&start=1254&end=1559","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b/thumbnail_1254000.jpg","/articles/6565076/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-approve-one-year-amendment-to-local-sales-tax-distribution-amid-objections-from-Commissioner-Adams","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565076-d3c2b8ea55e42cde51ddc7f7306076c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1774777875&Signature=SMgAAtRUkOXWN6KIIOkdZ2RCwtDCEPHy9NbUWr4S6-9jRVXkRYLChZf-d2pg8rknqiwhtus-ClH1xECGxTaCYmwP4UtN~rSmv1xYE80SHHzMvIGLhGjxRGKQzYJYaeXATADfFGxWixJtKxUOU4klAVFDAXrxNFah3C1cH7m-HPE2rQX~SlvE0xBmOxSbtOVYT-yGCcD5PGlrdGI0fPJ80S0dTrwRFEVmNKEpWm0ArUtZfsH4lSeZX6ntWF6gRhyLTcnOCnXKR~azjwl3o9wHR228Uxi2r2Qccvg6BMgdl1ztgiU77Jv363Uc44Edr~nI3Dk~W4EXHztJ-CdeSJi0Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted 5–1 on Monday to approve a one‑year amendment to the county’s sales‑tax distribution agreement with municipalities, changing how increases and declines in sales tax are allocated for the current fiscal year.

County Attorney Rick Moorefield told the board the 2003 agreement has been amended multiple times and that the latest change would split any increase (and any decline) over the fiscal‑year‑2022 baseline so that 50% of the change goes to the county and 50% is divided among all municipalities for this fiscal year only. Moorefield said three small towns had not yet returned signed amendments but staff expected them to do so before the item is placed on a future consent agenda as the final record.

Commissioner Adams opposed the amendment. “I’m not in agreement with this,” Adams said. “This has gone on since 02/2003, has always been in the benefit of these municipalities. We stopped the multimillion dollar project over $1,800,000, and today we're gonna give away $4,000,000 makes no sense to me at all to be able to do that.”

Chairman Kirk Devier and other supporters called the change a compromise intended to provide immediate relief to smaller municipalities in the agreement’s final year. Vice Chairwoman Jones moved to approve the amendment and authorize the chairman to sign once all municipalities have finalized their signatures; Commissioner Tyson seconded the motion.

The board voted in favor (Commissioners Tyson, Jones, Chairman Devier, Commissioner Patel and Commissioner Faircloth); Commissioner Adams voted against. The motion carried and staff said the document would be placed on a consent agenda for a future meeting after the remaining signatures were received.

The county attorney said the actual dollar effects will not be known until fiscal‑year collections are finalized at year end. The amendment, as described by staff, applies only to the single fiscal year specified and will be reflected in county records once fully executed by all municipalities.","The Board voted 5–1 to amend a 2003 sales‑tax distribution agreement so that any increase (or decline) in sales tax for the fiscal year will be split 50/50 between Cumberland County and municipalities for this one year; Commissioner Adams voted against the change.",{"_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},6565081,"Cumberland County installs five stream gauges to improve flood monitoring after hurricanes",350,422000,772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b&start=422&end=772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3229323-edaa13904a109e4f48b41020e185dd9b/thumbnail_422000.jpg","/articles/6565081/Cumberland-County/North-Carolina/Cumberland-County-installs-five-stream-gauges-to-improve-flood-monitoring-after-hurricanes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565081-7363e1a632333703cda4f3dab317f644/orig.mp4?Expires=1774777875&Signature=Xuz7zk~l2xB5cnOWC-l7~Su61nMdqICrt0Ku-Qwv3c4K6ST7YBRP6HDe4Piwdi4vs-gxRDmoCvDEShQaKyx5yOyczbJl-j5z02iTFGoZEUt5KmcIR~T3yVuYMOodFAo61BW-XvhY1ZI~36eKlbfdIjzVEygUbsPfLAA58PEVyJ5ovf7Cmh8D8R7qf305qVeR-UdO1RaBK5sp82Poc7-Xovo5PMf-MYAcr-X17HNacH1LeAOjxVxKgIYybmGHt9XpuzooKi-giSnsjyCO0YzEQArXFXM4LnTk8i~6QxOAgwKBBeJGkBkj872WXV~sEIktcjG09W516jJWOuDLOSr1Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cumberland County emergency management on Monday described a new stream‑gauge network installed to expand flood monitoring after short warning times during hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

Interim Emergency Management Director Gary Crumplum told the Board of Commissioners the county received a $27,650 award from the Duke Energy Foundation’s accelerator grant program to install gauges at multiple points, and that supply‑chain cost increases during the COVID‑19 pandemic reduced the installed number from six to five. Crumplum said the gauges measure water stage and, in some cases, flow, and feed data into the publicly accessible state stream‑gage network the county uses for warnings and evacuation planning.

“Stream gauges are instruments designed to measure water stages on rivers and other tributaries here in Cumberland County,” Crumplum said. “We use these stream gauges to help predict evacuation areas in case of inland flooding during hurricanes or tornadoes.”

Crumpelum identified installed locations including Little Rockfish Creek near Spring Lake, Blacksbridge Road downstream of Lake Upchurch, Jump Around Creek in Spring Lake, Linden near the Sampson County line, and a site at the Sampson–Cumberland line. He said many county waterways begin in the northern part of the county and flow south toward New Hanover County, making upstream monitoring important for downstream communities.

Crumpelum showed photographs of the gauges and said county staff found one unit vandalized shortly before the presentation: “You can see the solar panel was removed and the wires were cut,” he said, urging residents to report vandalism to emergency management.

Crumpelum also credited the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) and the regional ARISE (Regional Innovations for Strong Economies and Environments) work that helped identify mitigation projects. Andrea Webster of NCORR was presented with a county certificate of appreciation during the meeting for the office’s support of local mitigation initiatives.

Commissioners said the gauges respond to lessons learned after Matthew and Florence, when officials said they had less than 24 hours’ notice of some evacuation needs. Commissioners asked staff to continue pursuing state and federal resources to augment mitigation work and noted the county’s ongoing focus on recovery for residents still displaced by prior storms.

The county’s stream‑gage data feed into the state network that allows users to find the nearest gauge and set alerts. Crumplum said the gauges support forecasting, warning, and planning for potential recovery efforts.","Cumberland County emergency management presented a multi-agency project to install five stream gauges, funded by a Duke Energy Foundation grant and supported by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency, to expand real-time flood monitoring and warnings in vulnerable communities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County recognizes staff certifications and proclaims May 2025 Economic Development Week

Board names members to ABC, Cape Fear Valley trustees, Civic Center Commission and other boards; several ties resolved by runoffs

Commissioners defer employee health‑center contract, ask staff to return with options May 19

Commissioners approve one-year amendment to local sales-tax distribution amid objections from Commissioner Adams

Cumberland County installs five stream gauges to improve flood monitoring after hurricanes