[{"_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",6235172,"mediaKeyId","3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0","parentId",3406743,"title","Commissioners approve TDA agreement, roof and HVAC contracts and several budget/finance items including veterans grant amendment and audit response","audioSeconds",71,"startMs",5642000,"endMs",5713000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0&start=5642&end=5713","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0/thumbnail_5642000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6235172/Caswell-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-approve-TDA-agreement-roof-and-HVAC-contracts-and-several-budgetfinance-items-including-veterans-grant-amendment-and-audit-response","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235172-3a2b29deb041f7868626b9dfcc9a6c1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210731&Signature=IRcuin0vtMw-meVc7ffXWyR8PQzYCRuTyGgfIEemTZhj5ejWrycpkRPF5gh65Xyf14vQXzHDmr7zzOnxZ8U~~UNSMmNRmdR9G0DCCRhiX8B10wHyOfEmlrszOZapYVMTRBX0bBo6s0ejEu5j-XsF7UCrHyl1adkzfnmIW7k6Z2S-tHCSdexVJF1DdttNqYyo3wO9E9GSfDKksvd9y4kQSvQ9qV7UgFvJNHLaDoMqAusOPqDYfVgYkw245~bBX94y4fJVfgwjCCwMyPrl99jxfGdqGE1lFfpi5uMB7NHc~5h-vCOpFRE6AT-zzt2rY6oGmScruc86NKZO20xcqQ84iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caswell County, NC","date","2025-05-20T16:21:04Z","article","The Caswell County Board of Commissioners took a package of finance and procurement actions during open session.

Tourism development authority (TDA) agreement: The board approved a TDA agreement that allows the county to charge a 3% administrative fee on room-tax collections; staff estimated the fee would generate roughly $2,700 in the proposed budget. Commissioner Smith moved approval; Commissioner Ingram seconded and the motion carried.

Roof contract: The board approved a contract for a departmental roof repair. Three bids were received; Custom Coatings submitted the lowest bid and the contract amount was revised to $37,000 (the packet line showed $50,000 budgeted for the project). Commissioners noted a contractor line item for wet-insulation replacement and asked staff to confirm conditions, but approved the contract (motion by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Rose; motion passed).

HVAC repairs: The board approved HVAC replacements at two county facilities (Guilford Mills and the Agriculture Building) after staff presented three bids for each; Barber Heating and Air was the lowest bidder for both projects (about $20,659 for Guilford Mills and about $15,708 for the Ag Building). County staff said funds are available within the existing maintenance budget and that no additional budget amendment was required; the board approved the contracts (motions and seconds recorded; motions carried).

Senior services veterans grant: The board approved a budget amendment to accept a North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs award of $18,280.97 for senior services-veterans programming; the grant requires no local match and must be expended by July 31. Commissioners approved the amendment (motion by Commissioner Rose; second by Commissioner Ingram).

Financial performance indicators / audit responses: The board reviewed responses prepared by finance staff to audit findings identified in the 2023 audit and approved submission of the county’s formal responses to the Local Government Commission. Commissioners noted staffing vacancies in finance that could affect implementation of corrective actions; the board moved to approve the audit responses (motion carried).

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CCBOC May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board voted to approve a tourism development authority agreement, awarded a lowest bid for a departmental roof repair, approved HVAC replacements at two county facilities, accepted a veterans grant budget amendment and approved responses to audit findings required by the Local Government Commission.","taxTitle","Caswell County, North Carolina","taxId",52271,"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},6235176,"Caswell child fatality prevention team reports one reviewed death in 2024, says no system problems identified",82,5155000,5237000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0&start=5155&end=5237","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0/thumbnail_5155000.jpg","/articles/6235176/Caswell-County/North-Carolina/Caswell-child-fatality-prevention-team-reports-one-reviewed-death-in-2024-says-no-system-problems-identified","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235176-96043bf68f1371762b0792648a890a80/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210731&Signature=geLsK7IaTU9-KdXh8UR7VUop516LWTOddXfSh6eGWHO08nSPnohBM4hi0fV5X9t2ju9Bc9Ax0SOuPqUO1~LZs91Jlv6~0hSZGSO2PxUtyOxtNfH7UqOHrOJm2xDHZN1c0Sh3vm3PUl2cy3-OnhlXl0PLs5oOmu~so1Tir9PxtCoGWR3Tn0eB42NdZxES5bEcl53J1JHY665MMgrSEgUWHrP2XbPUr-OIWXsIf3pea~tJNwvrf9st-A1PLHo4ylukFQR58vC0-HYsHMLfEOPcQQgNlyOw5~cehUb8xD-3jMP2YJu96n7h6AZlHmWpztOYVFNJGFV4RaiCH6NGMTeE7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of Caswell County’s child fatality prevention team presented their annual report to the board and community, summarizing 2024 activity and prevention work.

Danielle Elmore, who identified herself as the child fatality review chairperson, and coordinator Emily Hodges told commissioners the North Carolina General Assembly established local child fatality teams in 1993 to review deaths of residents under age 18 and recommend prevention actions. The Caswell team reviewed one child death in 2024 and concluded the death could not have been prevented by system changes; no system problems or recommendations for system change were identified.

The presenters reviewed local prevention activities supported by team funds: distribution of 24 smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors, two pack-and-plays, five convertible car seats, helmets and protective gear for bicycle safety, and gun locks available at the health department. The team meets quarterly and submits individual case reports and an annual report to the state.

Commissioners received the report and asked no formal questions; no board action beyond receipt was taken.

","Local child fatality prevention team leaders told the board the team reviewed one child death in 2024, found no system failures or preventable factors, and reported program activities including distribution of smoke alarms, car seats and safety equipment.",{"_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},6235180,"Commissioners delay vote on Co Square event policy after staff flags prohibition on political rallies for legal review",156,5421000,5577000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0&start=5421&end=5577","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0/thumbnail_5421000.jpg","/articles/6235180/Caswell-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-delay-vote-on-Co-Square-event-policy-after-staff-flags-prohibition-on-political-rallies-for-legal-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235180-e1b027908c242f1e4b6c123d50b3579e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210731&Signature=I87VKwhDi-eXFzezdBdKQQYz-QpP8pcgdNYwhindoNNYTZyUH2g2LCbhIDgSwv8HoEI4gVtJ26hZSrc56otC3dSVdeaPczTlyuf8zmNnJ9~kPUnGw-qcPSpfkO4pBGHpS0jGzC25-bkcBT6Hlt0l5cotzpyieSWiM-w7oD6E1RoTMLbVqaGm2y8mAD7WyclF3F8RCNpOJW8o-fL4qMcrnNW~1sU72uDIrvHIbQfaJel7y51PWXJmfPFWAbtyrsDEy48C~~ihMv1A3Of~eIkgF9FX6XeJfTGveKnrbl6XrmvLZwBEC--sdcK9GS6wWfj0W4N~CCyddoyLgPrkWZZMug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff presented a proposed Co Square event policy and associated fee schedule intended to expand after-hours uses and generate revenue. The packet includes permitted uses, a pricing schedule and a recommended security-camera installation before full rollout.

One provision in the draft policy prohibits “political rallies or events endorsing specific candidates or parties.” A staff member (identified in the meeting transcript as Russell) told the board he would like to research the constitutional implications of that prohibition and fine-tune the provision before the board took final action. County Manager Tony Whitaker said funds are available in the current budget to pay for security cameras but recommended installing them before full implementation.

The board agreed to delay final approval and to revisit the policy at a June meeting to allow staff and the county attorney to review the political-rally language.

","A proposed policy and fee schedule for the county’s Co Square space was presented; it would allow revenue-generating uses after hours but contained a prohibition on political rallies endorsing specific candidates or parties. A staff member asked for legal review and the board held final approval until a June meeting.",{"_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},6235185,"State broadband official tells Caswell commissioners federal and state programs aim to close coverage gaps; construction costs, timelines vary",644,3847000,4491000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0&start=3847&end=4491","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0/thumbnail_3847000.jpg","/articles/6235185/Caswell-County/North-Carolina/State-broadband-official-tells-Caswell-commissioners-federal-and-state-programs-aim-to-close-coverage-gaps-construction-costs-timelines-vary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235185-26bf23f8b982df0e290b667be0e0322c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210731&Signature=EvB8bNeaZt8nBC7BM3W6qCYlqla2ghLBuodOfbLShIVkKzVb6wkn9rp8NhdVod1y0zsllZKzq6vLGEwGCCSzTWpeeCVObwNRc4eAZ-8sO~EKVOjNInbqFijeEXYk9xidant~ucliVmpwW0KzSOPPs6fQtFc6LCIQYjVjXMVUKRboXkegLjsK~H5DXFnwqjULyVqbx-Uf044CSTMbtCDCA3x22-KDludEBI7MmjBCNjnJsoDvYDxJt7OZQGM36gmBimRUN7imDUmek4f~hKGNm9RXy2htp7TkLMrAgUIm4LLc0ltdG0wXFGinK-oSSy2DXOcnr1KyM7d4EpMeI09eag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jeff Brooks of the North Carolina Department of Information Technology briefed the Caswell County Board of Commissioners on broadband availability, mapping and funding options, describing both state and federal programs that subsidize construction and explaining how coverage maps differ by technology.

Brooks said the state and federal approach has moved from census-block reporting to address-based mapping, which better identifies unserved locations. He estimated Caswell County construction costs of roughly $40,000–$80,000 per mile and said typical subsidies cover about 70–75% of build costs for eligible locations; providers cover the remainder. Brooks cautioned that the state does not subsidize ongoing maintenance and that federally funded projects may take longer to complete (he referenced the RDOF program’s multi-year timeline, with some projects completing in 2027).

The presentation also contrasted FCC coverage maps (which count many technologies) with the state’s more granular maps that separate cable/fiber from fixed wireless and satellite. Brooks said the state dashboard lists active projects and eligibility; he encouraged residents who believe they lack service to contact the NCDIT team so staff can verify coverage and include eligible locations in projects.

Commissioners thanked Brooks for the update; Commissioner Rose asked for an estimate of how many of the county’s roughly 8,500 housing units are covered under current contracts and whether additional county funding would be needed for specific state programs (STOP GAP/B programs). Brooks said program rules vary and that county participation and local leadership help identify priority locations.

No formal vote followed the presentation.

","Jeff Brooks of the North Carolina Department of Information Technology gave a county update on broadband mapping, subsidy rules and project timelines; he said construction costs in Caswell County range roughly $40,000–$80,000 per mile and that federal programs can take multiple years to complete.",{"_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},6235190,"Caswell commissioners set public hearing on FY2025–26 budget, propose 3¢ property tax increase as residents press for more school funding",3196,570000,3766000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0&start=570&end=3766","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406743-d09a3108b52660448ae4d64a11a990a0/thumbnail_570000.jpg","/articles/6235190/Caswell-County/North-Carolina/Caswell-commissioners-set-public-hearing-on-FY202526-budget-propose-3-property-tax-increase-as-residents-press-for-more-school-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235190-083e9c025022355f4d3a69b743755bd5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771210731&Signature=cJHSRHrXAu7RQgodFOqCKa7CHzbv0VJkTlZU349vT3MUO1B2GqsuHe15VdlMMj8Z~CverezQz~dVnTcTe6a5A5LdVstEAGOf32rDxnRWr8RoP2echxbs-vthri3tFQICQDmHrvCCO3tMMP~n2Xo~94ojNVp2hkwyeFHVrOOtXZ-JMk6OE5E7hrZM4EIiQ779eWM8dEhRKRRGqeuGR8hYypG~OzSgw2HgpTakZMgkkUPB13vP1vKx-W5ZOFGPJQeKS79MsxIO44baDHd8rHWKaJCP43H5giv93PCqxtMGXIO55wTZ6Vg15NniM8lJSH~lXTDbJ6Z5jEk3WO-NcBVVrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Caswell County commissioners opened a public hearing on the proposed FY2025–26 budget and a proposed 3¢ property tax increase after county staff said a projected $643,000 revenue shortfall must be covered by cuts or new revenue.

Budget presenter Renee Paschal, joined by County Manager Tony Whitaker, told the board the county faces lower revenues — including a $300,000 reduction in inmate housing revenue and a roughly $724,000 reduction in health-department fund balance — while expenses rose modestly overall. Paschal said the 3¢ property tax increase would generate about $640,000 and that projected higher sales tax receipts could add roughly $300,000; even with the increase, she said Caswell’s tax rate would remain below comparable counties.

The hearing drew more than a dozen residents and current school employees who urged the commissioners to increase funding for Caswell County Schools. Teachers, school nurses, principals and parents described chronic facility problems, staffing shortages and low pay that they said drive staff to nearby districts.

“Most of the new talent that comes uses our system as a stepping stone for experience, then moves on to better paying districts,” school nurse Amy Carter said, adding that staff can face large pay reductions compared with nearby systems. Several speakers asked the board to fund a local salary supplement to help retain and attract educators and to address capital needs such as gymnasiums, HVAC and roofing repairs. Lance Stokes, speaking for the schools, called for reconsideration of a $1.1 million capital request and a local supplement for staff.

Paschal gave line-item context: salary costs rose by about $788,000 in the draft, with roughly $406,000 attributable to eliminating a vacancy allowance; benefits rose about $264,000 (including a health-insurance increase); and debt service rose by about $331,000 for ambulance remounts, a paging-system upgrade and vehicle leases. She said the budget includes a 1.5% cost-of-living increase and funding for a pay and classification study.

Commissioners and staff noted the schools’ formal budget arrived after the county’s initial deadline (Paschal said the schools’ submission arrived May 9, after the county’s May 5 target), and the recommended county budget currently recommends the same funding as FY2024–25; Paschal said the school board requested a roughly $2.2 million increase in county appropriation against a roughly $36 million general-fund budget. County staff said they will honor a transfer to the school capital reserve even though it was not included in the earlier budget.

The board set a budget work session for next Wednesday to review details and scheduled additional sessions; no final adoption occurred at the meeting. Commissioner Rose moved to convene the public hearing (seconded by Commissioner Totten); the motion passed and the hearing was opened for public comment.

Why it matters: the draft budget ties decisions on employee pay, public safety staffing and school facilities to a small property-tax increase and to one-time and recurring revenue changes. Staff and public testimony highlighted immediate health and safety concerns in school buildings and the risk of losing teachers to neighboring districts.

The board will continue budget deliberations at an upcoming work session before any adoption vote.

","At a May public hearing, county staff outlined a FY2025–26 draft budget that would raise property taxes 3¢ to cover a revenue shortfall; dozens of residents and school staff urged the board to increase school funding and local teacher supplements and described urgent facility and staffing needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners approve TDA agreement, roof and HVAC contracts and several budget/finance items including veterans grant amendment and audit response

Caswell child fatality prevention team reports one reviewed death in 2024, says no system problems identified

Commissioners delay vote on Co Square event policy after staff flags prohibition on political rallies for legal review

State broadband official tells Caswell commissioners federal and state programs aim to close coverage gaps; construction costs, timelines vary

Caswell commissioners set public hearing on FY2025–26 budget, propose 3¢ property tax increase as residents press for more school funding