[{"_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",6524438,"mediaKeyId","3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c","parentId",3845711,"title","Votes at a glance: Onslow County Board of Commissioners, June 16, 2025","audioSeconds",1533,"startMs",4423000,"endMs",5956000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c&start=4423&end=5956","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c/thumbnail_4423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6524438/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Onslow-County-Board-of-Commissioners-June-16-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524438-53a01505d07025ef206f25437ca36c01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154092&Signature=ao4zyt-AhMalR4sUVDdq~Z7rWwYR5eboyO5EyPiq-qjfxDsV2QG0NXteGoJiAE1vNbn~R1IWzDiZd-Su5aKkrpg40b01KvXXphbPHr0mp0Jan9Ud2qKsdGDKk2mRjGHYBd7XvSdcVGwnlMTrkvw~RwtfCeEfo5YdzSPR8fTnGUCaXSZ83oa5X2~b~fY8uFiXHFEk7MHAvslz4jWVRIcbSrPqpbvT2eU0QxkNRbBaw6-Fq1Q-Kv0G0c3D6018jabNBQtYYfs6HBsyCZRXRIYOhwYjQfj2BjcLzX2mJSHvka2Rrc-uHAdeoetYGMtMSJvpylVbf0ECTAe4RQdrMwBUzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Onslow County","date","2025-06-17T00:52:34Z","article","The Onslow County Board of Commissioners took the following formal actions on June 16, 2025. Where voice votes were used, the meeting recorded the motion and approval but did not provide a roll‑call tally; items passed by voice vote are reported as approved with tallies not specified.

1) Adopt FY2025–26 budget — Outcome: approved
Motion: Move to adopt the FY2025–26 budget as presented. (Motion seconded; public hearing closed prior to vote.)
Notes: Budget totals roughly $390 million, no tax-rate increase; includes a $2,000,000 orphan‑roads loan fund; motion carried by voice vote. (See staff presentation and public hearing.)
Provenance: topicintro block at 2084.68; topfinish block at 3927.43.

2) Resolution authorizing installment financing (debt not to exceed $74,000,000) — Outcome: approved
Motion: Motion to approve the resolution authorizing the installment financing agreement for project financing and refinancing (multipurpose facility, Bear Creek Fire Station, Morton Building; refinancing 2015 LOBS/reissuance). (Motion seconded.)
Notes: Staff said Schedule A to be finalized; ratings publications pending; public hearing closed with no speakers; motion carried by voice vote.
Provenance: topicintro block at 4423.635; topfinish block at 4570.6953.

3) Duke Energy Progress conditional rezoning (CREZ 2025-1, 14.19 acres to conditional Highway Business) — Outcome: approved
Motion: Approve conditional rezoning and associated condition resolution; adopt statement of consistency and authorize chairman to sign. (Motion seconded.)
Notes: Planning Board recommended unanimous approval; wetlands delineated and avoided; no military impacts reported; motion carried by voice vote.
Provenance: topicintro block at 4583.75; topfinish block at 5896.4697.

4) Evans rezoning (PREZ 2025-6, Rural Agriculture to Community Business for 3 acres at 2194 Burgaw Highway) — Outcome: approved
Motion: Approve rezoning map amendment, adopt statement of consistency and authorize chairman to sign. (Motion seconded.)
Notes: Planning Board recommended approval; public comment in favor; motion carried by voice vote.
Provenance: topicintro block at 5911.04; topfinish block at 6309.75.

5) Onslow County opioid resolution for FY26 (allocation of opioid settlement funds) — Outcome: approved
Motion: Approve Onslow County opioid resolution identifying evidence‑based strategies for opioid settlement funds and authorize chairman to sign. (Motion seconded.)
Notes: FY26 appropriation of $850,000 from opioid settlement funds for recovery-support strategies and programs; motion carried by voice vote.
Provenance: topicintro block at 6424.16; topfinish block at 6611.395.

6) Home and Community Care Block Grant contract (area agency on aging Eastern Carolina Council) — Outcome: approved
Motion: Approve contract and authorize chairman to sign. (Motion seconded.)
Notes: Grant amount $740,336 with local match of $82,259; motion carried by voice vote.
Provenance: topicintro block at 6346.4004; topfinish block at 6424.16.

7) Onslow County Hospital Authority appointments (seats 3, 4, 8, 9) — Outcome: appointments made
Motion: Ballot/appointment process; candidates appointed to seats per Hospital Authority recommendation and board ballots.
Notes: Appointed Jeffrey T. Clark (seat 3), Charles A. Gibbs (seat 4), Pamela T. Morton (seat 8), and John Davis (seat 9); incumbents Royce Bennett and Carol Johnson did not seek reappointment.
Provenance: topicintro block at 6635.28; topfinish block at 6998.0254.

8) Consent agenda amendments and routine consent items — Outcomes: amended/approved as recorded
Motion: Remove item 2c (Bear Creek Fire Station award to Waters Contracting Company) from the consent agenda and approve the remainder as amended. (Motion seconded.)
Notes: Item 2c removed for further research; rest of consent agenda approved by voice votes.
Provenance: topicintro block at 113.275; topfinish block at 187.91.

For all items: motions were made and seconded as recorded in the meeting; most votes were by voice with “aye” recorded and no roll-call tallies published in the meeting transcript. If a formal tally or individual roll-call is required it is not specified in the transcript and therefore listed as not specified below.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Onslow County Board of Commissioners' Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions taken at the June 16 Onslow County Board of Commissioners meeting, including adoption of the FY2026 budget, approval of financing and rezoning items, opioid spending resolution, grant contract and hospital authority appointments.","taxTitle","Onslow County, North Carolina","taxId",4261,"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},6524443,"Commissioners approve Duke Energy conditional rezoning for Jacksonville operations center",1325,4583000,5908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c&start=4583&end=5908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c/thumbnail_4583000.jpg","/articles/6524443/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-approve-Duke-Energy-conditional-rezoning-for-Jacksonville-operations-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524443-4a3d07c670344a53ec37875e984807b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154092&Signature=Tgd6JaQd-APXWRB1By0dSuIMtZDU0aHNxdWiytUwfa7B5BTTAzD-vzR34t0tm1KSOmbyhNHAkBZznKT9NVbYpWnyjUrq8PDDM1-ErI6K4QY81~wGnSMWHlITT-xUGCuMwysUF7QDCFsszv-AYxdnqRGMJOhX5b4625hRjU5a~OqpO1Nurfy3z5Jp8mB8DVhb6a~~TvuU~Fd9yAbkzPMQJoXoyWs-izcyi3ZjZjeMIkKh-u58RwrxtLzbgeMcI-ma2NpjC4kB4tyglQt9VYQuKkapfNxGGwDMfpEvWnkmRQl-lfMNAxcVFWDd7fdkynzxFwtWhxtYiiemT8rn7mCOvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On June 16 the Onslow County Board of Commissioners approved a conditional rezoning to allow a Duke Energy Progress operations center and lay‑down yard on a 14.19‑acre portion of a larger parcel on Richlands Highway.

Planning staff presented the request as a conditional Highway Business district (HBCZ) with 16 conditions addressing site layout, stormwater, landscaping and procedural requirements. Planner Carter Metcalf told the board the site is forested, contains regulated wetlands at the rear that the applicant avoided, and is at the edge of a New River Air Station flight-path overlay; planning‑staff liaisons said there was no military impact.

Amy Kraut, an attorney for Duke Energy, said the center would be a regional hub for maintenance crews and materials — an office/warehouse component at the road frontage with a lay‑down yard toward the rear that would store poles, trucks and non‑energized materials. “This is an ideal location for the operation center,” Kraut said, and noted the site has water and sewer capacity at Richlands Highway and that the applicant conducted neighborhood meetings with no opposition reported.

Engineer David Bergmark described the layout and said wetlands had been delineated and placed outside the proposed lay‑down area; the site plan includes two drives to improve vehicle circulation and buffers along the frontage. Jeremy Thigpen, representing Duke, said the facility would improve the company’s ability to stage crews and materials during storms.

The county planning board previously recommended unanimous approval; no citizens spoke against the request during the planning-board hearing or at the county meeting. Commissioners approved the conditional rezoning by voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Approved conditions require the developer to secure site‑specific permits (driveway, stormwater, erosion control) and to meet the county’s landscape and lighting standards; minor amendments to the plan may be approved administratively by the planning director.

Staff asked the board to adopt a statement of consistency and authorized the chairman to sign the necessary documents.","The Onslow County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a conditional rezoning for a 14.19‑acre Duke Energy operations center and lay‑down yard on Richlands Highway; planning staff said wetlands were avoided and no military impacts were identified.",{"_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},6524448,"Residents press county on orphan roads; board includes $2 million loan fund in FY26 budget",2129,531000,2660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c&start=531&end=2660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c/thumbnail_531000.jpg","/articles/6524448/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Residents-press-county-on-orphan-roads-board-includes-2-million-loan-fund-in-FY26-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524448-09ebf2296c659f2febcea6160f094af6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154092&Signature=QCvFLWAfVaxNiTYm-YqQtIXIoK82FxAGFAnFUtupBWwwTjWLJQIEuaP15qEQw~b8OyfBw6tXzBsIYW63GPhblLaGRxTkIZxRrw0l-1tLjs1biCWN7Z1q7gb31Zsrm0B18eU3Bj0r9WAgBqPY8Jyi5kAu9UTn94Q0Qs2Q8celbTSYn57sgZvZbphzO0S0CMlbyDLPT~-hoznls-QmmX8YHTty9vb4g88vI82N38EpXjJOyqrUXXfLFhz1D2ivyzlcupljfVZQ1FeBS6TpXTCAEB3JK5eVheEacP9cmFNufsewQwXArebWJYf9WxQcMkoqYTI91eEbC5IadChR9~BT5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents from multiple Onslow County neighborhoods pressed commissioners on June 16 to address private “orphan” roads, urging the county to use local and state funding to repair roads developers left unfinished.

Mark Kemp said he represents a subdivision of about 100 homes where residents have long borne road maintenance burdens and said they had petitioned the county in 2018 and received 75% homeowner support for improvements. “We would constantly get told that we have a problem that can't be resolved or fixed by the county,” Kemp said in public comment, asking commissioners to support budget line items that would help these communities.

Tim Bogie (Bogey) detailed state-level legislative activity he said affects orphan-road funding, naming bills he described as House Bill 159 (formerly HB733), HB927, and Senate bills he said were focused on other counties; he argued Onslow should also pursue comparable appropriations. David Williams, who said he has worked on orphan roads for more than 30 years, urged the county to explore grant, sales-tax and other mechanisms and suggested the county could use special sales-tax proceeds with voter approval.

The county's FY26 budget — adopted the same night — includes a $2 million orphan-roads loan fund to provide upfront capital for neighborhoods to bring roads to state standards required for NCDOT acceptance. County Manager David Smitherman explained the fund is intended as a loan program that will be administered through the budget process; commissioners described the $2 million as a start and said state funding will also be needed.

Speakers also raised concerns about realtors and deed language in some sales, arguing buyers sometimes do not get clear notice about private-road responsibilities. Tim Bogie said he filed a complaint with the North Carolina Real Estate Association about listings that he said failed to disclose maintenance agreements; county officials noted that standard closing disclosures often identify whether a road is state-maintained.

No immediate ordinance or program changes were adopted during the meeting; the board approved the budget that creates the loan fund and commissioners asked staff to continue pursuing state-level support and to determine administrative details for the fund.

The public comments and the budget vote together put orphan roads on the board’s near-term agenda with implementation work expected from staff.","Several residents urged action on private 'orphan' roads left by developers; speakers cited pending state grants and uneven disclosures by realtors. The board's FY26 budget includes a $2 million fund to loan to neighborhoods for bringing roads to state standards.",{"_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},6524453,"Families, county officials press Onslow County over 3‑hour delay in removing deceased after workplace death",4166,234000,4400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c&start=234&end=4400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c/thumbnail_234000.jpg","/articles/6524453/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Families-county-officials-press-Onslow-County-over-3hour-delay-in-removing-deceased-after-workplace-death","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524453-702f0def80d93e14b8d96eec2c897cae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154093&Signature=PRGcmEcNzMuNrS~3Ew4h~rqzjgpHHPCQ2D41E2XdpXAjtmmnPFSKA~vmYbKJHItZs4NOJNB95Wv4DbuHzuo8BS5uIDOjg3EEeO6OeZO2Mq5SKQCJprbrhzasmZ7u3hmEp9x~G9Gt4JGw7DFilsfsx2nyXqDyqYqBJWOWNjFBmTyhwJHDrf-U82~uj-C3QCx9IxbcfBp-YjjkZxvtjt-8lF5bR6-zUZjORGLB1Tcz4SynggEtNpwDG-SHrh0JxU744AqI-YauxFd5iQ8ovKhpU~z7lfpgmLV~mbSu3LVPowpRArX90u5wCKzi5M-00PkyrW5PDSEkF6wx2BLp4Lhk3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple family members and community representatives told the Onslow County Board of Commissioners on June 16 that a contracted transport delay left a deceased man lying in a parking lot for about three hours after he died at work.

Dennis Arnie, who identified himself as the deceased man's brother, said his brother collapsed while at work at Modern Exterminating and an autopsy was ordered. “We waited there for over 3 hours for someone to come pick up his body while it laid there in a parking lot in the sun,” Arnie said during public comments. He questioned why the county’s contracted transport came from Rocky Mount and whether local firms could handle the calls sooner.

Julie Sewell, speaking later, said the transport that eventually arrived allowed family members a short prayer and left 30 minutes after arrival; she described the prior wait as “unacceptable” and urged the board to examine the breakdown. “This delay wasn't just a logistical failure. It was a disservice to Danny, to his family, and to his coworkers who stood by during this long and painful time,” Sewell said.

County staff told the board in later comments that the county had solicited proposals for transport services and received no bids from local funeral homes; one bidder that did offer the service was located in Duplin County and has been used under the county's contract. At the meeting County Manager David Smitherman said staff is aware of the concern and “we are still looking at it.” Commissioner Buchanan and others called the situation “unsatisfactory” and urged staff to develop alternative approaches, including possible local subsidies or other remedies if market response remains limited.

Speakers linked the waits to three related issues: (1) local funeral homes and EMS no longer transporting bodies under the county contract, (2) the county's current vendor being based outside Onslow County, and (3) the operational exposure created when crews remain on scene rather than available for other emergency calls. Arnie and Sewell asked the board to ensure families are treated with dignity and to reduce emotional and safety risks for responders left on-scene during long waits.

No formal board action was taken during the meeting; commissioners directed staff to continue researching the procurement history and options. County staff told the board the previous two request-for-proposal cycles produced no local respondents and that the current contractor operates from Duplin County.","Multiple speakers during public comment described a three‑hour wait for contracted transport after a Jacksonville man died at work; speakers and commissioners urged county staff to review the contract and options so families do not face lengthy waits in future incidents.",{"_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},6524458,"Onslow County adopts $~390 million FY2026 budget with $2 million orphan-roads loan fund, no tax increase",1869,2084000,3953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c&start=2084&end=3953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3845711-51b4e1394b0ca7223b7a21fbcaff888c/thumbnail_2084000.jpg","/articles/6524458/Onslow-County/North-Carolina/Onslow-County-adopts-390-million-FY2026-budget-with-2-million-orphan-roads-loan-fund-no-tax-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524458-ee5ca46120abe537755e8788ccc84280/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154093&Signature=ZvOLoxA6OkbSpBy3XfixLYiAIN3w5c6uHewg9pxyStEeAvaweAjPRpa~fg1crNNX~Wo~g5EkFftjUMY7QqgmEVHEZ7aLVn4RSM63chUVKeiF81cBsLYvUpJcD4881Z3r3u4lZJfYDb2kQkEPk6FagDJmZBjZcCv2ns3tYxoT32TI-F4JpQzHUZKuhGe3sFO72dRjW4du76bDaIRA~NhT4wLbKRwHM7yaRdmgpn-RbcEbdLJy68q6gdgJBEyK0GfTmt1aMoppjmb75GLI5rTndC3WfTtF7gGVkTeP4LfsqoAFpGexey8UXgz29Hq1f~5xF1CCSv-zGR-MocS8-6efeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On June 16 the Onslow County Board of Commissioners approved the county's fiscal year 2025–26 budget, a roughly $390 million spending plan that carries no tax-rate increase and adds new staffing and capital investments.

County Manager David Smitherman opened a public hearing and summarized the plan as a $390 million budget with about $322 million for general government operations and nearly $8 million in revenue growth. He told the board the budget aligns with a strategic plan adopted in February and contains four board priorities: a community resource hub, an indoor recreation facility, expanded communications and engagement, and a 10‑year parks improvement schedule. “There are no new taxes proposed in this budget,” Smitherman said during the hearing.

The budget includes a package of public-safety, infrastructure and quality-of-life investments that commissioners highlighted in remarks after the hearing: a new community paramedicine program to reduce nonessential ambulance transports; 24/7 staffing for the Bear Creek Fire Station; funding to begin a comprehensive fire-service strategic plan; facility and staffing investments for EMS; and $1.5 million for North Topsail Beach access improvements.

A key element that drew public comment and speakers from the audience is a $2 million orphan-roads loan fund, included in the FY26 plan to help neighborhoods bring private roads up to state standards so they can be accepted by NCDOT. Smitherman said the board is funding that program in FY26 and the budget “reserves funds pending the outcome of the strategic planning process” for economic development implementation.

Commissioners praised the budget in turn. Commissioner Knapp called it “the best budget we've had since I've been here,” citing pay adjustments and support for volunteer fire departments. Vice Chair Bennett described the process as “systematic” and conservative, and Commissioner Buchanan and others emphasized that much of county spending is driven by mandated services such as public safety, education and health. Several commissioners noted concerns about long-term debt and future reassessment effects but voted in favor.

The board approved the plan by voice vote after a public hearing produced no speakers on the proposed budget. The budget also adopts a debt-management plan and directs staff to produce a four-year financing plan aimed at offering greater long-term tax-rate predictability.

Implementation details: the budget adds roughly 52 positions across county services, provides initial set-asides for a new Onslow Innovation Lab to drive process improvements, and continues flat funding for JoEd (Onslow County Economic Development) with reserved funds for later implementation of that office's strategic plan. The county will also begin advertising for a fire-service strategic-plan consultant.

County staff said FY26 is a reassessment year and that property values are expected to rise across the county; commissioners cautioned that future assessments could pressure revenues and spending decisions in subsequent years.

The adoption completes the formal budget process for FY2025–26; the budget takes effect July 1.","The Onslow County Board of Commissioners on June 16 adopted a roughly $390 million budget for fiscal 2025–26 that maintains the current tax rate, adds 52 positions, funds community paramedicine and Bear Creek 24/7 staffing, and creates a $2 million loan fund for orphan roads.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Onslow County Board of Commissioners, June 16, 2025

Commissioners approve Duke Energy conditional rezoning for Jacksonville operations center

Residents press county on orphan roads; board includes $2 million loan fund in FY26 budget

Families, county officials press Onslow County over 3‑hour delay in removing deceased after workplace death

Onslow County adopts $~390 million FY2026 budget with $2 million orphan-roads loan fund, no tax increase