Pitt County adopts resolution honoring departing Commissioner Lauren White

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution on Sept. 15 honoring Commissioner Lauren White for her service from December 2019 through September 2025. The resolution, read aloud at the meeting, listed multiple accomplishments the board attributed to White’s tenure, including pandemic response support, expansion of the county animal shelter, growth of the Pitt County Farmers Market, improvements to emergency radio and paging systems, work on a fire feasibility study and strategic spending of American Rescue Plan funds. Board members and staff presented the resolution, signed by Chairman Benjie Holliman and attested by Clerk Kimberly Hines, and invited White and her family forward for photographs. White spoke briefly, thanking colleagues and staff for their support and saying she looks forward to continued public health work related to early detection screenings at higher levels of government. Why it matters: the resolution formalizes the board’s recognition of White’s service and records projects and initiatives the board associated with her tenure. The action is ceremonial but documents the board’s view of accomplishments tied to her seat. The resolution text names specific items — a completed tax reappraisal in February 2024, adoption of a balanced budget with a tax decrease, direction for ARPA spending of $35,100,000 across broadband, emergency management, community development and other categories, and the completion of capital projects such as two community gyms and a sheriff’s administration building — items the resolution attributes to the board’s collective work during White’s term. White accepted the resolution and received applause from the board and attendees.