Craven County commissioners approve $3.6M meter change-out, multiple budget rollovers, contract awards and appointments

Craven County commissioners on Aug. 18 approved a series of budget amendments, a contract award and appointments during their regular session, including a $3.6 million appropriation for the county’s automated meter-installation program.

The board approved a budget amendment of $3,600,000 to buy remaining meters and fund the initial installations for the next phase of the countywide AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) meter-change-out project. County staff said the next phase will install slightly more than 3,500 meters in the Havelock/Township 6 area and that the purchase will leave installation and some antenna/collector costs to be contracted in stages next year. Vice Chairman Jones recused himself from discussion and left the room for the meter item; the recorded roll call on the meter funding showed four commissioners voting yes and one recusal.

The board also approved two items from the Soil and Water Department: a rollover budget amendment of $140,755 for the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (STRAP Round 2) and an associated contract award. After a request-for-proposals process, the county awarded the debris-removal contract to J and J…