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Departments seek reclasses, scanning contracts and vehicle replacements in Pender County budget workshop
Summary
Health, social services, elections, IT, library, veterans and extension staff presented budget requests including staff reclassifications, contract scanning, cybersecurity enhancements and vehicle replacements; several vehicle and equipment requests were deferred or cut.
Multiple department heads reviewed their FY26 requests during the workshop, highlighting reclassifications, contracted services, equipment and program shifts.
DSS and human services: Amy, identified as the DSS director, explained their packet and that one of their larger contracted services is a multi‑phase scanning contract with Scan America tied to the department’s move to a paperless case-management system. "We're also required to have two different portals to store information," Amy said, describing a migration to NC Path and use of LaserFISH. She noted the state reimburses portions of program costs and invoices are coded to programs for reimbursement.
DSS showed two vehicle replacements that meet county policy; staff said one vehicle is totaled and the other qualifies for up to 50% state reimbursement after state approval of mileage/condition. Reclasses for IMC caseworkers (IMC2→grade 6 and IMC3→grade 7) were included.
Health department: Donna Ramos, the department financial lead, summarized relcass requests for public-health nurse positions (nurse II→III) and a mosquito-control technician moving from part‑time to full‑time. Two mosquito vehicles that had been requested were cut from this budget level; health staff noted vehicle prices and supply constraints and said the general‑fund contribution to health increased by about $480,000 year over year—mostly for salary adjustments and step/COLA increases.
Elections: Election staff requested reclassifications for three positions, asked to preserve an administrative-assistant slot with a future reclassification to an elections coordinator, and pressed for improved building security and equipment storage. Staff cited extreme election‑season workloads and said the registrar’s office handled about 75.86% turnout in the prior election cycle and processed thousands of early ballots.
IT and cybersecurity: IT Director Marcel requested two cybersecurity enhancements (one about $70,000) and reclasses for two staff (technical-support specialist 2 → 3; GIS analyst → senior GIS). Marcel said some network hardware is approaching end-of-life and asked for replacements to maintain 24/7 support at critical facilities (libraries, sheriff’s office, health department, county buildings).
Library and archives: Library director Alan summarized a relatively steady budget; a requested youth-services position for the Hampstead branch did not make it to this budget level. Staff noted that archival research traffic is low in daily foot traffic, though users that visit often spend extended time on-site.
Veterans, extension and other small departments: Veterans director Michelle Leach asked for continued outreach resources and said the office will add a third position mid‑May; Extension staff requested keeping a part‑time program assistant but said they may need a full‑time role in the future as 4‑H and Master Gardener activity grows.
Why it matters: departmental staffing, contracted services and capital‑replacement decisions determine service levels and operating costs; several large items were deferred to lower budget levels or removed for further consideration.
What's next: staff will return with any revised cost numbers and additional supporting material where requested (comparative salary data, detailed contracts, vehicle replacement justifications).
