Commissioners add routine contracts, grants and policy updates to consent agenda; 5311 transportation and jail navigator funding advanced for public process

At the Harnett County Board of Commissioners meeting, multiple routine items were placed on the consent agenda for approval or for public hearing, including administrative, procurement and grant items.

Items added to the consent agenda included a request from Flat Branch Fire Department to change the Fire Department Relief Fund board chair to John Taylor following the death of Holt Feldman; a fireworks application from Pyro East Coast for Campbell University’s Sept. 20 display (staff said the applicant met fire‑code and safety requirements); a contract request to enter an agreement with Cornerstone Detention Products to replace a failed server used for video surveillance in the sheriff’s detention center (funds available in current budget); and a request to approve a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) agreement between Harnett County and the Mid‑Carolina Regional Council to provide employment and training services.

Library staff presented updates to the Harnett County Public Library service policy to align with the county’s 2024–27 strategic plan, add the newly opened Ben Haven branch to hours of operation and board representation, and clarify circulation ID rules (Harnett library card, any NC Cardinal affiliated library card or valid photo ID). Staff said the changes were intended to ensure consistent services across branches.

Economic development staff requested authority to negotiate and execute a contract to identify and design a new road connection from NC 87 to a county parcel adjacent to Lexington Plantation that was donated to the county. Personnel office staff presented amendments to the county’s personnel ordinance related to the Memorandum of Understanding with the Board of Elections; the changes clarify that Board of Elections employees are employees of Harnett County and adjust which ordinance articles apply to them.

The board also agreed to allow a public hearing on the NCDOT 5311 combined administration grant (community transportation). Transportation staff said the total grant budget is $754,946 with a required accounting match of $96,713 and asked the board to approve the public hearing requirement and the application/insurance agreement with NCDOT; the board consented to hold the hearing.

Separately, commissioners discussed funding to reauthorize a “jail navigator” position (a clinical social worker who runs the jail’s medication‑assisted treatment program). The county had previously set aside $215,000 for the position; staff said the opioid task force’s executive committee voted to approve funding of $250,000 to allow for cost‑of‑living adjustments and case‑management software. Staff said prior federal funding that had offset some costs was cut off, and the proposed allocation would fund the position for just over two years, expiring Dec. 31, 2027; the item was placed on the consent agenda for approval.

Ending: The board placed the listed items on the consent agenda for formal approval at the consent vote; staff will bring scheduled items (public hearings and contracts) forward in subsequent sessions as required by statute and county procedure.