Dare County commissioners approve EMS station design contract, school board pay increase and routine consent items; auditors issue clean opinion

The Dare County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 approved a set of routine and capital measures, accepted an unmodified audit opinion for fiscal 2023–24 and authorized staff to pursue federal disaster assistance for storm damage.

Key votes at a glance

- EMS Station 5: The board approved a capital project ordinance and a design‑services contract for EMS Station 5 in Nags Head. The county will increase its 2025 limited obligation bonds by $987,500 to fund design; Oakley Collier was awarded a design contract for $987,500. The motion passed by voice vote; commissioners recorded the motion as unanimous.

- Board of Education stipend increase: The board approved a written request from the Dare County Board of Education to raise the annual stipend for its members. The packet requested adjustments to the sums paid to local school‑board members (requested amounts stated in the county packet). Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the measure by unanimous voice vote.

- Consent agenda and contracts: The board approved minutes (Dec. 2 and Dec. 18), a budget amendment for dredge engineering services and a 2024 stream removal contract, and confirmed several board and advisory‑board appointments.…