Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pasquotank commissioners approve consent agenda, OK $787,312 broadband‑funded fire truck and utilities policy changes
Summary
The board unanimously approved an amended consent agenda that included budget amendments, revised utilities policies effective July 1, 2025, $45,000 in equipment purchases for the Board of Elections, and use of ARP broadband funds to purchase a Providence Volunteer Fire Department pumper truck for $787,312.
The Pasquotank County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an amended consent agenda on May 19 that included multiple budget amendments, utilities policy changes, and authorizing use of broadband‑allocated ARP funds to purchase a Providence Volunteer Fire Department custom pumper truck.
The Finance Committee recommended using broadband funds—part of the county’s allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP/CSLFRF)—to buy the truck. The invoice from Atlantic Coast Firetrucks for the Spartan custom pumper truck totaled $787,312 ($779,927 for the truck plus a $7,385 change order for accessories added by the Providence VFD). Staff noted the county’s prior practice is that individual departments pay for accessory overages, but recommended treating departments equitably by offering $7,385 allowances to the Newland and Nixonton volunteer fire departments if the board covers Providence’s change order. The board approved the consent agenda, which recorded the funding decision.
The consent agenda also included these items: • Approval of tax releases and refunds as recommended by the Finance Committee (several listings for Elizabeth City–Pasquotank County Airport Authority and individual refunds; transcript lists itemized amounts). • Budget amendments including $12,000 moved from contingency to Buildings & Grounds capital outlay for courthouse door security; $158,148 appropriated for a PCHS boiler project; and $50,571 added for insurance proceeds to cover panel repair at DSS/ARHS buildings. • Utilities policy changes to take effect July 1, 2025: change first and second month late payment penalty to a flat $10; increase the late fee to $50 if the second bill is not paid by the due date; cease reconnects after 5:00 p.m.; charge a $250 hookup fee for bulk water requests; and implement a $1,000 fee for hydrant tampering. • Approval to purchase $45,000 in Board of Elections capital items (forty laptops, folding machine, election signage) using unbudgeted interest earnings. • Approval of an eighth‑page Livability Magazine advertisement for $885 and receipt of twenty‑five copies of the publication. • Approval of the County Attorney contract as recommended by the Finance Committee.
The transcript shows the Finance Committee briefed the board on the ARP/CSLFRF allocation and cited 31 CFR Part 35.6(d)(1) for taking the standard allowance for revenue replacement. The county has received two tranches totaling $7,735,345 and previously allocated half of that to broadband; staff reported $62,622.58 has been expended to date and recommended reallocating broadband funds for the truck purchase to assist the FY 2025‑26 budget.
The board voted to approve the consent agenda as amended; the motion was made by Sam Davis and seconded by Charles Jordan and carried unanimously.
