Carteret County manager highlights company relocation, AAA bond rating and extension award

Carteret County's county manager reported several positive economic developments during the Dec. 2 board meeting, including a corporate relocation, a bond-rating upgrade and recognition for the county's Cooperative Extension.

The manager said 21st Century Software Technologies has relocated its headquarters to Morehead City and "will create 25 new jobs in the county with an average starting salary of almost $88,000 a year," and that the estimated annual payroll impact to the county is about $2,200,000. The manager credited Economic Development Director Rod Kirk and local partners for helping secure the move.

The manager also told commissioners that Fitch notified the county it would raise the county's bond rating, which the manager said places Carteret among a small group of counties in the state with top ratings. He credited the deputy county manager and county finance staff for the result and said the upgrade should help with future debt issuance for large capital projects.

County staff reported that Carteret County's Cooperative Extension received the NC State County Government Partnership Award, given each year to one county that demonstrates strong county support and partnership with extension programs.

The manager closed by noting a scheduling change: the board's January meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2025, instead of the third Monday because of a federal holiday.

Tommy, the county manager, delivered the report and attributed work on the corporate relocation to local staff and town and state partners. Rod Kirk, identified as the county's economic development director, was mentioned by name as instrumental in the effort.