The Columbus County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of financial and grant-related actions that county staff said are necessary to maintain operations and advance capital and recovery projects.

Finance director Heather Woody presented fidelity bonds for several county officials and employees, including a $1,000,000 bond for the finance director and smaller bonds for deputy officials and department heads; the board approved all bonds in one motion. The board also approved a signatory resolution giving the chairman and vice chairman authority to sign designated documents on behalf of the board.

Deputy county manager Gail Edwards requested approval of a 2027 essential single-family rehabilitation loan pool and associated grant project ordinance; the board approved a total allocation of $182,000 for that program. Planning director Kelsey Hammonds presented a low bid of $12,469 from Barfield Backhoe for a FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance project to clear damaged residential structures on Moss Road; the board approved the low bid and moved to issue a notice to proceed.

Economic development director Dylan Bowen requested a resolution of support and application to the North Carolina Industrial Development Fund (IDF) for infrastructure at the Southeast Regional Park; the total grant amount cited in the request was $614,000 and the board approved the resolution.

The board also approved an amended physical-year 2026 opioid settlement resolution and accepted a motion to extend the county’s audit contract period with Malden and Jenkins for the FY24–25 audit timeline after LGC extended its deadline to Feb. 16 because of federal delays in certifications.

Commissioners approved a series of budget amendments, including a $7,327 insurance allocation for parks repairs, position-count adjustments across several departments, and requisitions for generator services for the water department and two fire hydrants for sheriff facilities.