The Onslow County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 5 authorized multiple routine actions, including a $1.3 million contract for engineering services under a federal resiliency grant, approval of two surplus‑property sales, acceptance of a $5,000 education grant and the appointment of Bill R. Crane to the Onslow County Hospital Authority.

Kevin Patterson, the county’s chief finance officer, told the board the engineering contract would be paid from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) grant. He said the total grant is $1.8 million, with $1.6 million federal and about $200,000 in in‑kind contributions from the county and the City of Jacksonville. The board authorized staff to award the contract to Tetra Tech and approved the measure by voice vote.

Cooperative Extension Director Jessica Garner asked the board to accept a $5,000 Duke Energy Foundation grant to support 4‑H environmental education kits for local youth. The board unanimously accepted the award and authorized the county manager to sign necessary documents.

Purchasing Division Manager Christina Russell described two negotiated offers to purchase surplus county parcels: parcel 024543 at 120 Frost Lane (offer $6,183.16) and parcel 13646 at 114 Frost Lane (offer reported as $1,006.26). Russell described the county’s negotiated‑offer/advertisement/upset‑bid process and the board approved Resolutions 25‑017 and 25‑018 authorizing the sales process and the chairman’s signature.

Emergency Services Director Bradley Kinlaw asked the board to approve Resolution 25‑016 to formalize the appointment process for the Firefighters Relief Board, a five‑member board created under North Carolina law; the board approved the resolution and authorized the chairman to sign.

County Attorney Brett DeSalmes reported the Hospital Authority forwarded nominations to fill Seat 1 after a resignation. Ballots were cast and the board selected Bill R. Crane to serve the term expiring June 30, 2027.

Votes at a glance

• Resolution 25‑016 (firefighters relief board appointment process): approved (voice).

• Duke Energy Foundation grant acceptance, Cooperative Extension ($5,000): approved (voice).

• Resolution 25‑017 (surplus parcel 024543 sale process): approved (voice).

• Resolution 25‑018 (surplus parcel 13646 sale process): approved (voice).

• Contract award to Tetra Tech for engineering services tied to OLDCC grant (approximately $1.3 million): authorized (voice).

• Onslow County Hospital Authority Seat 1 appointment: Bill R. Crane selected (ballot).

The county manager also noted approval of a budget amendment to purchase a bump trailer to support 24‑hour shifts for emergency responders at Bear Creek Fire Station. No dissenting votes were recorded in the public record at the meeting’s conclusion, and the board adjourned.