NASH COUNTY, N.C. — As residents debated rezoning in the morning, Nash County commissioners approved a series of funding and procurement actions on Jan. 6 intended to support public safety, economic development and tourism.

Tourism reserve: Travel & Tourism leaders asked the board to set aside $100,000 from the TDA fund balance to create a special reserve to help retain and attract multi‑day sports tournaments and similar events after organizers reported a decline in teams and hotel occupancy that began in 2024 and deepened in 2025. Director remarks noted competition from neighboring counties and a temporary reduction in Rocky Mount’s incentive offers. The board approved the transfer and required that any expenditures be supported by documented return‑on‑investment analyses and partner agreements.

Grants and budgets: The board adopted several project ordinances and budget amendments:
- A $200,000 Building Reuse grant (NC Department of Commerce) for an Eaton plant expansion in Middlesex, with a required 5% local match ($10,000).
- An award of $39,350 from the NC Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund for a community services study and farmland plan updates.
- A $102,000 Tobacco Trust Fund award for a Nash County Outdoor Educational Classroom at the AgCenter.
- Approval to apply for the NC Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program (URP) for up to $165,000, with the board approving a $5,000 local match to strengthen the application.

Library funding: Following a staff recommendation tied to a 2001 funding formula used by Braswell Memorial Public Library and its partner jurisdictions, the board approved an additional $96,697.82 to Braswell for the current fiscal year and asked staff and the three stakeholders (Nash County, Edgecombe County and the City of Rocky Mount) to examine and update the formula.

Public safety procurement: Emergency‑services staff asked the board to approve a sole‑source purchase for upgraded VHF paging transmitters (the current units are at end of life and the vendor offered compatible upgrades without redesign). The board approved the sole‑source procurement as requested; the project was included in the current budget.

Other budget actions: The board approved several budget amendments including an interest payment on recently borrowed capital funds and other routine adjustments.

Board rationale and safeguards: Commissioners supporting the tourism reserve noted the potential job, hotel‑night and small‑business revenue losses if tournaments relocate; supporters said the reserve is a temporary, strategic measure and that Travel & Tourism will only spend funds where a likely ROI is documented. Commissioners who questioned or opposed some items asked for clearer reporting on prior city incentive amounts and long‑term fund balance goals; staff committed to provide those figures.

Ending: The board’s approvals allocate county resources toward short‑term economic stabilization (tourism incentives), long‑term economic development (building reuse), community services (urgent repair program), and public safety (radio transmitters). Travel & Tourism and relevant county departments were tasked with documenting outcomes for future reporting to the commission.