Board outlines grant awards and applications, and forms opioid fund planning committee

The board heard multiple funding and grant updates and took related actions. Commissioner Kaye announced the county received infrastructure and resiliency grant funding totaling $1,123,315 ("and some change") to support four recreation projects — Tassie Shelter, the Arthur Drake boardwalk area, Colesagie Park and Parker Meadows — and told commissioners budget amendments to place the money into project-specific funds were in the packet.

County Manager Cabe sought approval to submit a Helene Recovery Recycling Infrastructure Grant application to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for $2,995,500. He said approximately $601,500 of that request would go toward the Carson Convenience Center and the remaining approximately $2.3 million would fund recycling equipment and building improvements. The board approved submitting the application by voice vote (5-0).

On opioid funding, Cabe reported the county received a $300,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust to develop a strategic plan and facilitate public input for allocating opioid settlement funds. He said the county currently holds about $2,078,000 in its opioid fund. The manager proposed a strategic planning committee including clinical providers, law enforcement, people affected by opioid misuse and board representation. The board appointed Manager Cabe and Commissioner Breeden to lead the committee and begin assembling membership.

The board also approved several routine consent items and policy updates related to the newly consolidated human services agency, and moved forward with appointments to the consolidated health board.