Commissioners question consent items on signals, franchise, unpaid tax liens and community programs

As the board reviewed the consent agenda, commissioners raised several clarifying questions before moving forward.

On an NCDOT signal project (consent item), one commissioner sought to understand why technical documentation was included; staff responded that DOT paperwork is standard and the board’s consent confirms review. On a proposed solid‑waste franchise for Carolina Carding, staff said the company described operations as a small, local operation with one swap‑loader truck and four containers and that the franchise condition requires collection only of waste generated within New Hanover County.

Commissioners probed an apparent discrepancy between an $11.4 million advertising total and a December tax‑collection report showing about $39 million outstanding. Finance staff (Allison) and other staff explained the difference is timing: the December figures were as of Dec. 31, and substantial payments were received in the five days after year‑end, bringing the county’s outstanding advertising pull for New Hanover County to about $6.9 million when the advertising report was prepared.

Other consent items discussed included a budget amendment to fund a county shred‑a‑thon paired with a medication take‑back (staff said the program is funded by a North Carolina Department of Insurance grant and requires no county match) and a $60,000 naming sponsorship for Cape Fear Museum classrooms as part of the Invest in Grace capital campaign (staff said sponsorships can be payable over up to four years and naming rights last 10 years, subject to county acceptance).

Staff agreed to provide commissioners additional written details on franchise operations and to circulate comparisons and updated collection figures to clarify the tax totals.