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Duplin County DSS reports food benefits restored; water-damage emergency will require contractor work, likely over $25,000
Summary
Duplin County Social Services told the consolidated human services board that previously delayed food-nutrition benefits have been issued, LIHEAP funding for FY26 remains on hold, and a burst fountain caused water damage that displaced nine workers; professional remediation (SERVPRO) was called and the county expects to seek ratification for emergency repairs in January.
Angel Vanessa, who presented the Social Services Department update at the Duplin County Consolidated Human Services Board meeting on Dec. 1, said food-nutrition benefits that had been on hold have now been issued and clients have returned to their regular benefit cycles.
"All of the food nutrition benefits that were on hold have now been issued," Angel Vanessa said, reporting the department is no longer experiencing the earlier hold-up with food stamps.
Vanessa also told commissioners that funding for LIHEAP (low-income energy assistance) for fiscal year 2026 is currently on hold; the department is using leftover fiscal‑year‑2025 funds to make limited auto payments to eligible elderly and disabled residents until new funding is available. "At the point that they receive the funding, then we will begin taking applications as we normally do," she said.
Vanessa thanked donors after the department's annual bake sale and said the event raised "over $2,000" to support foster-care and senior activities that are not covered by other budgets.
The largest operational issue Vanessa described was a significant water leak. She said a filter on a first-floor water fountain burst, pouring water for an undetermined period and causing damage that has displaced nine workers from their offices. Staff have temporarily relocated affected employees to vacant offices.
A county staff member told the board the damage exceeded the maintenance crew's capacity and that SERVPRO was called in for professional remediation. "North Carolina statutes do permit, under emergency situations, for the work to go ahead and get started and then bring in a contract at a later date," the staff member said. He added the county expects the cost to be "probably a little bit more than $25,000" and that the board will be asked to ratify the contract in January once a quote is received.
Commissioners asked whether the building had a crawl space or concrete slab where the damage occurred; staff responded the damage site is on concrete. Vanessa said the rehabilitation and repair work is underway to mitigate moisture and restore offices.
The Social Services Department said it will return to the board with a formal contract and cost estimate for ratification in January. In the meantime, staff are prioritizing remediation and short-term office relocations so services can continue.
