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Board signs off on recovery court coordinator, parks ordinance, property tax exemption for NERSBA and other measures; moves ahead on sales tax referendum
Summary
The Washington County Board approved a suite of measures Oct. 7, including authorization to create a Drug Recovery Court Coordinator position, adoption of a parks-and-facilities ordinance, approval of NERSBA’s property tax exemption, a resolution to pursue a ¼ cent sales tax referendum (estimated $380,000/year), adoption of a 'Caught You Caring' program, and several budget amendments and purchases; most motions passed unanimously.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved several measures at its Oct. 7 meeting.
Recovery court coordinator: The board authorized documents and empowered the County Manager and Finance Officer to execute instruments establishing a Drug Recovery Court Coordinator position for the 2nd Judicial District. Commissioner Phelps moved the authorization; Commissioner Sexton seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Parks ordinance: The board approved An Ordinance of Washington County to Regulate Recreation Parks & Facilities. County Manager/Attorney Curtis Potter commended Ms. Rouse for her work on the ordinance; the motion passed unanimously.
Property tax exemption for NERSBA: Tax Administrator Sherri Wilkins presented an application from the Northeast Regional School of Biotechnology and Agriscience (NERSBA) requesting property tax exemption or exclusion. Commissioner Sexton moved to approve the request; the board voted unanimously in favor. Hal Davis, superintendent of NERSBA, thanked commissioners for their support.
Sales tax referendum: Potter told the board the county’s current estimate of additional revenue from a proposed ¼ cent sales tax is about $380,000 annually. Commissioners discussed marketing and outreach; Commissioner Phelps moved to bring back a resolution to move ahead with the referendum and the motion carried unanimously.
Other approvals and items: The board adopted a 'Caught You Caring' recognition program proposed by Commissioner Riddick; approved budget amendments and transfers as presented by Finance Officer Missy Dixon; and indicated consensus to pursue purchase of a discounted 2018 ambulance (the purchase is in the budget). Potter also reported on surplus ambulances placed at the landfill and on needed repairs at the Dream Care Provider building; he said facilities staff will address repairs and return with more information.
Closed session and adjournment: The board voted to enter closed session under N.C.G.S. §143-318.11(a)(3) (attorney–client privilege) and §143-318.11(a)(6) (personnel). After returning to open session with no further business, the board adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Why it matters: The package of approvals includes both operational decisions (a new coordinator position and vehicle purchase) and policy steps (parks ordinance, tax-exemption approval, movement toward a sales tax referendum) that affect county services, budgets and community programs.
What’s next: Staff will execute approved documents, investigate lottery funds noted in the finance discussion, convene working groups on grants (PARTF) and bring requested additional information to future meetings.
