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Extension staff give annual "Report to the People"; board approves consent items, budget amendments and lobbying contract
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Summary
Washington County Cooperative Extension presented its annual update on agriculture, 4‑H and outreach; the board approved the consent agenda (including sale of 272 North Street), budget amendments, BA #2023-055 and a lobbying contract with Bob Steinburg and Jackson Stancil, and recognized outgoing Commissioner Bill Sexton.
Cooperative Extension Director Rebecca Liverman and staff briefed the Washington County Board of Commissioners at the Nov. 7 meeting on the department’s work this year, and the board addressed routine business including consent agenda approvals, budget amendments and a lobbying contract.
Extension report: Liverman and her staff used a "box dinner" as a metaphor to explain programs and services. Ag Extension Agent Jalynne Ward highlighted local crop production (corn, soybeans, cotton and peanuts) and said the county had about 37 inches of rain in 2022 compared with a historical average near 51 inches. Horticulture Agent Gene Fox said he supports home and commercial horticulture concerns and noted there are 46 commercial pest applicators in the county. 4‑H Agent Beth Jackson described youth programming, said the 4‑H livestock show will mark its 65th year next year and said a Southland mobile dairy unit visited area schools and reached more than 900 students. Ward outlined a farm-theater event to address stress and mental health for farming families; Liverman highlighted the SHIPP benefits-assistance program and said staff and volunteers have helped residents save up to about $200,000 through those services.
Consent agenda and routine approvals: The board approved the consent agenda by unanimous vote; items listed in the agenda packet included minutes from Oct. 3, 2022, tax refunds/releases and insolvent accounts, a letter of support for the Ramsar/Pocosin Refuge, a tax foreclosures contract, a landfill fee schedule amendment and RESO 2022-045 approving sale of real property at 272 North Street in Plymouth. Finance Officer Missy Dixon noted BA#2023-50 was voided due to later changes; Dixon also said the county may receive approximately $13,000 from a Medicaid audit.
Budget and contracts: Commissioners approved presented budget amendments and transfers (motion by Commissioner Bill Sexton; second by Commissioner Julius Walker Jr.). After a closed session, the board approved BA #2023-055 and a lobbying contract with Bob Steinburg and Jackson Stancil (motion by Commissioner Ann Keyes; second by Commissioner Carol Phelps). All votes recorded in the minutes were unanimous.
Recognition and other business: Chair Tracey A. Johnson presented a plaque honoring Commissioner Bill Sexton for his years of service. Commissioner Carol Phelps asked staff to draft a resolution addressing child abuse in Washington County. The meeting adjourned after the board completed scheduled business.
Noted transcript inconsistency: the transcript refers to Jalynne Ward correctly as "Ms. Jalynne Ward, Ag Extension Agent" and later as "Mr. Ward"; the article uses the name and title as presented in the first explicit reference in the record.