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Washington County commissioners approve EM grant application, reappointments, budget transfers and other motions; strategic plan hearing continued
Summary
The Washington County Board unanimously approved applying for an emergency management grant to replace an unusable rescue boat and improve a rescue trailer, reappointed ABC and Planning Board members, approved budget transfers, voted to survey property around Skinnersville Civic Center and continued the strategic plan public hearing to April 1.
At its March 4, 2024 meeting the Washington County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on a slate of administrative and emergency-preparedness actions.
The board approved moving forward with an Emergency Management grant application to replace the county's aging rescue boat and upgrade the rescue equipment trailer. County Manager/County Attorney Curtis S. Potter and EM Coordinator Mr. Swindell said the county's boat, donated in 1990, is unusable and needs replacement; Chair Ann C. Keyes noted the grant requires no local match. Commissioner John C. Spruill moved to authorize applying for the grant and improving the trailer; Commissioner Julius Walker, Jr. seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
On appointments, the board reappointed Jack Faulk to the Washington County ABC Board with a proposed one-time four-year term ending December 2027 and approved adjusted staggered terms for other board seats as requested by the ABC Board. Commissioner Spruill moved to reappoint Faulk; Commissioner Carol V. Phelps seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The board also reappointed Thomas Patrick (Creswell municipal seat) and Marty Swett (Scuppernong township seat) to three-year terms on the Washington County Planning Board ending March 31, 2027, per Planning Board recommendation. Commissioner Spruill moved to reappoint both; Commissioner Phelps seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Finance Officer Missy Dixon reviewed budget transfers and amendments included in the packet. Commissioner Phelps moved to approve the budget transfers as presented; Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
In other business, County Manager Potter asked whether the county should survey the property surrounding the Skinnersville Civic Center; Commissioner Carol V. Phelps moved to survey all property around the civic center, Commissioner Julius Walker, Jr. seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
The board voted to go into closed session under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-318.11(a)(3) (attorney-client privilege) and § 143-318.11(a)(6) (personnel). After returning to open session, Commissioner John C. Spruill moved to adjourn; Commissioner Phelps seconded and the meeting adjourned.
Why it matters: The approved grant application and equipment replacement address emergency response capabilities; reappointments and budget adjustments maintain county governance and financial operations. Several motions were routine and carried by unanimous votes, and the strategic plan public hearing was continued to allow additional public comment.
Next steps: Staff will submit the EM grant application by the stated deadline and proceed with the Skinnersville property survey; the strategic plan public hearing will resume on April 1, 2024.
