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Hertford council adopts zoning change for metal fabrication and approves vendor contracts, budget amendments
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Summary
At its March 9 meeting the council adopted Ordinance FY26-11 permitting metal fabrication by right in the C-6 district and unanimously approved selection of RH CPAs for auditing, IT Partners for IT services, Tapestry for a theatre feasibility study (Option A), a bookkeeping contract, and three budget amendments to cover project overspends and close small funds.
The Council of the Town of Hertford on March 9 adopted a zoning ordinance amendment and approved several professional-service contracts and budget amendments in unanimous votes.
Council adopted Ordinance FY26-11, which amends the Town of Hertford Zoning Ordinance to permit metal fabrication as a permitted use in the C-6 commercial district. Councilman Evan Copeland moved adoption and Mayor Pro Tem Connie Brothers seconded; the motion carried 5-0.
Manager Doris Walton reported the Town received six proposals for auditing services and recommended RH CPAs for audits and financial-statement preparation beginning in fiscal year 2026-27; Council approved the contract unanimously. For information-technology services, the Town received proposals from CW IT Support, Shoshin Technologies, and IT Partners; Walton recommended IT Partners for their onsite emergency support capabilities, and Council approved that contract.
Council authorized a feasibility study contract with Tapestry for the Hertford State Theatre, selecting the upgraded Option A package because it includes additional deliverables and referrals for future grant applications. At the same time, a separate proposal from Moffatt & Nichol to refresh the Riverfront Plan was tabled; Council asked staff to issue an RFP and seek additional grant funding instead.
The Council also approved a bookkeeping and accounting contract with Beverly Stroud CPA, LLC, and passed three budget amendments: FY26-14 ($50,000 transfer from Fund Balance to cover an overspend related to the EDA Hertford Community & Riverfront Plan), FY26-15 (closing ARPA interest into the General Fund and reallocating $34,030.68 to planning and administration line items), and FY26-16 (to close a small Federal Drug Fund and return $992.83 to the U.S. Marshal's Office). Each motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
Manager Walton told the council the BRIC-funded stormwater study is about 60% complete but paused due to budget overruns, and she expects to share scheduling information for paving once the contractor confirms dates. Council members raised several maintenance and safety concerns during reports, including water leaks, standing water, lighting at outdoor courts, and a damaged street tree.
All votes recorded on March 9 were unanimous where tallied; Council took no vote at this meeting to create a Local Historic District and left that matter for further action pending zoning amendments and additional public notice.