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Martin County commissioners adopt regional hazard mitigation plan, allocate opioid settlement funds and approve contracts
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Summary
At their Feb. 12 meeting the board adopted the Northeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan to preserve eligibility for federal mitigation funds, approved opioid-settlement spending for local public-health and treatment programs, extended the GFL waste contract through 2031, and authorized a grant application for a Farmers Market generator.
Martin County commissioners met Feb. 12 in Williamston and approved a package of policy actions and contracts intended to strengthen local disaster planning, public‑health responses to opioids and county services.
The board unanimously adopted the Northeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, a multi‑jurisdictional update the county must adopt to remain eligible for federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds. The resolution cites federal requirements under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and implementing guidance at 44 CFR Part 201. County staff said annual and five‑year reviews will be handled by Martin County Emergency Management.
County Manager Drew Batts read the opioid‑settlement resolutions authorizing specific uses of settlement proceeds. One resolution directs $47,508.61 to the Martin‑Tyrrell‑Washington Health Department for naloxone distribution, harm‑reduction support and a short‑term re‑entry program; another earmarks $25,000 for the District 2 Family‑Centered Treatment Court, with $5,000 for training and $20,000 for participant incentives and graduation supplies. The board approved both resolutions by unanimous vote.
The board also approved a contract amendment with Waste Industries LLC, doing business as GFL Environmental, extending the county's residential and landfill services agreement through Aug. 1, 2031. The amendment sets residential curbside service at $11.76 per unit per month, eliminates fuel and environmental surcharges, and—according to staff—reduces costs by about $9,563.23 compared with last year.
County Manager Batts asked the board to approve filing a Hazard Mitigation Grant application to pay for a generator at the Farmers Market; staff estimated the generator cost at about $100,000 and said a local match commitment of $15,225.62 was likely, with the match possibly covered by state funds. The board approved submitting the grant application and the match commitment.
The board adopted two budget amendments: one to appropriate a $20,000 grant from the N.C. Department of Military & Veterans Affairs for Veteran's Services, and another to set aside $15,000 from fund balance for hospital mediation fees. Both passed unanimously.
A proposed renewal of Electus Governmental Affairs' lobbying contract was rejected after discussion about the firm's costs and measurable results. Commissioner Jeremiah Taylor made the motion to reject the renewed agreement; the motion carried 5‑0.
Votes at a glance: • Agenda approval (amended): Moved by Commissioner Jeremiah Taylor; carried 5‑0. • Consent agenda (minutes, financial and tax reports): moved by Commissioner Ronnie Smith; carried 5‑0. • Adoption of Northeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan: carried 5‑0. • Opioid settlement allocations—Martin‑Tyrrell‑Washington Health Dept. ($47,508.61): carried 5‑0. • Opioid settlement allocation—District 2 Family‑Centered Treatment Court ($25,000): carried 5‑0. • GFL (Waste Industries) contract amendment (extend to 8/1/2031; revised rates): carried 5‑0. • Rejection of proposed Electus Governmental Affairs renewal: carried 5‑0. • Hazard Mitigation Grant application and match commitment for Farmers Market generator (generator est. $100,000; match est. $15,225.62): carried 5‑0. • Budget Amendment #25 (appropriate $20,000 for Veteran's Services): carried 5‑0. • Budget Amendment #26 (appropriate $15,000 for hospital mediation fees from fund balance): carried 5‑0.
The board entered a closed session under N.C.G.S. § 143‑318.11(a)(1) to consult with counsel on matters including the Williamston Hospital Corporation Chapter 7 matter, pending litigation (L. Lilley Jr. v. Martin County), and a parcel issue involving Fresh Air Energy. No open‑session action resulted from the closed session. The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
Sources: Martin County Board of Commissioners meeting minutes/transcript, Feb. 12, 2026; motions and resolutions read into the record by County Manager Drew Batts and meeting actions recorded by Clerk Julia S. Rease.