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Washington County Board of Commissioners approves consent agenda, adopts NGO funding policy and reviews audit
Summary
At its March 2 meeting in Roper, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a multi-item consent agenda (including several resolutions), adopted a new nonprofit grant funding policy for FY27, reviewed the annual audit and tax-collection plans, and approved budget amendments.
On March 2, 2026, the Washington County Board of Commissioners met in Roper and approved its consent agenda, adopted a standardized nonprofit (NGO) grant funding policy for the FY27 budget cycle and reviewed the county’s annual audit and tax-collection plan.
The consent agenda — approved by motion and unanimous vote — included Special Called Meeting minutes from Feb. 9, 2026; RESO 2026-004 restricting Creswell School site proceeds; RESO 2026-007 adopting the Northeastern North Carolina Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan; RESO 2026-008 recognizing Social Work Month; RESO 2026-009 authorizing a sole-source purchase of water meters; and position modifications for an Animal Control Officer and a Waterworks Technician Coordinator.
Auditor Tim Zeng of Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co. presented the county’s audit and discussed key ratios with commissioners. County Manager and County Attorney Curtis S. Potter noted the Local Government Commission (LGC) recommends a minimum fund balance of 8 percent, but said the county’s policy is “we will not fall below 20%,” and flagged a new net position in the sanitation fund that warrants monitoring. Chair John C. Spruill and Mr. Potter discussed a percentage drop for fiscal 2024–2025 tied in part to school-related expenditures. The auditor said TPSA provides visual templates to help track assets ratios going forward.
Clerk Julie J. Bennett read a Tax Collector’s Report from Tax Administrator Sherri Wilkins stating unpaid 2025 taxes that are liens on real property totaled $831,567.53 as of Jan. 31, 2026. The report said letters to delinquent taxpayers will be mailed the week of March 16 and that, after an additional notice period, delinquent taxes will be advertised in April. Officials said they are offering monthly payment agreements and that, if those agreements default, enforcement tools such as wage garnishment, bank attachment, debt setoff and foreclosure will be used.
Economic Development Director Kelly Chesson presented a new NGO Funding Policy and application intended to standardize and vet nonprofit funding requests for the FY27 budget; Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson moved to approve the policy and publicize the application and deadline, and Commissioner Julius Walker seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Assistant County Manager Jason Squires presented a draft Capital Improvement Plan for the General Fund and Airport/Utilities for Board review. Finance Officer Missy Dixon reviewed proposed budget transfers and amendments; the Board approved BT/BA #2026-062 through #2026-068 by motion and unanimous vote.
In other business, Utilities Director Lee Sasser reviewed the county’s five elevated water tanks and discussed water-supply issues affecting the towns of Roper and Creswell; Jason Squires updated the Board on a Pea Ridge project delay caused by fiber lines being placed where county water lines run and noted the county’s garbage collection contract will expire at year-end.
During public forum, resident Jimmy Jones asked the Board to follow up on paving for Cardinal Lane. The meeting adjourned after reminders about upcoming meetings and events.
Votes at a glance: the Board approved the consent agenda (including RESO 2026-004, RESO 2026-007, RESO 2026-008, RESO 2026-009), approved RESO 2026-006 recognizing the semiquincentennial collaboration (see separate item), adopted the NGO Funding Policy, and approved budget transfers/ amendments BT/BA #2026-062 – #2026-068; all recorded votes were unanimous.
