Perquimans County approves multiple personnel actions, a returned-check policy and a new library custodial contract

Perquimans County commissioners approved a series of personnel and administrative actions at their Dec. 1 meeting, including multiple hires, reclassifications, step increases and one promotion; adoption of a returned-check policy; approval of a custodial contract for the county library; and an audit contract deadline extension.

Personnel: The Board approved hires and reclassifications across several departments. Examples listed in the minutes include Jennie Blowe (Administrative Officer I, Department of Social Services), Stephanie Spence (Social Worker III), Gabriel Everett (uncertified deputy), Isabel Jarvis (telecommunicator reclassification), and step increases for Lisa Wolfrum and Pamela Lacy. The Board also introduced a newly hired employee and recognized Jessica White, Paramedic II, for five years of service.

Promotion: After a closed session to discuss attorney-client and personnel matters, the Board voted to promote Assistant County Manager Brandon Shoaf to County Manager with a salary of $119,848 and Grade 83/Step 13. The transcript motion listed an effective date of Jan. 1, 2025; the meeting occurred Dec. 1, 2025. County minutes record the Board’s action; county clerks’ practice is to correct obvious clerical date errors in minutes when verified with the County Attorney and Clerk. The Board instructed staff to make the personnel appointment effective at the start of the next calendar year; the minutes record the start date as Jan. 1, 2026.

Administrative policies and contracts: The Board adopted a returned-check/ACH policy that charges a $40 fee per returned item, requires written demand and a 30-day repayment period, and restricts repeated returners to non-check payment methods for up to one year. The policy passed unanimously. The Board approved a custodial contract for the Perquimans County Library designating William Frank Heath III as the contractor beginning Jan. 1, 2026; that motion passed 5–1 (Commissioner Ward opposed). The Board also approved an amendment to the county audit contract to allow an extension of the audit deadline to Feb. 12, 2026 if needed because of a software conversion.

Each action was recorded in the minutes; staff follow-up steps include recording personnel changes, executing the custodial contract, publishing required notices for sales or policy implementation, and finalizing audit scheduling.