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Manager announces new hires, clarifies marina day-docking policy and outlines major paving and stormwater projects
Summary
Town manager announced two early-May hires, described a temporary pivot to allow local day-docking when slips were available, and outlined near-$5 million resurfacing and storm-drain camera/cleaning work that found major blockages and will require point repairs.
Beaufort's town manager reported multiple operational updates on April 13, announcing two new hires, clarifying marina day-docking policy after an Easter-weekend surge, and detailing multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects and stormwater repairs.
The town will add Jonathan Griff Barlo as public information specialist and Matthew Pendergraph as fire chief, both expected to begin in early May 2026. The manager said the hires will bolster communications and emergency services capacity.
The manager addressed what he described as a misunderstanding over Good Friday transient dock use at the Bowfort Marina. Under the town's policy, six slips were designated for day-dock use; when those filled, F3 Marina staff initially turned boats away. Town management temporarily allowed local boats to tie off when slips were otherwise empty. "Bowfort is open for business," the manager said, and the town and F3 plan a joint press release and social-media guidance clarifying insurance requirements and the process for transient dockage.
On infrastructure, the manager reported the near-$1 million reconstruction of Turner Street (100 block) is substantially complete, with final tie-ins pending installation of an An Street waterline. The town is preparing a comprehensive roadway resurfacing bid package estimated at $4.5—$5 million; staff estimate USDA funding could cover roughly half, with the local match to be drawn from town funds.
The town also reported completion of a camera-and-cleaning program funded in part by Carteret County, a project costing over $530,000 that identified severe blockages requiring point repairs. Staff said they will return to council with proposals for the necessary capital repairs.
Manager said the town is implementing communications improvements including a live dock CCTV feed on the town website and a weekly "Beaufort Minute" to reduce confusion and social-media misinformation.
Next steps: staff will issue a joint marina press release, provide formal scope and cost estimates for required storm-drain repairs, and bring a resurfacing bid and funding plan to the council for approval.
