Board adopts Pitt County Strategic Plan after separate votes on mission/vision and plan

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a new five‑year Strategic Plan (2026–2031) after a presentation by BerryDunn consultant Karen Whichard. The plan establishes four strategic priorities—Community Well‑Being, Economic Vitality, Balanced Development and Organizational Excellence—along with goals and objectives for each area.

Commissioner Mary Perkins‑Williams offered a substitute motion to approve the revised Mission, Vision and Core Values; that motion passed 7–1 (Vote Record: Benji Holloman Yes; Ann Floyd Huggins No; Mac Manning Yes; Mark Smith Yes; Gary Weaver Yes; Chris W. Nunnally Yes; Mary Perkins‑Williams Yes; Rochelle Brown Yes). The subsequent motion to approve the full Strategic Plan passed 7–1 (Christopher Nunnally, Benji Holloman, Ann Floyd Huggins, Gary Weaver, Mac Manning, Mark Smith and Rochelle Brown voted Yes; Mary Perkins‑Williams voted No).

Discussion during the presentation included questions about connecting downtown to other parts of the county, farmland preservation and implementing a countywide transportation plan and drainage strategies. The plan will guide operating and budgeting decisions and calls for implementation steps such as departmental work plans, annual reviews tied to the budget process, and cross‑department work teams to drive priority-area initiatives.

The board approved the mission/vision/core values and the full Strategic Plan; staff will move to implementation planning and incorporate objectives into departmental workplans and the next budget cycle.