Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Capital Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chowan County committee reviews capital projects; Earnhardt Field requests $671,000 for lighting
Summary
County Manager Kevin Howard reviewed completed, carry-forward and requested capital projects at the Oct. 15 CIP meeting, highlighting a $671,000 request for Earnhardt Field lighting and a PSC chiller shortfall (budgeted $50,000 vs. $250,000 needed). Staff will update the capital reserve projection and schedule a follow-up meeting.
On Oct. 15, 2025, the Chowan County capital improvements committee met at the Public Safety Center in Edenton to review completed projects, carry-forward needs and new requests for the 2026 capital improvement program, County Manager Kevin Howard said.
Howard told the committee that several projects are complete, including courthouse renovations and temporary space work, an Ag Building bridge repair, the 911 server room HVAC upgrade, EMS radio replacements, the first EMS ambulance payment and Hicks Field renovations. He said the Health Department roof repairs are being covered by insurance proceeds and that the courthouse storm drain and the second EMS ambulance payment are completed.
Howard outlined carry-forward issues and shortfalls. He said the library continues to have leaking historic windows and "there is $130,000 remaining in that budget," and staff are exploring a protective window approved for the historic district. He noted the Public Safety Center HVAC/chiller currently has "$50,000 in the budget however $250,000 is needed for this repair," and that a Hotel Hinton improvement line-item for $114,257 was transferred under a Project Teapot agreement and will be removed from the carry-forward list.
The committee also reviewed 2026 project requests. Howard said staff are obtaining quotes for DF Walker Gym exterior doors and reported a formal request for Earnhardt Field improvements of $671,000, with most of that total earmarked for lighting. He said Hicks Field has $70,500 budgeted for concession stand roofing and enclosing the food-prep area. Howard also noted the sheriff's office body cameras are a contracted cost.
Looking further ahead, Howard said recreation has several capital requests the board will need to prioritize. He said an Emergency Management equipment shelter may be moved into the current fiscal year pending cost estimates, and staff will consult with neighboring counties to determine typical expenditures. He added that future construction of an Animal Shelter is not being considered and will be removed from the future projects list, that he will work with Soil and Water to pursue grant funding for Ag Building drainage clearing, that the Jaycee Building needs a new roof, and that the courthouse roof and some window rot also require attention.
Finance Officer Cathy Smith and Howard reviewed the capital reserve fund projection sheet and agreed to update the projection based on recommendations from the meeting. Board Clerk Susanne Stallings said she will email committee members to schedule a follow-up CIP meeting to prepare a recommendation for the full board's 2026 CIP list. Committee Chair Larry McLaughlin adjourned the meeting with no further business.
The committee did not take formal motions or votes during the session; next steps are staff follow-up on cost estimates, grant possibilities and an updated capital reserve projection to be presented at the next CIP meeting.
