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County approves redesign of high‑school generator for shelter use, transfers trucks to volunteer department
Summary
The board approved a $21,560 change order to redesign a generator connection at John A. Holmes High School to better support shelter operations and approved transferring several fire apparatus to the Center Hill Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department to satisfy insurance requirements.
The Chowan County Board of Commissioners approved a $21,560 change order July 14 to redesign the generator connection for the new John A. Holmes High School gym and cafeteria so the facility can operate more effectively as a community storm shelter.
Emergency Management Coordinator Cord Palmer told commissioners the existing design supplies life‑safety power (for refrigeration and freezers) but does not provide sufficient power for toilets with electronic flush systems or to run the kitchen for meal preparation. The requested change order will evaluate whether an on‑site generator or a connection for a generator is the more feasible option. Commissioner Ron Cummings moved to approve the redesign; the motion passed unanimously (6‑0).
Separately, Finance Officer Cathy Smith said the county would transfer several fire apparatus to the Center Hill Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department because the insurer requires the equipment to be carried on a policy owned by the receiving department. The list included a 2003 Kenworth pumper, a 2007 Kenworth, a 1990 Chevrolet firetruck, a 2023 Ford F350 and other apparatus; the board approved the transfers unanimously (6‑0).
Sheriff Edward Basnight also requested a temporary transfer of a position from the Sheriff’s Office to the Detention Center for six months to address staffing needs; that request was approved unanimously and the sheriff said he may request the position be returned to the Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 1 to hire a deputy.
