Craven County agrees to multiple special appropriations, backs one‑time skate park contribution

During the May 18 budget work session Craven County commissioners reviewed Special Appropriation requests and reached consensus on awards to community organizations and small towns, and approved a one‑time capital contribution toward a proposed joint skate park.

County staff presented multiple requests and the Board approved or conditionally approved funding for groups including Partners In Education ($55,000, expanded match to reach middle and high schools), Coastal Center for Hope & Healing ($50,000, reduced from an initial $75,000 request), Craven County Disaster Recovery ($25,000 contingent on a presentation), Perrytown Community ($7,500 contingent on County Recreation leadership), and a variety of smaller awards. Several awards were contingent on additional accountability measures such as audits or presentations.

Manager Jack B. Veit III proposed a one‑time $150,000 county contribution (half of an estimated capital cost) to partner with the City of New Bern on a skate park at West New Bern Recreation Center; the Board agreed the one‑time allocation would help strengthen intergovernmental cooperation and noted the City would assume liability, staffing and maintenance responsibilities.

The Board also discussed Smart Start’s request and placed part of that item on the Be Back list for clarification after concern that funds could be used for salaries rather than the Dolly Parton Imagination Library books the sponsor described.

Veit and staff said appropriation details and any required follow‑up (presentations, audits, or memoranda of understanding with partners) would be tracked on the budget Be Back list as the Board finishes the FY 2026–27 adoption process.