Craven County approves start-of-year budget amendments including Duke Energy drone grant and Havelock Pharmacy server

Craven County commissioners on July 6 approved a bundle of start-of-year budget amendments carried over from the FY27 budget process, covering public health, emergency services, education and economic development.

Emergency Services Director Stanley Kite asked the Board to accept a $25,000 Duke Energy grant to buy a DJI Matrice 30T drone to replace a 2019 unit that has reached end of life; the Board approved the grant and budget amendment 6-0. Craven County Pharmacist Zach Orman requested a $27,891 budget amendment to purchase a central server to link the county’s Havelock Pharmacy locations and improve operations; the Board approved that amendment 6-0 after IT Director Steve Bennett fielded questions about performance and connectivity. County Manager Jack Veit presented a $25,000 capital amendment for Craven County Schools to finish Pre-K modular classroom flooring; that amendment passed 6-0.

The Board also approved several membership and contribution items. On recusals under N.C.G.S. 14-234.3, Chairman Denny Bucher was formally recused from Highway 70 Corridor Commission and Craven 100 Alliance items and temporarily exited the room; other commissioners approved $25,000 for Highway 70 membership fees and a $50,360 contribution to the Craven 100 Alliance. The Board approved a $25,000 membership payment to Allies for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow (ACT). Finally, the Board approved a $28,200 contract and budget amendment for Realize U 252 to support recovery housing ($15,000), a $7,000 public-awareness campaign on re-entry and $6,200 to bring speaker Tony Hoffman to local 8th graders; Opioid Epidemic Response Director Katelyn Godley answered planning questions about a possible MAT house.

All described amendments passed by recorded vote or acclamation as indicated in the official minutes. County Manager Jack Veit closed his remarks with a light, informal remark, "Go USA!"