Catch up on the past two County Commissioner meetings from June 29 and July 6
Monday, July 7 was a short meeting of the Pamlico County Board of Commissioners. With few members of the public in attendance, there was no public comment and a total of seven agenda items.
Discussion on Employee Physical Activity and Wellness Initiative
Brought forward by Pamlico County Health Director Melanie Dixon, the board discussed the possibility of bringing back 30-minute-long paid exercise periods for county employees. The idea, which has been implemented previously, has dwindled and so Dixon sought to bring the idea forward to get the board’s opinion.
The board ultimately decided that it was a good idea, but claimed it was “unfortunately timed” with the current situation surrounding the county’s budget.
Denial of the NABO Group Untimely Property Tax Exemption Application for Arlington Place Amenities
The board also discussed the Untimely Property Tax Exemption filed late by the NABO Group. NABO, which merged with Seaside Management in September of 2025, oversees Arlington Place, a coastal living community in Minnesott Beach. The application, filed on May 8 of this year missed the original deadline of January 31.
The exemption was recommended to be denied by the Pamlico County Tax Office to uphold precedent for others missing the deadline. Tax Administrator Kathy Wall was in attendance who helped clarify the situation, and the board voted a motion to deny the application.
Special Called Meeting (Budget Meeting) June 29
Last week the Sadler Room on the second floor of the Pamlico County Courthouse was much cozier, filled with 30-40 members of the community, hoping to share their thoughts as the commissioners reviewed a new budget. However, the originally scheduled Public Hearing became a Public Comment with the Commission unable to approve a budget for a tax rate until the result of Senate Bill 474.
The comments began with a word of appreciation, with Chairman of the Board of Education John Prescott, saying, “budgets are a hard time” and thanking the commission for the work they’re doing. After speaking, his words were met with applause.
Comments continued from a member of the public, John Hackett, citing their high property value resulting in a $268,000 increase in property taxes from the 2026 assessment.
Members of the health department and health patients such as Italia Sartin also spoke, citing the importance of the service, with Sartin sharing how the department has provided tangible benefits for her and her husband.
“Having local providers gives people like me money, from gas prices, or having to take more time off work to include driving to further distances. Beyond the convenience of the health department being local, the standard of care given there is not one easily found.” She said.
At the end of the Comment, Chairman Kenny Heath reassured the health department and other attendees that they were not looking to cut the non-mandated service.
“Nobody wants that to go away, and we're not going to let that go away.”
The commissioners went on to approve an interim budget for the county for the months of July and August, continuing the 2025 budget while waiting for the results of Senate Bill 474. The bill in question passed on July 1 and was signed into law July 8, but North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.
