New fees, committee appointees and the 2027 schedule
The last County Commission meeting before Election Day was short and decisive, lasting just under nine minutes before the commissioners went into closed session to discuss an issue covered by client attorney privilege. Here’s what our Down County reporter learned:
Deputy Finance Officer approved
The commissioners approved a motion to designate Assistant Finance Officer Farrah Newman as Pamlico County’s Deputy Finance Officer.
This designation means she will be available to perform necessary duties if the County Finance Officer and regularly designated Assistant Finance Officer are both out of the office at the same time.
“The checks still have to be signed, the POs still have to be signed,” Finance Officer Alex Showalter said. “This is mainly just in case of emergency.”
Board appointments
Monday’s meeting also saw a number of board appointments:
- Leslie Kellenberger was appointed to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC).
- Marsha Paplham, was appointed to the Tourism Board. Paplham was one of four members of Oriental’s Tourism Board who resigned in July of this year.
- Mike Grose was appointed to the Local Relief Fund Board.
A motion to appoint Brad Poirier to the Tourism Board was considered and tabled. The commissioners table all appointments for two weeks to give time for discussion.
Untimely application for property tax relief approved
The commissioners approved an untimely request for property tax relief under the Disabled Veteran Exclusion. To be considered timely, an application must be made by July 1. The program excludes up to $45,000 of the appraised value of the permanent residence of a disabled veteran.
New fees on building permits
The state of North Carolina has instituted new fees on building permits starting January 1, 2027. The fees are as follows:
- $25 State Regulatory Fee for residential building permits.
- $100 State Regulatory Fee for commercial building permits.
- $10 State Regulatory Fee for individual trade permits.
The fees will be collected by the county at the time of application.
Oriental renews emergency communications and dispatch service agreement with Pamlico County
The commissioners were asked to approve an agreement allowing the Town of Oriental to contract the Pamlico Sheriff’s Office to provide emergency response and dispatch services. This allows county sheriff officers to respond to calls when Oriental’s law enforcement officers are not available.
Additional notes
The following agenda items were passed unanimously without discussion:
- A request to approve budget amendments.
- A request to approve board releases.
- A 2027 calendar for County Commission meetings.