Increased jail repair costs, Health and Human Services report also discussed
Additional chairs had to be brought into the Sadler Room to accommodate everyone at this past Monday’s County Commission meeting. There was a public hearing on financing projects at the courthouse and jail on the schedule, but that was not what brought people out. People were there to learn more about a last minute addition to the agenda: discussion of new plans to expand the area used for training operations at MCAS Cherry Point.
Cherry Point changes and Pamlico Sound access
A number of local fishermen and other individuals attended the meeting to learn more about a proposed update to training activities and operations within the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Range Complex.
Under the proposal, training activities in the area would increase training activities that include unmanned systems, watercraft and aircraft operations. It would also increase restricted water areas in the area, including establishing a permanent 500-foot safety bugger around the area known as BT-11. Other areas would be blocked off during certain training activities. A schedule of training activities has not been shared.
County Attorney David Baxter said that the county, as an entity, does not have rights to water access. “Those are the rights of individual citizens and residents of the state,” Baxter said. “The best course of action would be for individual stakeholders to collectively come together.”
The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is accepting public comment via email until October 15. You can see more about the proposed plans here and send an email to federalconsistencycomments@deq.nc.gov with your comments. Use “Federal Consistency: USMC MCAS Cherry Point” in the subject line.
Proclamation for retiring Assistant Finance Officer Marea Stewart
The commissioners and county employees took a few minutes to express appreciation for retiring Assistant Finance Officer Marea Stewart. Stewart worked for the county for 19 years and retired September 30.
“She has had a long tenure with the county working for our finance office and keeping our finances straight,” Finance Officer Alex Showalter said.
Courthouse and jail repair projects
The commissioners sought public comment on a plan to finance the cost of the HVAC replacement at the courthouse and the repairs and updates needed at the county jail. The county will submit an application for debt to the Local Government Commission. The cost of repairs is not expected to exceed $1,000,000.
The expected cost of the jail repair project has increased to $437,800. The increase in costs is due mostly to tariffs on imports from Canada, as well as increases in copper costs. The contractors have taken measures to reduce costs, such as reusing piping when possible.
Consolidated Health and Human Services Quarterly Report
The commissioners hear about activities at departments under the management of Consolidated Health and Human Services. A few highlights from the agenda:
Veterans Services
Veterans Services increased contacts by 136% this quarter, making contact with 487 clients. The office helped eight disabled veterans acquire property tax exclusions. They also made their first home visit to a severely disabled veteran who is unable to come to the office for services. The office’s mobile IT capabilities allow them to serve homebound clients and those who have limited access to transportation.
DSS report
North Carolina’s automated online child welfare system, PATH NC, went live on August 10. The system can help track case management, CPS reports and investigations, foster care, adoptions and interstate cases.
Changes to Medicaid under H.R. 1 mean DSS officers are anticipating an uptick in case work. New requirements mean patients will have to be recertified twice a year instead of just once a year.
The county is training a new employee for the child welfare position. There are still two vacancies in the Medicaid department and one in Adult Services.
Senior Services
The Small Home Repair Program continues to improve safety and accessibility for older adults in the community. They installed or repaired 82 ramps and added provided grab bars for one home.
The transportation service continues to offer rides to local doctors, pharmacies, the Senior Center and community events.
Sixty-two meal delivery clients and 20 congregate meal clients were provided meals from Nutritional Services.
There is a continued need for additional volunteers as demand for nutritional services increases.
Clinical Services
The Health Department saw 236 clients in the most recent quarter. This included 499 appointments and 68 referrals to specialists and imaging.
Of the clients evaluated, 8 in 10 had identified health risks. The most common was obesity. Other concerns included high blood pressure, diabetes, and hypertension.
Additional notes
The following passed without discussion:
- An untimely application for the elderly exclusion.
- Approval of budget amendments.
- Approval to accept bid award for the HVAC contract for work on the courthouse.
- Approval of EMS System franchise applications.
- A salary adjustment for the appointment of Lynn Hardison as the Pamlico County Consolidated Health and Human Services Director.
A request to appoint David Caudill to the Tourism Board was tabled for two weeks to allow discussion.
Carl Ollison was reappointed to the Bay River Metro Sewerage District Board.
