Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

to order. Madame clerk, would you please call the role? Commissioner Smith here. Commissioner Howard here. Commissioner Hunt, yes. Commissioner Mason, yes. Commissioner Mitchell, yes. Chairman Jones, here. Chairman Booker, here. Uh we're going to stand and hear a prayer from our county attorney, Mr. Grady. And then we are going to do the pledge of allegiance.

Almighty and merciful God, who in the midst of darkness and chaos filled the world with light, we thank and praise you for the gift of another day. Knowing our unworthiness of such a gift, we beg you today to forgive us our sins and to banish the darkness of error and wickedness from our hearts. Help us to be good people, people of mag magnanomy and warmth of generosity and hope. Grant us wisdom so that we might recognize the right thing to do and courage so that we might do it. And grant us, our county, our nation, and our world the peace that only you can give. Amen.

Amen. Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Commissioners, you have the agenda in front of you. Are there any additions, corrections, changes? I move that we approve the agenda as written. Have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Motion and a second. Madam clerk, call the role, please. Commissioner Smith, yes. Commissioner Howard,

yes. Commissioner Hunt, yes. Commissioner Mason, yes. Commissioner Mitchell, yes. Vice Chairman Jones, yes. Chairman Ber, yes. First item on our agenda is an update from the partners in education otherwise known as PI. So uh Suzanne Gford is going to come and uh share with us. Suzanne, welcome. Thank you. Good morning. Good morning. Morning.

Um I'd like to thank you, Mr. Chair, and members of the board of commissioners for the opportunity to speak with you this morning. I would like to share our sincere gratitude um and provide an update on how the 30,000 in matching funds from Craraven County uh combined with the 30,000 grant from the Harold HBait Foundation uh is being used for a total investment of $60,000 in our Craven County School System athletic programs. My name is, as you know, Suzanne Gford. I'm the executive director of Craraven County Partners in Education. Today I have with me Mr. Don Brinkley. He is the PI board chair. He's also represents the Herald Bait Foundation. I also have three representatives from our Craven County School um principles and they're going to come up here individually and tell you how their funds are being used. First, I'd like to call Miss Claudia Casey, principal of Havlock High School. Susan,

good morning.

Good morning, commissioners. Um, again, my name is Claudia Casey. I am the proud principal of Havlock High School. I want to extend um on behalf of our students, our staff, and our athletic programs a sincere uh thank you to to each of you for funding this uh this grant. Um at our school we have a recently constructed uh weight uh training uh building that was just built and we are at the phase of flooring which is quite expensive. So we plan to uh utilize the funds for a flooring project um which is the next phase of construction. Um athletics is the front door to our school. One of our big goals with um especially this year is connecting our kids with something. Athletics is a big connector for our kids. It's what keeps them in school for many of them. It what's it's what holds them accountable for behavior, for grades and for things after school. So they are they are otherwise engaged in practices. So we are committed to um to continuing that and keeping our kids engaged and again athletics is a big part of it. So um we sincerely thank you for this funding and um we look forward to uh reflooring doing the flooring in our um our training facility and also um this will be open to all of our athletic programs. So all of our students will have access to it as well as those students who do enroll in the course for uh strength and weight training. So again, thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Next, I would like to invite Dr. Daryl Thomas, principal of Newburn High School. All right. Good morning. Good morning.

All right. I'm Dr. Thomas, principal of Newurn High School, home of the Bears, where we build excellence and resilience. We appreciate the matching funds that you're able to match for us. um there at New Burn High School for our student athletes. Um a lot of the funds we're going to use, we're going to lose for scoreboards in our gym and possibly help with our stadium. Um we have some field needs and some maintenance needs as you think about our athletic facilities, even our weight rooms that we have for our student athletes. And just like Miss Casey stated, you know, athletics is one way for students to be involved in our school. Um so we're looking at those funds to see how that can help with that part as well as we kind of build our community needs with those funds. So, we do appreciate you matching the funds for us. It is going to help support a lot of different things at our school, mainly with that student athletics piece and hopefully we can get some scoreboards and get some different things in the school to help with that. And if there's any field or uniform or maintenance needs for our growing programs cuz we've added volleyball, we've added a lot of programs as well. We want to make sure we have everything that works out for our student athletes there at the school. So, again, we appreciate it. Thank you for matching the funds and hopefully we can work together in the future as well as we continue our partnership with the county commissioners. Thank you all. I appreciate it.

Thank you. And finally, I'd like to call up Mr. Montreal Lee, the principal of West Craven High School. Good morning and good morning.

Thank you all. Uh I kind of echo what my colleague said, Mantra Lee, principal of West Craven High School. uh when we rise above. I want to say thank you as I am a product of athletics. Uh I don't think I would be standing here today uh if it wasn't for the contributions and impact of my coaches and the impact of athletics. Um Westgraven High School wants to thank you all uh for this generous donation that will help that will go forth to help uh with helmet reconditioning uh field paint uh along with some upgrades to our weight room. Um and we're also doing assessments across our whole department uh to ensure that all our student athletes needs are met are met. Um as as we said it impacts our school greatly. Um your investment shows that our community believes in our student athletes and our school and on behalf of West Craven High School we want to thank you very much.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you Mr. Lee. Mr. Lee is also a member of the Craraven County Partners and Education Board. So, multiple hats. Um, through partnerships like this with you all as well as with Craraven County Sheriff's Department, Craraven County ABC Board, Craraven uh Pamlic Co Regional Library. Um, it allows PI to continue to expand opportunities across Craraven County. This year alone, just this year, PI awarded $81,043 to 60 classrooms. and those are innovative um grants that enhance and support the educational experiences. We also requested $153,822 to support school programs with this being one of those. Um with without those partnerships, we could not do what we do and have the impact that we have in the community. In closing, I would like to recognize and thank all of our partners. Um, your commitment to our schools and students makes these opportunities uh possible. Together, your partnership strengthens educations, creates meaningful opportunities across Craraven County. We are truly truly grateful for your support and your investment in our children and youth of our county. Thank you.

Thank you. Anybody have any questions or comments for her? I would only echo what um Mr. Lee is it what he said he wouldn't be here today. I would have to say the same thing because if it wasn't for athletics I'm not sure I would have made it through high school. U because my my focus was I got to get my grades so that I can play because if you don't have well I went to school if you didn't in my school if you didn't have a C or better in any subject you didn't you didn't dress you didn't play. So, uh, that was a a big motivator for me and I'm sure it is for a lot of your youngsters as well. Yeah. So, thank you. Thank you all three for what you do. We appreciate you.

Mr. Chairman, if I may. Yes, sure. You know, we don't have Don Brinkley here uh much at our meetings. He's a busy man. But I I think just for everybody to know in this county, the Bait Foundation for what they do in Craven County and Eastern North Carolina, uh they have matched many dollars for the citizens of this county, saved us millions of dollars through the years and contributions such as this, not only to our schools, but also what they're doing for recreation. Jack, I think y'all gave us a figure. They've contributed over a million dollars. Yes, sir. Um, that's a substantial amount of money. Yeah, I think THAT and Don, keep it coming.

And the last thing I'd like to say, Mr. Chairman, also um, Miss Guilford, she recognized the uh, collaboration we have with the, uh, Craven Pameo Regional Library. Today, we have our new regional director, uh, Miss Julie Cox here also. She's in attendance. I think she's going to be coming in the next uh few months and uh speaking to our board, but just wanted to acknowledge her too this morning. Great. Thank you. Thank you.

And I uh should have acknowledged that we started uh gentleman in the blue shirt, Mr. Witford, uh was uh well, he won his primary, which was substantial. He had two opponents. So, he'll be sitting in this seat come December. So, uh, welcome and congratulations, Josh. Okay. Um, second item on our agenda today is the Coastal Center for Hope and Healing. And we have a presentation today by uh, Donnie Brooks and Amanda Delgado. Do I have those name? You I got the correct names right. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Pass those down. Okay. I just wanted to those are just stats for you ladies and gentlemen so you don't have to worry about writing stats down. I know I can in the meeting. Okay. Let me first say that this board and also this organization has got to be real special to me for getting up this morning. Okay. Not since I got in the Marine Corps do I do I get up this early in the morning to show up. But thank you. Thank you very much. Okay. along with myself. My name is Donnie Rooks along with the executive director of Coastal Women Shelter

also CWS. But we are in the process of of of changing and progressing and everything else. And also, Mr. Jones, I would like to acknowledge what you say about the Foundation. Thank you very much. You have been supporting us and this county throughout and and I really appreciate that. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, let me get started. So I won't take take up too much time. Again, my name is Donnie Rrooks. I'm the president of board of directors for Kosa Center for Hope and Healing, uh also known as Coastal Women's Shelter. You know, before I before I continue, let me say I want to personally thank this board for what you've given to this organization. I want to personally thank you very Thank you very much. I appreciate the opportunity to come before this board of commissioners. I'd like to personally thank Mr. Shane Daggins for being on our board. Thank you, Shane. You know, I know in this present political climate, you as commissioners are required by voters who elected you to justify every dollar that you give to any nonprofit organization, Kraton County. Furthermore, some of these voters may ask, how does their tax dollars given to Coastal Center for Hope and Healing benefit them or the community at large? I would say to these taxpayers, every dollar invested in our organization is possibly a lifesave and an investment in our future generations, thereby hoping to preer to prevent further domestic violence and sexual assault. Here are some numbers to justify each dollar that this board of commissioners has allotted to organization. You know, Kosa Center for Hope and Healing, also known as Costa Women's

Shelter, has has in fiscal year 2425 answered 1600 1,663 calls. And this year alone, we've we've answered 1,082 crisis calls. In 2425, we've assisted 266 adults and 281 children. In this fiscal year alone, 220 and 200 two 220 adults and 227 children. In in fiscal year 24-25, we've arranged for our our survivors 2,180 shelter nights. And in this fiscal year, 1,354 shelter nights. Now, shelter nights are defined as a total night a person spends with us. So, if you got a ch child in a shelter along with an adult, each of those are shelter nights. In fiscal year 24-25, our staff had 708 court advocacy contacts. And so far this year, we've had 508. And those are defined as information and assistance with POS, emergency P emergency orders, and also the judicial process. In 2425, we provided 645 and a half counseling hours, 101 counseling hours. And so far this year, we've had 488 and a half counseling hours. In terms of sexual assault, in fiscal year 25, we've had 16 calls for assistance. And

as of February of this year, we've already had 14. And again, we are still three and a half months away from the end of the fiscal year. So, there will be more, unfortunately. Furthermore, I'm proud to announce that a house has been donated to our organization. It is moving ready and is located in Newburn house in Newburn area. This house will be used for transitional housing, which you all know housing is crazy now how much prices are. And it will be called Courtney's Home for Hope. We have already received a number of donations are in the process of soliciting other grants and donations to help sustain Courtney's home for hope. I would like to prayerfully ask that we never forget that every dollar spent has a life worth salvaging. That life, the survivors, their kids, their extended family and friends will remember that they were touched by Kosu Center for Hope and Healing. And I hope that they will tell someone else how they survived, overcame, and because of the assistance of our organization. These same individuals whom you have helped by funding us will one day become a legacy of hope, healing, and thereby encouraging encouragement for other generations to come. Because if we want to see this next generation succeed, we had better started investing in their success for to for tomorrow today. In closing, I on behalf of the staff of Kosa Center for Hope and Healing, our board of directors, and all the

survivors and their families and friends, thank you for the support for supporting us, our mission for more than 40 years. Yes, we've been in this county for more than 40 years. And I and I really like to say Suzanne Gford was one of the first directors I hired back I think back in the 90s. If you have any questions about our service or our day-to-day operations for Coastal Center for Hope and Healing, also known as Coastal Women's Shelter, please feel free to reach out to her because she runs the organization. I'm just the one that supports her and make sure she has the funding and the staff to do what she does every single day. Again, thank you from all of us to all of you for the funding that you have given us and the future in the past and presently today. Thank you. Are there any questions?

Thank you. Um, Amanda, you want to come up to the mic because I think they're going to be some questions. That's fine. Yes, sir. Okay. Questions for Amanda. You Yes. First of all, thank you for what you guys do. That's one area. I I could not do that work. So, I appreciate that from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. And I do have a couple questions. From the time you take get a call from a client and see a client, how long does it take for that case to get to court? Approximately

it depends on the situation. So depends also if we go civil or criminal. We know that the criminal side can take a little bit longer because there's an investigation that has to be done by law enforcement. Whereas on the criminal side, it can go probably about 30 days. But if they're unable to serve the aggressor, then it can take a lot longer. And we've had cases that have been drawn out two years in civil because they were unable to locate the aggressor and serve them properly with the protective order. My other question is about the new home. Yes, ma'am. Um I was just curious, how many bedrooms and will children be able to stay there?

There are two bedrooms in the home and yes, children will be able to stay in the home with their non-offending parent. So essentially what's going to happen is they're going to be in our emergency shelter and we will work with them during the time that they're there to be able to get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. At that point, if their permanent housing is unavailable, they will have the opportunity to apply to the transitional housing program and then get some more time there while they wait for that permanent housing. Okay. And how long are you expecting someone to stay in the transitional home? So, they can get up to three months in our emergency shelter. They will also be allowed to get up to another three months in our transitional housing program.

Okay. And do you have a timeline when you're going to open this home? The hope is to get it open by the end of April. Outstanding. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Okay. Any other questions or comments? We thank you again for what you do and uh I agree with Sherry that kind of work we're not all built for and we we appreciate what you do. Absolutely. We appreciate your support. Commissioner Mitchell has been a cheerleader as well as Commissioner Hunt and we could not continue in this without the support of the commissioner. So, we we greatly appreciate you all. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,

commissioners. You have the consent agenda in front of you, the minutes from the March 2nd meeting, tax releases and refunds, a budget amendment for the sheriff, and a proclamation uh in recognition of county government month. Are there any additions or changes? Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Second. Second. Got a motion and a second. Madam clerk, would you call the role, please? Commissioner Smith. Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Commissioner Hunt. Yes. Commissioner Mason, yes. Commissioner Mitchell, yes. Vice Chairman Jones, yes. Chairman Booker, yes.

Okay. Next on the agenda, number four, Leslie Young, our tax administrator administrator. She's got several items to cover with us. Yes, sir. I do. Good morning.

Good morning, Commissioner. It's great to be here this morning. Thank you for having me. Um little catch up. Typically I report the delinquent tax amount uh that you see as the first item on the uh on my agenda for you and um circumstances beyond our control with the snow and a family matter that required me to be absent at this time. Now that I'm before you, I'd like to report to you the delinquent tax amount for 2025. As of this morning, our delinquent tax amount is 1,45,59944. That gives us a collection rate as of today of 97.69 in comparison to tell you that uh I'm encouraged by this amount that we're right on track in 2024. Uh this time last year the delinquent amount was just a little bit less at 1,ion351 435 and 29 cents and that was a collection rate of 97.74%. So we're just within 500s of a percentage rate in our delinquent tax. So I do project for this next uh 2025 to report a collection rate at a minimum of 99

something something. Okay. Very good. Uh chairman, the next item on there is to ask for the charge for uh advertising the delinquent taxpayers in the newspaper, which is by statute. And as you know, in the last uh couple years, not only do I report in the newspaper, but I report on our website, courthouse, all municipalities as well. Uh that posting I have scheduled with the Newburn Sun Journal to be on Tuesday, April 28th. Delinquent taxpayers have until Tuesday, March 31st to have their taxes paid in order to avoid publication.

Okay. Uh, commissioners, I think, uh, we should, um, we should have a motion and a second to, uh, agree to the delinquent taxpayers ad in the sun journal. So, motion. Got a motion and a second. All in favor? Opposed? Motion passes. Okay, very good. Thank you, commissioners.

At this time, uh, this was a good opportunity to talk about our real estate market. As you know, we are scheduled for reval reevaluation 2028. Uh in in my world, that's just in a blink of an eye. So, I try to report to you to tell you how we're headed. And I think this is a good opportunity to talk to you about the real estate market for calendar year 2025. Uh Robbie, if you'll go to the graph. So, this is how we look according to again my source is our local MLS system straight from MLS. And you can see down at the bottom, we started in the month of January 2025 in the first column. And as we go up, we get to December all the way through the year. The next column over is the average sales price that was in 2024. And then the next column, I compare it to our current, which is what I report each month. Uh that's the third column. So I compare those two numbers. Then the next column uh that's quite colorful between black and red is the percentage increase in those two values. And I do watch that and I'm going to speak on that in just a minute. And then the last column is DOM days on market. How long from the time that a house goes on the market till the time it goes under contract. And I'm going to talk about that because that is a very very important variable into how we're looking in our real estate market. So, initially when I completed this, um, I said, "My goodness, this looks really, really messy. Um, you know, we've got kind of a moving target here. What exactly are these numbers saying?" Because all we see is we we go up and we go down.

If you look, I took the percentage increase column and I took the average of that. And I would say no doubt that 2025 that if Craven County were going to have a downward turn in the market, this would be the year. And that average for all the percentage increase came to zero a negative 0.09%. Wow.

So for Craven County to have a downward turn that's not even onetenth of a percent, we fared extremely well. uh if you ask me, I say we've had our downward turn and I say we are about to pivot uh to really good real estate market going forward. And I'll explain that in just a minute as well. So don't be alarmed uh because again if you go back to when I was here three years ago in 2023 presenting our 23 rebound, I was reporting to you percentage increases of double digits. And I remember our three highest months included 20%, 18%, 17%. And I reported to you at that time that compared to other counties throughout the state, we're very conservative. We had a value increase of 42.03%. And a lot of our jobs were dropping. And I said, "Wait a minute. We're we're very conservative compared to our state." And I made the statement then that if we should have a downward turn, it would not be drastic. Okay? Because the more steady and stable that we have like a 42 instead of some counties that have had in the 70s we've seen that if we had a downward turn, this would be more of like what we saw these. Sure, we have some numbers in the red, but they're not drastic. Okay, I want to talk about uh days on market. And I reported to you back in February of 23 and along throughout the year, one to 90 days is considered an excellent market. And it was excellent for the sellers. You put a house on the market and by that afternoon it could be under contract. We all said at that time the market cannot sustain itself.

Okay, great for the sellers, but we can't keep going. So when are we going to adjust? You can see now because we were averaging in the high 20s to the 30s on days on market and I had said at that time 91 to 120 days is a very good market and that's the market that I like and I'll explain to you in just a minute. So in January of 25 our average days on market was 53. We creeped up into the 60s dropped back a little bit more in the 50s. And what I watch the most is our last quarter because that's going to tell us mostly on how we're going to start 2026 is the last quarter. We're at 66, 76, and 82. And those three numbers are fantastic. This is not an indicator of oh no, the market is is making a downward turn, you know, are we headed to to a recession and things of that sort. It is not. That is an indicator of a good healthy balanced market. I like those that are around the 90 days up to 120 days because the sellers are still doing well, but the buyers now have more of a say in the market and that's what is making this market healthy because before in 2023 22 it it was absolutely hands down a sellers market. Now we're balanced. Now we're healthy. And if we came out of this adjustment at not even a negative onetenth of a percent, Craven County's market is fantastic. Okay, just to uh piggy back off of this, how are we looking? The last couple of months of 2026, um when it comes to percentage increase is has been a wash. In January, we had a positive 6.42% increase in our value. And then last month, we had a negative 6.54. That negative had to do a lot with the average sales price because in February

of 25 we had four sales in that month that sold for more than $800,000 in that one month. And this February we had one. So that was the the adjustment there. Our days on market, I love it. Uh 100 days in January and 88 days in February. So, our market has in what I see has made its adjustment is making its adjustment and I think we're absolutely fine headed to the 2028 rebound unless there is something that has a major effect on the market and specifically here at Craraven County. I expect our 2028 rebound to look a lot like our rebound 2023. um our sales ratio that we report to the uh to the state department of revenue. We again we're under a mandatory reval and we are right at 79% which means that our appraised value is at 79% of its market value. So right there we're we're easily at 20% of our 42.03% that we reported at the last rebound. So then when you couple that with new construction, the permits, things of that such, I look for us to be right around that 40 again. Okay. Rebound 28.

I think that's all I have for today. Commissioners, be glad to take any questions at this time. Any Mitchell? Yes, Miss Young. I have one. When you say days on the market, is that days until it is under contract or days until the sale closes? It's supposed to be days under the con uh under contract. Now, I do question that, but that is the proper definition. Okay. Okay. So, some of the houses that went under contract may or may not have closed. Correct. Because those can fall apart. And remember, that's an average, right? Okay. Thank you. Does it include new construction or just existing homes? It it's both. It's whatever is listed in in our MLS. Okay. Okay.

Any other questions? 2028 reval. Yes, sir. Give us just a very short uh timeline. When when do you start the process? When do you send out notices?

Okay. Um I just had a very big rebound 2028 meeting last uh Tuesday morning with my appraisers. In fact, it was a three-hour meeting, so I had a lot to say. We are all in the thick of things. You don't see it right now, but our appraisers are working extremely hard. Um, it will begin. I remember in rebound 23, it was in August that I met with Jack and the team of a dozen of us to begin talking about. It was in August of 22 just to get the schedule of our town hall meetings for October, November of 22. So, I project that as soon as I mail tax notices in July of 27, we we we as collective big group go to work. The rebound 28, I have not gone over the timeline with Jack specifically, but I did with my with my appraisers. I want to see the rebound notices uh mail right around the Valentine's Day weekend. Okay,

that my point was would we have that going into the U 2829 budget year and so yes yes sir I know your numbers I am very diligent uh one thing that we did last week uh because I do understand the importance of valuation is beginning the first Monday in December I report to Jack uh by the week every Monday all the the county all the fire districts all the municipalities how the valuation increases each week. So, we've got a good good pulse on it.

As I looked over this chart preparing for the meeting, there's one outlier there, and that was November of 24. That number is way higher than any other number as far as the average sales price. Did we have some several really expensive properties sell that month? Yes, sir. If you remember, I think that was during the time that we had nearly 12 houses over 800,000. Yes, sir. And if you if you would if you were to take that number and bring it down in line with the rest, it still wouldn't change a lot, but we would be uh we would have been a little higher at 25 than 24 as it is right now. Like you said, they were about even.

Yes, sir. We we would have an overall average, you know what I've said, a negative. 09. Take out November. We we were been a positive. Yeah, that's what that's what I thought. Okay. Any other questions, comments for her? Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir.

Add while Leslie's here. Um, thank you, Leslie. Great presentation. Last week, uh, Friday, we heard an update from the Association of County Commissioners about potential property tax legislation that may be introduced this Wednesday. Um, so we learned, I guess, back in the fall that the House had put together a special committee on property tax looking at it from a couple angles, mainly focused on affordability and then the rising values in homes as revals are occurring right now. Most recently, I believe it was Guilford County Leslie that uh just a couple weeks ago sent some valuations out and it was over 45% average across the county increase. So, there's a lot of moving pieces to this. They've held hearings since I'd say November. Last one will be Wednesday of this week. We expect again could be a variety of different things whether it's focused on caps of the property tax rates, reconfiguring how revaluation occurs, maybe some transparency and taxation. So all these types of legislations are out there. Again, the association has been very focused on the role of counties in government, right? I mean, we are the lowest arm of the state here. We do a lot of things that are either mandated by state or federal government that we don't have a lot of choice in. With that said, it's it is important for us to be mindful as these pieces of legislation come forward. And I'll work closely with Leslie to see the impacts there. Uh most particularly, I think we talked about sometimes when they do some of the abatement uh laws, whether it's for homestead act or veterans disabled, all those type things, those impacts it has on the base. So, we'll keep a watchful eye on that. And of course, we'll we'll watch the meeting on Wednesday to make sure we understand what's coming coming our way. So, just want to update you on that.

Um, at that meeting, we were encouraged, the meeting that he's referring to, we were encouraged to reach out to our legislators and tell them of our concern of trying to uh any attempt on their part to limit what we do. Um, we we've had one tax increase in my almost eight years on this board and it was only one cent if I remember right. Correct.

And that was to put a a uh deputy sheriff in every school. Other than that, we've never raised taxes. is when we had our when we had our reval in 23, we we did revenue neutral, which means we lowered the tax rate to account for the raise in value. So, uh we think we're pretty conservative and very diligent in how we do that. That was Friday. On Saturday, I had an opportunity to speak to our uh representative and I told him uh of our concern about that discussion, I'll call it, that's going on at the uh state level. He is not in favor of it. And he said, I'm not sure what's driving it other than maybe somewhat political people um elections coming up and so on and so forth. So, uh, he he said, "I'm staying close to that situation." So, I was comforted by that. He's our representative, and he is a has a pretty strong role in the, uh, state in the state government. He's deputy, what's his title?

Majority whip. Yeah, he's majority whip. That's right.

As you, as you spoke, I I thought about a couple things I should have noted. One is the Senate has also authored a special committee to look at property taxes. And after Guilford County presented their new values to the citizens, there was some sentiment about a 12-month moratorium on all revaluations. So, there was some discussion about that on Friday. I don't believe that will affect the work that Leslie needs to do uh unless it extends out longer than 12 months. Um I I agree there is a caucus of legislators who either served in city or county government and they understand what this board and other boards are up against each year. as you look at the different competing narratives of funding requests that come in and how those must must be handled. So I think there's a group there that understands it. It just depends on how we how we move past Wednesday.

Yeah. Okay. Any other questions or comments? I have to comment also along with the statistics on those that did re-evaluate almost in fact all of the counties lowered their rate that it was overall. So they're they're they are aware of the needs of affordability and the counties have been for in by and large aware of what they need to do with their taxes. So okay, I'm sorry. But for the benefit of the citizens commissioner Mason, I'd like to point out that just because the counties lower their tax rate does not necessarily mean that the municipalities lower their tax rate.

That's true. And for some people who saw looked at their total tax bill increase, it was not because of county taxes. It was because their municipality taxes did not follow through. Yeah. I think we don't want to name cities, but uh Havlock and Newburn both raised their taxes. Okay. Uh thank you very much. We appreciate you tonight. When you get 80 years old, you don't care. Okay. Item number six, social services. Mr. Jeffrey Merritt contract extension. Morning, Jeff.

Hey, good morning, chairman, commissioners, county manager. Um, we bring before you today a request to um, approve the first of three 5-year extensions that we um, put in our contract with Young Williams that began in fiscal year 2122. This contract ends effective June 30th, 2026. If you remember, at that time we um, you know, published a request for proposals. uh we received those proposals and Young Williams at that time from a financial standpoint was um significantly less than the other ones when their service also was very comparable. Um I will say that um the service that we've had has continued to be um very satisfactory. Um I will say that they're always very responsive to me. um if there's any I get very little um feedback regarding that department to where I have to follow up something and when I do they're very prompt in it and when I look at their data um they appear to be um performing satisfactorily. Um, and you will also see in regards to the um to the new proposal for the three-year extension, that pricing is very comparable to what we have now. And I would say that um even with a request for proposals from those 5 years ago, it's still significantly less than those ones that we received 5 years ago. Um so from a market standpoint, they seem to be um still in a very competitive position. I'd be happy to answer any more questions if you have them.

Questions for Mr. Merritt? I move that we approve this contract. Second. All right, we're going to take a roll call, but I want to ask one question. Yes, I read through the u I didn't read every document obviously in all this u attachment, but I did look at every page for the benefit of our audience both here and at home. What exactly does Young uh Williams what exactly do they do for you?

So the county is required to administer the child support enforcement program and I can't remember the year but the state but the state had that program and then they said we're no longer doing it from a statewide standpoint. So the counties have to do that 2007. So we um so the county car county at that time decided to contract those services out. And so what that does is if there is a household in which there's a non-custodial parent and a custodial parent um or if it's where parents no longer have custody of their children and financial support is needed by that custodial parent from the non-custodial parent then young Williams will go and try to enforce that child support. So what they will do is that they will try to one if they need to establish paternity they will do that and once attorney attorney established they will go through the court to try to um get a court order to enforce child support and they'll evaluate the income of the individual. Um they will you know determine a monthly payment fee. If there's a rears there they will go back and try to um enforce those arars payments while getting while getting ongoing payments caught up. And there's also and there's also penalties in which individuals could be jailed for not um paying their child support. So that's a so they enforce that child support payment. Um they're there to help those parents whom um have physical custody of those child of their children and need that financial support from that parent who's no longer in the household and make sure they support their children in a financial manner so that they can have clothing, food, a roof over their head, electricity. they're able to do things if the same amount of things they would do if the parents were still together and they were living in that two income household. So if necessary then they get a judge to to dictate the amount

right then if they still don't pay then the sheriff has to u enforce the um the pay he has to get involved and if necessary he has to uh maybe put them in jail whatever the judge says. Right. the judge can issue a order for arrest if someone is um you know not making payments as they should. Um and that is something that happens that does happen not only in our child support enforcement program but others as well. So that is an option you know when someone does not um follow up on their obligation for child support for their child. Thank you. Quick question if you don't mind chairman. How successful are they? Do we do we track that?

We do track that. Um we stay right at above the state average. I think they do a very good job especially in some of the times with um you know that we've had with a little about financial turmoil and economic turmoil. Um so they give us a monthly report. I think that's also in your commissioner report that you can look at that data as well. I don't have that right off the top of my head but when I look at those datas there's nothing that's significantly lower. Um so I think they perform very um comparable to our offices throughout the state. Thank you. Would you clarify Mr. Merit for the benefit of our of the audience. Child support monies belong to the child. Is that correct? That's correct.

Because I think there is a misperception that the child support monies belong to the custodial parent and they do not. It's to support the children and things needed to support that child's well-being um and their needs. So yes. So it goes to those things where they need school supplies and they need clothing, you know, it's supposed to go towards the cost of shelter, the cost of utility expense. um you know their basic needs there. So it's not supposed to go towards um you know wants I would say you know it's go it's going to support that child and what they need in order to live a healthy life and um you know live a good life and these monies follow the children correct?

Yes they follow the children. So it it's also if so for instance if you have the two biological parents who do not have custody of that child you know whoever has custody child could possibly file for child support then as well to see if they'd be eligible to receive the benefits like a grandparent whatever. Of course anything else? Thank you very much. We appreciate it. Appreciate what you do. We got a motion on the table for Oh yeah, we do have a motion. No, we we better uh we better rule on that. Would you call the role, please? Thank you, Commissioner Smith. Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Mitchell? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes.

Chairman Booker? Yes. Thank you. Amen.

You should know how you don't get all the time. Yeah, they apparently do a good job. Okay, next on the agenda number six, Mr. Scott Harelson under the health department from the health department. Scott, good morning, commissioners. Morning.

I have two uh agenda items this morning. Um one is uh funding for the 340B pharmacy in Havlock. If you recall, these uh funds were approved and set aside. Um end of year dollars and uh now is the time. We are finally moving into uh progression of um doing the renovations and uh we have the we're actually done. Oh no, no, we're we're about to start hopefully. Hopefully.

And uh we have a pharmacist on board who has been setting up a necessary lure and um even with the two pharmacists on board uh the the pharmacy is profitable. So, if we open up the second site, um we really do feel like just from a convenience factor to be able to finish your visit there in Havlock, walk around the corner, get your meds there, uh in a few minutes, um really less expensive than anywhere else you can go. Should be a pretty good drawing card and, uh a tremendous service for the folks down in that portion of the county. So, uh, the monies have been set aside and this is basically to set up a new, um, uh, basically a a a new area for our budget or um, line, uh, health or department 5141 for those services.

Okay. Questions for Mr. HS? I just have one comment. I'm uh, looking forward to that pharmacy opening in Havlock. Um, everybody's very excited and is awaiting it. So, I'll be following that timeline closely. So, good good work. Thank you, ma'am. I would make the motion that we um make the amendment about in the amount of $250,000 to keep the drugs flowing. Second motion and a second. Would you call the role, please, Madam Clerk? Commissioner Smith. Yes. Commissioner Howard? Yes. Commissioner Hunt? Yes. Commissioner Mason? Yes. Commissioner Mitchell? Yes. Vice Chairman Jones? Yes. Chairman B. Yes. Second item.

Thank you,

sir. The second item are some new fees um and uh some changes to some uh current fees as well. Uh two of the the um more uh interesting items I wanted to bring to your attention were uh new ultrasound fees. This is a new service coming to our maternity clinic. Sometimes it is problematic for our ladies to uh receive this service. So while we have them there uh in person in our clinic um our staff has been trained um the uh the equipment has been purchased or will be purchased uh and this is uh basically limited in scope um as dating ultrasounds for these fees. uh but in a a very valuable service for our ladies and um to stay in compliance with title 10 family planning um we do long acting contraceptives in our uh family planning clinic and and now we are or we are always required to do acquisition costs. So instead of just setting a fee, what we would prefer to do because they change so often is just to uh our our request is that we purchase them at acquisition costs which would keep us uh compliant with those program standards.

Okay.

So the target is to break even and just keep the program going and maintaining the ultrasound and the and the people that operate it. Right. Well, the with the ultrasound um that one uh we we do have charges or is available service with the title 10 or the family planning. That's the break even with the long acting contraceptives. Yes, sir. I would just add that our our rates um our fee that we charge on most everything, we just pretty much mirror what the federal the federal fee is. We don't we don't go out on our own and set fees. We just follow along with what they do. Am I saying that correctly?

Yes, sir. So, if the Medicaid rate is $5941, we'll just round up and make it an even $60. And that's basically the the way of our fee structure. And before Medicaid transformation or privatization, whatever you want to call it, we used to have fees change maybe once a year, twice a year. Now it's very sporadic. It could be seven or eight times a year. Seems like it's pretty regularly. Okay. Do I have a motion? Second. Got a motion and a second. Madam clerk, please call the role on this one. Commissioner Smith. Yes. Commissioner Howard, yes. Commissioner Hunt, yes. Commissioner Mason, yes. Commissioner Mitchell, yes. Vice Chairman Jones, yes.

Chairman Booker, yes. Thank you, Scott. Thank you for your support, Commissioner. Much appreciated. Item number seven under appointments. This is a first for me. We have no appointments current, but we have three pending. One is the aging planning board, the other is clean sweep committee, and the other is juvenile crime prevention. Those will be coming up in the future. Item number eight, our county attorney. Mr. Chairman, I have no report this morning. Okay. Thank you. And number nine, county manager.

Good morning. Good morning.

Um, first I wanted to pull up some weather today that's going to get a little interesting later just to make the commissioners and staff and anyone following at home aware. Severe thunderstorm potential today from noon to 10. As you can see, there's a color striation there. The the tan is an enhanced risk. The red is a moderate risk. They've been talking about this since Friday. It's a typical springtime scenario for eastern North Carolina. Just be mindful. Next slide, Robbie. And some of the things to to be mindful are of course the possibility of a tornado where in the yellow section there 10 to 14%. Uh the pink is 15 to 29. That's from noon to 5 today is the prime time for that. Next slide. Wind risk always with these thunderstorms and straight line winds. We're in the 30 to 44%. Just to our west would be the 45 to 60. So there's a high likelihood some strong winds that come in with the front. Next slide. Hail 5 to 14% again between noon and 5 riskiest time. Next slide. And then just the most important thing these are wind gust uh predictions as you can see new 42 Havlock 47 just shy of 50. So be mindful of power outages, trees down, hazardous road conditions, all those good things. So again, just want to put this on your radar as you're around this afternoon and tonight. Just be mindful of the changing weather conditions. Thank you, Robbie. So with that said, it was a busy couple weeks since we last met. Um again, I mentioned Friday we attended the NCAACC regional meeting in Dupin County. Great, great uh presentation there. lots of issues that are consistent across all the counties in eastern North Carolina. First, uh I've already talked about the property tax issue. There's nothing really else to say other than we're going to keep watching that and be

mindful of sharing the county story every chance you get. So, I'm glad Chairman Booker was able to relay that to our legislator, but they need to hear from all of you. It's really important. It is almost impossible to replace 46% of our revenue each year, which comes through property taxes, with some other form. Um, so we heard stories about what's going on in Florida, what's going on in Ohio, Texas, all these other states that are looking at it. So I would ask you to make this number one on your priority list as you talk to our folks who represent Craraven County. Also, um, you know, big themes, agriculture, Commissioner Jones, um, lots of talk about preserving agriculture in eastern North Carolina. There was some really interesting data I believe that came out of Dupin County which showed the cost of uh the county for agricultural land versus the cost of residential land and it's pretty astronomical right it was a eyeopening thing so I'm going to ask our a folks to take a look at that to get you some data on what that cost is here in Craven County uh economic development's big of course regulation infrastructure all the things we talk about all the time uh are big priorities for East North Carolina we also recognize that we're disadvantaged and someone made a great statement that if you add all the legislators in eastern North Carolina, it's still not as many as Wake County has, right? All the legislators east of 95 versus Wake County. So, all always something we keep in mind. Um, I wanted to, Mr. Chairman, if you'll indulge me to read the resolution on county government into the record. I think this is really important as we talk about taxation and what counties do. Um, so this is a proclamation declaring April National County Government Month. Whereas the nation's 3,69 counties serving more than 300 million Americans provide essential services to create healthy, safe, and vibrant communities. And whereas counties in North Carolina were established to serve state purposes and evolve to provide a range of both mandated and optional services to residents. And whereas counties fulfill

a vast range of responsibilities and deliver services that touch nearly every aspect of our residents lives. And whereas counties as intergovernmental partners enact local, state, and federal programs to address the needs of all residents. And whereas counties serve as society's safety net. And county employees are at the forefront in delivering essential services to residents every day. And whereas Craven County and all counties take great pride in the responsibility to protect and enhance the health, well-being, and safety of our residents in efficient and cost-effective ways. And whereas the nation is celebrating 250 years of independence this year and counties have a long and rich history of serving residents, including Craraven County, created in the year 1712. And now therefore, be it resolved that the Craven County Board of Commissioners proclaims April 2026 as National County Government Month and encourages all county officials, employees, schools, and residents to learn more about county government. Adopted this day, 16th day of March, 2026. So, thank you for doing that earlier. We want to share this with all the county employees and really kind of get them excited as we get into the new budget year. Uh, budget process. I've I've alluded to it a couple times over the last few months. Today is the day we'll start in this room. Soon as you guys leave with the team, we'll start pulling everything out, taking a look at it, mixing it up, and then putting it back together to get you something by May. So, we're excited about that. It's one It's one of our favorite times. I can't say anybody's more excited than Gan. Generally, this is his time to shine. He I'm surprised he's even able to sit down over there this morning. But, uh, no, we all take take a a lot of interest in looking at how the county functions and and what we got going on. Um, to get you uh prepared for your next meeting, there will be a resolution related to the Metropolitan Planning Organization, our NO. As we've talked, all the municipalities we've met

with are interested in joining as one Craven County group versus being split into two, an RPO and an NPO. Each municipality over the next, you know, month will begin to look at these resolutions. We have every thought that they will approve them. So, with that said, when you get here on April 6, there'll be a resolution in front of you to leave the RPO and join the NO, and it will be under Craraven County government. Commissioner Mitchell has worked with the NO as it exists now. We have a new name proposed, which would be the Craven County MO, which was very important to all the stakeholders that day. They were all supportive of that. And we will have county staff that will manage this and have a Craven County first agenda, right? We will look at Craraven County and our needs first versus looking at it with other partners who sometimes needs get prioritized above ours. So, this will be a a look deeply into what we need in not only rural Craven County but in our urban growing areas. So, very excited about this. Uh we do have a 60-day, is that right, James? It's 60 or 90day. It's a 90-day notice to the RPO if you plan on leaving. So, April 6 will be a little short of that by about six days as we get into July, but we think it'll still be a a seamless transition there. With that said, I do want to reference some meetings I've had related to the council of government, who owns the RPO as it's present. As you remember, uh, the the council of government has had challenges over the last 20 years, but more in depth over the last year or two as they've really struggled with some staffing issues, some financial issues. There was a meeting last Friday amongst county managers prior to the regional meeting you guys attended um that were really contemplating what happens if the COG's not there, right? If it doesn't exist. And there is a real detriment that may come to this board in that for

them to survive they may need more money. Okay. So my answer to them on Craven Countyy's behalf was well the board will consider anything but based on the track record over the last few years I can't imagine this is going to be a favorable response for more money.

Right? So without more money and it's not just Craven County that has to make this decision. It's every county that's in our COG, which are nine counties. So, there was mixed opinion there. Obviously, the smaller the county, the greater the need for the COG, the larger the county, the more duplication of services, which is what what really happens here in Craraven County. So, if um the COG doesn't exist because people can don't want to fund more money, we will need to look at options for our aging money. It is required to go through a council of government from the feds to the state to a council of government and then they have oversight over all the aging programs to make sure the monies are spent in the correct manner. So we'll have to work with the state to reposition that money to the closest cog that can provide that service. But just wanted to be on the record on this one because I think this decision will come fast. I believe over the next month they're going to talk to every county and municipality. if they reach critical mass of folks that say no more money, then there may be a decision that comes quite quickly. So, I just want to prepare you for that.

Just for the benefit of our citizens, I'm going ask you to repeat that about the aging programs um so that people do not become concerned that we are going to lose access to the aging funds because of the issues with our COG. So would you repeat that the aging monies have to go through a COG but it does not have to be this COG?

That is correct. So aging funds again start at the federal level passed down through the state through a block grant end up in a COG because we can't self-govern oursel right. So they have to go to an independent third party because there's testing and measures that these folks do through the AMS budsman program. So it's simple. If this cog can't accept federal funding or if you choose to go to another one, it just goes to another cog, right? And there are other options out there. I think we're touched, the East Carolina Council's touched by three different cogs. So, there's three options there. Obviously, there's one that's much closer in Washington, North Carolina. So, that seems to be the logical fit. Um, again, if this all falls apart. Okay.

Any other questions, comments for the county manager? Thank you, sir. Thank you. Okay, next item on the agenda would be the comments from commissioners. Let's start on my left with uh Mrs. Smith. Would you like to start, please? I don't have anything today. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Hunt.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, there are reports out now that 60, excuse me, there are reports out now that 61% of veteran suicide occurs in veterans that are not enrolled in VA healthcare. So well over half of the veteran suicide don't have access to the needed health care that they need. So, I would ask everyone that hears about this to ask the veteran that you know, are they enrolled in VA healthcare? And if they're not enrolled in VA healthcare, I would ask you to encourage them to become enrolled in VA healthcare. Um, if everyone that hears this message does that and has an impact on a veteran, we could all together have an impact on the veteran suicide rate in Craraven County in a in a tremendous way. So, I want to express that um it's something that each one of us can do it that costs nothing but a few few minutes of time. Reach out to the veterans, you know, please. Um, on a more positive note, if you will, veteran suicide rate has decreased from 22 veterans a day to 17.5 veterans a day. still far too many veterans are taking their own lives, but we're at least moving in the right direction. And I believe that here in Craven County with the addition of VA mental health care located in Havlock next to our health center there, um we can continue to have an impact on that number in Craraven County and the country. And please everyone just reach out to the veteran, you know. And then I have two other upcoming events I'd like to remind everyone about. On March 24th, it's the salute to Vietnam veterans ceremony is going to be at Union Park at 9:00 a.m.

And so that's next week. I think it's next Tuesday on the 24th at 9:00 a.m. The salute to Vietnam veterans. And then next Thursday, March 26, I'm doing a small town hall at Havlock City Hall and C DOT will be present to give an update and answer questions. I'm hoping that uh the mayor will be able to attend it as well. Um while county government touches everything from birth to grave, the one thing that we don't have responsibility for is the roads. So there's a lot of confusion about who roads belong to. But I will tell you out of the top five things I get calls about is roads. I know more about roads than I ever wanted to know in my life. And um so this will be a good town hall for people to come out and get a better understanding on whether the roads belong to NC DOT a municipality um and get a lot of questions answered. I hope um that's going to be at Havlock City Hall at 6 p.m. next Thursday. That's all I have, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you. No, I don't have anything for Howard. I have several things, but I'll I'll skip in just a loop of time. So

we have time Well, I was going to make a comment on the property tax situation. We do have a lot of we do have some a few counties thinking about what they call rate neutral uh situations, which if you're having a 30 or 40% increase in property values, a rate neutral is really a huge tax increase. And that's why the our legislators are somewhat concerned. Now, I've talked to my our legislators and others um about we need our property taxes. We have a lot of many required services from our sheriff's department to health and human services, schools, etc. So, um, but we do need to be aware that in my opinion, some people are and as Jason I've have talked many times or folks in our own county that, you know, have difficulty paying their property taxes and in some of these places where it's kind of went out of hand. It's become more and more of an issue. Um, on our county employees, I do want to say that I appreciate our county employees. We have some of the best uh many of my constituent issues are solved by even if it's not an issue that is a county issue, we figure it out. Um like Miss Commissioner uh Hunt was saying, one of the biggest issues we do have, it's DOT issues. I've had about 16 or 17 town halls with DOT present. um where my constituents have got to engage with our project A, B, and C, get updates on those projects and talk about some of the issues that they have. Uh my my precinct, my district are heavy with folks that are very informed with these issues that come with tough questions and DOT, Chad Strong, others who have attended my meetings have been there and uh answered those questions with a lot of precision. Uh it's been helpful to me to have our county kind of team up with DOT to solve some of those issues. Um private roads being one of the concerns that have popped up recently in my that an issue that's been going on since 2011

2012 uh in my district. So thank you guys. You asked for it. Just a clarification um for all the transplants like me who move down here. We all think that counties own roads because in the other 49 states, counties do own roads. So, it's a different system here in North Carolina um that we all have to learn to to adapt to and work with DOT. Unfortunately, we have had very good um representation with DOT and they work well with us. But that's where the confusion comes from for local citizens. But that's all.

Mr. Chairman, uh, just one item. I think Jack touched on it a little bit at our last meeting, but Kasama this past week did approve a $19.6 million contract with a company that will come in and, uh, build a new sale uh, for the landfill. Um, they're going to move in in the next two weeks and they have to have it completed in the next 10 months. Um, the great thing about this is, uh, your landfield board over the years have uh, put the money up. So, we're not borrowing a dime. Um, it's going to come out of fund balance that they have appropriated for it. What I would say for the residents um that live in the western part of the county is there going to be a lot of traffic with trucks in the next 10 months. They've got to haul gravel from Fountain. They've also going to be hauling a lot of sand from Jones County and uh so there's going to be even more traffic than normal um going into that landfield. Last thing, I also just continue on the subject of trash. I don't know what's happened, but um it's, you know, we've always got a problem with illegal dumping and and folks throwing out trash, but it is getting um worse and worse and worse. I was riding to Vance the other day. Um and you know, there's a a place where folks have just dumped out everything that you can imagine around Western Craven mattresses. Um it just goes on and on. sheriff is trying to with the um funds that we have appropriated for the folks to go out inmates and try to pick up. They are trying to tackle that I think across the county. But folks, it is um is getting worse and worse and worse. And I you know what do you do about it? I you could figure that out and you

the only way they can uh punish them is to catch them in the app. That's right. And that's very very hard to do. But anyway, that's all we have. Okay. Sometimes they look in the trash and get the names of the person people from their mailings. Well, I was going to say the same thing, Miss B. I've heard that they we've identified trash bags thrown in the woods and I think they've opened the trash bag and people literally leave their mail in the trash and Yeah, that's real. Yeah, but you can prosecute. That goes with the smartness of dumping. So,

um I got just a couple things. Um, number one, um, to add to what Commissioner Mitchell said, I was at a meeting recently and the subject of what the county does and what we don't do. And um, one lady said to me, "Well, where I moved from, we we get our uh, recycling picked up every week." And I said, "Well, what are your taxes like where you come from?" Uh, they're a lot higher than they are here. home. Well, that might be why because we don't necessarily provide everything that some of your cities up north or counties do, but you also pay a lot less. So, I guess you might have to make a trip to the uh to the convenience center. And she acknowledged that. The other thing that happened was another lady said, "Well, where I moved from, there aren't any counties." And I said, "Really?" And I said, "Where was that?" She said, "Knetic." And I said, "That is true. I used to live in Connecticut." And everybody in the state of Connecticut lives in a city. No matter how rural you all, everybody lives in a city. There's city and state. There's no counties. So, I thought that was interesting. I had forgotten that. Uh, some sad news I got this morning. Some of you might know the name Amanda Banks. Amanda Banks is a lady who gives a lot to our city. uh she gets involved in the Christmas uh event. Amanda has a daughter by the name of Auburn and when she was 13 years old, Auburn Banks was uh diagnosed with a brain tumor. She passed away last night at age 18. Uh she was in hospice in Newport for the last few days. uh they must have made a hundred trips, maybe a thousand, I don't know, between

here and Chapel Hill and Duke in the last five or six years with treating this young lady who just went through a terrible time. So, if you would if would you please pray for the Banks family as they um you know, Auburn doesn't have have to fight any more battles, but she's going to be missed by her sisters, her mom, and her dad. So, uh keep that family in your prayers. And also, if you believe in prayer, pray for our president. Pray for every man and woman that's in the Gulf. Uh, we had a tragedy last week with a a plane that went down, lost six airmen. Um, I think they were National Guard is what I was told. Um, at any rate, we need to keep that situation in prayer that it ends soon and that we don't lose any more of our soldiers, sailors, or airmen. So, uh, that's all I have. If there's any anything else, no, we're being asked to go into close session and that close session

possible. I'm sorry. Break between sessions. I'm going to read what it is and then we'll take a motion. Okay. NG NCGS143318-11A4 to discuss the location andor expansion of industries. So, do I have a motion? Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, if we could also add subdivision A3, the attorney client privilege. We need to briefly discuss the opioid litigation in close session. Okay. Thank you for adding that. So moved as amended. We have a motion second and a second to go in close session. All in favor? Opposed?

We will go into close session and soon just as soon as we can.