Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

INVOCATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Melvin "Skip" Alston

SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR

Each speaker will be allowed three (3) minutes to address the Board. Speakers from the Floor will last for a maximum of thirty (30) minutes.

2026-272 RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JORDAN ALEXANDRIA PEARSON

Requested Action: Receive resolution celebrating the life, service and lasting legacy of Jordan Alexandria Pearson.

2026-286 PROCLAIM JUNE 2026 AS PRIDE MONTH IN GUILFORD COUNTY

Requested Action: Proclaim June 2026 as Pride Month in Guilford County.

2026-274 RECOGNIZE GRIMSLEY HIGH SCHOOL MEN'S TENNIS TEAM - 7A STATE CHAMPIONS

Requested Action: Adopt resolution recognizing Grimsley High School Men's Tennis Team - 7A State Champions 2026.

2026-241

Consider approval of year-end budget amendments and accounting adjustments needed to complete the County's annual financial close process and prepare the annual financial report. These actions align the budget with required accounting entries, reconcile revenues and expenditures, and allow completed grant and project accounts to be closed. This item includes three categories of adjustments: Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Accounting Entry Appropriate funds to record the required GASB 96 accounting treatment for the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement approved by the Board on September 5, 2024. This accounting standard requires the County to recognize the total value of future software subscription payments when the agreement begins. The entry records both an expenditure and an equal offsetting revenue/other financing source, so the adjustment is budget-neutral for reporting purposes. The agreement includes Microsoft operating systems, Microsoft Office 365, Power BI Pro, Visio Pro, server licensing, and other enterprise and individual software licenses. Grant and Project Fund Closeout Adjustments Authorize transfers between the General Fund, Grants Project Fund, and Community Development Fund to reconcile revenue sources and match budgeted revenues with recorded expenses. These are year-end accounting cleanup entries that allow completed projects and grants to be properly closed once revenues and expenditures are aligned. Guilford College Rural Fire District Budget Correction Authorize a budget amendment between Guilford College rural fire district funds to correctly reflect sales tax revenue that was received in the Fire Protection District but budgeted in the Fire Protection Service District Overlay. This adjustment aligns the budget with where the revenue was actually received and where expenses should be recorded. These amendments are part of the County's normal year-end accounting process. They do not create a new program, change the previously approved Microsoft agreement, or represent a new policy direction. The amendments ensure that revenues, expenditures, transfers, and required accounting entries are recorded in the correct funds before the County finalizes its annual financial report. The attached memo provides the specific fund-level details, including the GASB 96 entries, grant closeout transfers, and rural fire district sales tax correction.

2026-268 DHHS-PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION: WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES ANTIMICROBIAL - RESISTANT GONORRHEA CONTRACT - $319,323

The Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services - Public Health Division (PH) maintains a collaborative health trends research partnership with Wake Forest University Health Sciences, supported through funding from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services - Epidemiology/Communicable Disease Branch. This partnership focuses on advancing surveillance and research related to antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea. Through this collaboration, Wake Forest University provides subject matter expertise, data analysis, clinical guidance, laboratory support, and access to advanced molecular testing. Joint efforts between PH and Wake Forest continue to strengthen local laboratory capacity, pilot innovative resistance testing methodologies, and develop responsive strategies to address emerging antimicrobial resistance. Guilford County has participated in the Strengthening the U.S. Response to Resistant Gonorrhea (SURRG) initiative since 2017. Following the conclusion of SURRG, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched the Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Gonorrhea and Other STIs (CARGOS) program, expanding participation from seven to twenty sites nationwide. The revised program scope emphasizes targeted specimen types and strengthens coordination across epidemiology, laboratory, and health information systems. Core objectives of the CARGOS program include strengthening epidemiologic capacity to detect and respond to antimicrobial resistance, improving outbreak preparedness and response coordination, enhancing laboratory testing and reporting capabilities, and advancing integration across epidemiology, laboratory, and information technology functions. The CARGOS initiative represents one component of a broader funding award from CDC to NCDHHS. The State contracts with Guilford County to ensure local implementation of required strategies. In turn, Guilford County subcontracts with Wake Forest University Health Sciences to deliver specialized expertise and operational support. Funding also supports a part-time Guilford County staff member responsible for coordinating all CARGOS related activities, including monthly laboratory data extraction and submission of specimens to the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network. Remaining funds are allocated for laboratory supplies necessary to conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing and other required analyses. Between June 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, a total of 3,933 gonorrhea specimens were tested through CARGOS activities, with 83 undergoing antimicrobial susceptibility testing. These numbers are slightly lower than previous numbers due to modifications made by CDC as to what specimen types are now included in the CARGOS program. The proposed contract with Wake Forest University Health Sciences, in the amount of $319,323, will cover the period of June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. This represents the tenth consecutive year Guilford County has received this funding.

2026-270 HHS-PUBLIC HEALTH NC PUBLIC HEALTH ALLIANCE: THRIVING HEARTS $40,000

Guilford County Health and Human Services Public Health is participating as a Local Health Department Champion in the statewide Thriving Hearts initiative, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). This collaborative effort, led in partnership with the NC Alliance of Public Health Agencies, aims to improve maternal health outcomes by creating conditions that support not only safe pregnancies, but long-term health and well-being for mothers and birthing people. Through this initiative, Guilford County will partner with local maternity care providers to strengthen care for individuals at risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, with a focus on whole-person, coordinated approaches that improve cardiometabolic health. In addition, the program emphasizes workforce support by providing training to healthcare and public health staff to address burnout and compassion fatigue, helping ensure consistent, respectful, and person-centered care delivery across the system. A key component of the effort includes expanding the role of Community Health Workers to provide proactive outreach, education, and connection to critical resources. This approach is designed to address social drivers of health, reduce stress, and improve access to services that support healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes. Guilford County is one of ten local health departments across North Carolina selected to participate in this initiative, alongside Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Cumberland, Durham, Forsyth, Johnston, Orange, and Person counties. The project is led by Co-Principal Investigators Quintana Stewart, Director of the Orange County Health Department, and Dr. Alison Stuebe of UNC OB/GYN. The planning phase for this initiative began November 1, 2025, and will continue through March 31, 2026, with implementation in Guilford County anticipated to begin July 1, 2026. This work is expected to strengthen maternal health outcomes across clinical, community, and public health systems, ultimately contributing to healthier families and communities in Guilford County. The funding will support a portion of a community health educator, cost of community convening's, supplies and mileage.

2026-271 BUDGET AMENDMENT: CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA GRANT

This agenda item is to approve receipt of the Corn Growers Association of North Carolina grant award for improving local feed corn quality and market readiness through on-farm demonstrations and farmer education and authorize the associated budget amendment. Cooperative Extension applied and received a $5,000 grant from the association. The grant will support three cooperating farms that will host demonstration plots comparing corn hybrids and management practices. Post-harvest samples will be analyzed for grain moisture and test weight to determine the best-performing varieties for feed use. Educational outreach will include a workshop and publication of results for farmers, feed buyers, and Extension educators. This project aligns with NC Cooperative Extension’s goals of supporting research-based solutions, expanding local feed markets, and improving grain quality across the Piedmont Region. This work is highly relevant to feed grain producers in the Piedmont Region, where over 40,000 acres of corn are grown annually for feed markets. The results will inform regional Extension recommendations and future NC Corn Growers educational programming. This project will strengthen Guilford County’s local feed grain sector by demonstrating practical methods to improve corn yield, grain moisture management, and storage quality. It connects local producers with feed buyers, promoting improved handling and marketing practices to increase the profitability, quality, and sustainability of feed corn.

2026-253 SOLE SOURCE AGREEMENT WITH HILL'S PET NUTRITION SALES, INC.

This agenda item requests a sole source agreement for the purchase of animal food from Hill's Pet Nutrition for an amount not to exceed $87,000 annually. G.S. 143-129(e)(6) provides that formal bidding requirements do not apply when a needed product is available from only one source or supply. Hill's Pet Nutrition Sales, Inc is the sole manufacturer of Hill's brand dog and cat food supplies. Hill's is Animal Services' sole animal food provider. Hill's provides a discount program for animal shelters. Additionally, Hill's supplies a catalog of specialty and prescription foods for a variety of health concerns and issues that Animal Services addresses daily and is able to handle the high volume of animal food required by Animal Services.

2026-260 CONTRACT WITH GREATER OUTREACH SERVICES FOR THE STATE MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT GRANT PROGRAM

The purpose of this agenda item is to approve a fourteen month contract with Greater Outreach Services for two Certified Peer Support Specialists, funded by a previously adopted North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) grant. The Guilford County Sheriff's Office received a three (3) year grant in 2024 from NCDPS to provide additional support for medication assisted treatment in the Greensboro and High Point Detention Centers. The grant provides funds for two Certified Peer Support Specialists, one for Greensboro and one for High Point who provide additional services, both in the jails and after release for those receiving Medication Assisted Treatment. The previous contract for these services ended at the request of the vendor, therefore a new RFP was conducted and Greater Outreach Services was awarded the contract for the remaining fourteen (14) months of the grant to provide these two Certified Peer Support Specialists. The budgeted grant funds for this contract are as follows: $150,000 from July 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027, with the option to extend for four (4) additional months (for no additional financial exposure), ending on December 31, 2027, subject to NCDPS approval.

2026-275 AUTHORIZE CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR INTERIM COUNTY ATTORNEY SERVICES WITH TEAGUE CAMPBELL DENNIS & GORHAM, LLP

This agenda item is an amendment to the contract Teague Campbell Dennis & Gorham, LLP., to provide legal services, including the Interim County Attorney services, for Guilford County. The original contract amount was approved for $185,250, with an amendment for County staff are requesting approval of Contract Amendment to increase the contract amount an additional $22,000, resulting in a revised total contract amount not to exceed $222,250. The amendment is necessary to continue providing interim legal representation and advisory services to Guilford County. Pursuant to the County's purchasing authority thresholds and the FY2026 Budget Ordinance, Board of Commissioners approval is required because the amended contract amount exceeds $200,000.

2026-265 ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Requested Action: Review and approve the following sets of minutes: 05.21.26 Regular Meeting

2026-238 HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON COUNTY MANAGER'S FY 2026-27 RECOMMENDED BUDGET

Requested Action: Hold a public hearing on the County Manager's FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget, including but not limited to the economic development appropriations therein. Each speaker will have two (2) minutes to address the proposed budget and the public hearing will remain open until each speaker has had the opportunity to speak.

2026-178 ACCEPTANCE OF PROPERTY INTEREST FROM THE CITY OF HIGH POINT - 4525 W. WENDOVER AVENUE, GREENSBORO

The property located at 4525 W. Wendover Avenue was previously used as the former Guilford County Animal Shelter and is currently owned jointly by three governmental entities as tenants in common: - Guilford County - one-half (1/2) interest - City of Greensboro - three-eighths (3/8) interest - City of High Point - one-eighth (1/8) interest On October 20, 2025, the High Point City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the conveyance of the City's one-eighth interest in the property to Guilford County. The conveyance was made through a Non-Warranty Deed transferring all of the City of High Point's right, title, and interest in the property to Guilford County. The conveyance is made with the condition that the property continue to be used for a public purpose under North Carolina law, which may include the development of permanent supportive housing or other public uses. If the property ceases to be used for a public purpose, the 1/8th property interest may revert to the City of High Point. North Carolina General Statute §160A-274 authorizes governmental units to convey or receive property interests from other governmental units with or without consideration when it is deemed to be in the public interest. Acceptance of the City of High Point's interest will consolidate additional ownership of the property with Guilford County and support potential public uses of the site. Next steps include additional discussions with the City of Greensboro on proposed plans for the site and then a potential conveyance of the property to the City of Greensboro pending additional Board review and approval.

2026-229 HHS-PUBLIC HEALTH READY FOR SCHOOL READY FOR LIFE DOULA PROGRAM ($30,250)

This agenda item is to accept and appropriate a grant for $30,250 to support the countywide, community-based doula program that addresses disparities in infant mortality. It provides doula support services to individuals identified as high need and referred through home visiting programs. This program is part of the HHS Public Infant Mortality initiative and supports the broader strategic plan to reduce infant mortality using evidence-based approaches. Guilford County contracts with Doulas Of North America (DONA) - or Doula Trainings International (DTI)-certified doulas. These doulas provide prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum support. The program serves up to 45 clients each year. Funding from Ready for School, Ready for Life supplements the Reducing Infant Mortality in Communities grant. This allows for more comprehensive services. The program supports changes at the individual, community, and system levels: A) Individual level: Doulas provide direct support to birthing individuals. Since the program began in February 2024, 135 individuals have been served. In Fiscal Year 2025, 56 individuals were served. In Fiscal Year 2026, ending June 30, 2026, the program is expected to serve 60 individuals. B) Community level: The program builds a network of doulas through education and peer support training. C) System level: The program has supported policy changes in two healthcare systems to increase access to doula services for the community. Of the $30,250 awarded for the Guilford County Community-Based Doula Program: - $29,459 will fund contractual doula services and professional support; - $91 will be used for supplies; and - $700 will support community convenings.

2026-263 APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

Requested Action: Consider and approve the following appointments and reappointments to various boards & commissions: Commission on Aging Appoint Laura L. Regan to 1st term (June 4, 2026 - June 3, 2029) Fire District Commission - Alamance Appoint Emmett F. Forbis to 1st term (June 4, 2026 - June 3, 2028) Guilford County Behavioral Health Oversight Board Reappoint Jodi Lorenzo to 2nd term in MH/DD/SA Director/Designee position (August 3, 2026 - August 2, 2029) Reappoint Anthony Ward to 2nd term in LME/MCO Director/Designee position (June 16, 2026 - June 15, 2029) Guilford County Board of Adjustment Appoint Nicole Goodman to 1st term in Alternate position (June 4, 2026 - June 3, 2029) Guilford County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Appoint Shannon Milne to 1st term in Citizen position (June 4, 2026 - June 3, 2028)

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS

2026-267 BUDGET AMENDMENT REPORT FOR BUDGET AMENDMENTS PROCESSED UNDER THE AUTHORITY GRANTED TO THE COUNTY IN THE FY 2025-26 BUDGET ORDINANCE

Requested Action: Receive Budget Amendment report for budget amendments processed under the authority granted to the County Manager in the FY 2025-26 Budget Ordinance.

COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS

HOLD CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO N.C.G.S. §143-318.11 FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSULTING WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

ADJOURN