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.

2026-342 PROCLAIM AUGUST 2026 AS CHILD SUPPORT AWARENESS MONTH IN GUILFORD COUNTY

Requested Action: Receive proclamation recognizing August 2026 as Child Support Awareness Month in Guilford County.

2026-332 BUDGET AMENDMENT: FY27 NC GOVERNOR'S HIGHWAY SAFETY DWI TASK FORCE GRANT

Background: This agenda item intends to approve the receipt of the FY27 DWI Task Force Grant. The overall objective of the Governor's Highway Safety DWI Task Force grant is to provide programs that address traffic related issues. Some of the main areas of focus for the Task Force are unrestrained drivers and passengers, especially children; motorists who are driving while impaired, and community education on these issues. The Task Force is comprised of five (5) positions, which are: one (1) Sergeant, one (1) Master Corporal, one (1) DWI Educator, and two (2) enforcement deputies. Grant funding will assist with salaries and benefits, training, and travel expenses for all Task Force members. The travel expenses are both in-state and out-of-state travel costs. The total cost of the program is estimated to be $569,849 annually with Guilford County providing $427,387 and State/Federal funding providing $142,462. In the first six months of 2026 the Sheriff's DWI Task Force cited 236 individuals and seized 20 vehicles for driving while impaired. It has also cited 98 individuals for not using their seat belts. Additional community education efforts over the past six months include presentations to dozens of high school driver education classes and community events that have reached over 10,000 attendees. The total cost of the program is $569,849 with Guilford County providing $427,387 and State/Federal funding providing $142,462. The project ordinance adopted with the FY27 budget included estimated award amounts. The final award amounts requires a budget ordinance adjustment of $14,337, of which $10,703 will be county funds from the Sheriff Office's budget. Requested Action: Approve receipt of the FY27 DWI Task Force Grant in the amount of $142,462 and amend the grant project ordinance for the FY 27 DWI Task Force grant to increase the appropriation to the project by $14,337 with Federal/State funds in the amount of $3,634 and $10,703 Transfer from Other Funds (General Fund). Authorize a transfer from the General Fund to the project ordinance for $10,703.

2026-334 APPROVE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO APPLY FOR THE FY 2026 LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANTS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF CYBERCRIMES PROGRAM

Background: The Guilford County Sheriff's Office is requesting approval to apply for the Office on Violence Against Women: FY 2026 Local Law Enforcement Grants for Cybercrimes Program. Funding Opportunity: O-OVW-2026-172629. The grant funding amount is up to 750,000 for a term of 36 months. The Office on Violence Against Women requires that the application be approved by the Board of County Commissioners and is available for public comment. The Cybercrimes grant has been approved through the County's grants approval process. The program supports efforts by States and units of local government to prevent, enforce, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals. Cybercrimes against individuals are defined as criminal offenses that involve the use of a computer to harass, threaten, stalk, extort, coerce, cause to fear to, or intimidate an individual, or without consent distribute intimate images of adults, except that use of a computer need not be an element of the offense. The first program goal under which the Sheriff's Office will apply is: training for local law enforcement personnel relating to cybercrimes against individuals. Training will include identifying and protecting victims of cybercrimes, assist victims of cybercrimes, enforce and utilize laws that prohibit cybercrimes, utilize technology to assist in the investigation of cybercrimes, and payment of overtime incurred as a result of training. The second program goal is acquiring computers, computer equipment, and other equipment necessary to conduct investigations and forensic analysis of evidence in matters involving cybercrimes against individuals, including expenses incurred in the training, maintenance, or acquisition of technical updates necessary for the use of such equipment for the duration of a reasonable period of use of such equipment. Requested Action: Approve the Sheriff's Office to apply for the Office on Violence Against Women: FY 2026 Local Law Enforcement Grants for $750,000.

2026-336 FY26-27 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY (NCDPS) YOUTH FOCUS GRANT

Background: This agenda item seeks to accept the FY27 North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) Youth Focus Grant totaling $49,574 and appropriate the associated budget within a grant project ordinance. NC Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) would like to continue assisting with funding the Youth Focus “HEARTH Transitional Living Program” in Guilford County. Guilford County served as a funding facilitator (pass through agency) for funds since Fiscal Year 2023. The current HEARTH program model provides supportive housing for youth ages 18-21 who are experiencing homelessness, with on-site supervised, yet independent living environment. During the program, youth gain needed independent living skills. Transitional housing along with living expenses and programming relating to independent living skills are provided to all participants. Participants set transitional goals specific to their situation to transition from the program into stable housing; including obtaining their high school diploma or a GED and /or a college degree; receive vocational training to gain and maintain employment; development permanent connections with caring adults, and improve the social-emotional well-being to fulfill a transition into independent living. The program accepts referrals statewide and expects to serve approximately two (2) youths during this fiscal year. NCDPS will take on all responsibilities for vetting the program’s services and expenditures and will disburse funds to Guilford County monthly to reimburse Youth Focus “HEARTH Transitional Living Program”. Guilford County will not be required to complete any monitoring, financial reviewing, etc., only schedule monthly reimbursements based on NCDPS disbursements. Requested Action: Approve receipt of FY26-27 NCDPS Youth Focus Grant from DPS for the HEARTH Transitional Living Program and the contract, in substantial form, that the County agrees to serve as a payment processor of the approved funds of $49,574, effective July 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026, and adopt the grant project ordinance for FY26-27 NCDPS Youth Focus Grant in the amount of $49,574, with $49,574 in federal state/funds.

2026-295 CONTRACT TO OPERATE AN EVICTION MEDIATION AND LANDLORD OUTREACH PROGRAM WITH UNC-G

Background: The Board of Commissioners is requested to authorize a 12-month contract with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G) in the amount of $860,866 to continue operation of the Tenant Eviction and Mediation (TEAM) program for FY 2026-27. Since July 1, 2022, Guilford County has contracted with UNC-G's Center for Housing and Community Studies (CHCS) to provide eviction mediation, housing counseling, landlord outreach, and resource navigation services for vulnerable, low-income households experiencing housing instability or facing eviction. The proposed agreement will continue these services for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. During calendar year 2025, the TEAM Clinic program held 190 eviction clinic days in our courthouses in partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina and together they served over 2,700 households by providing eviction mediation, rental assistance, and referrals to other services. During this same period there were 6,645 evictions on the court docket on the days the Clinic was present in court. Of those cases, approximately 25% (1,659) were dismissed by the court or the landlord and an additional 21% (1,406) were delayed by being continued to a later date. Additionally, UNC-G has conducted 907 one-on-one landlord engagements, the majority with small landlords who have 1 to 10 units. The County has used ERA and then ARPA funds to pay for this service until now but both of these funding sources have been expended. This new contract will be funded with local funds appropriated in the FY 2026-27 budget. Requested Action: Authorize the County Manager, or designee, to enter into contract, and take any and all necessary steps to execute agreement, with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G) for operation of the Tenant Eviction and Mediation (TEAM) program in the amount of $860,866 and for a term of 12 months running from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.

2026-347 CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH TOSHIBA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FOR SERVICES FOR MULTIFUNCTION PHOTOCOPIERS AND DESK TOP PRINTERS

Background: This agenda item seeks approval of a one-year extension of the County's contract with Toshiba America Business Solutions for the lease, maintenance, supplies, and servicing of photocopiers, multifunction devices, and desktop printers located throughout the County. The County pays monthly equipment charges, as applicable, and per-copy charges for black-and-white and color printing. On June 1, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners approved an initial three-year contract with Toshiba, beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2026. The contract included two one-year renewal options. Staff is requesting approval of the first one-year renewal, beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, leaving one renewal option remaining. The renewal is a price-only contract that with expenditures not expected to exceed $390,000. The renewal amount is approximately $16,657 more than the annualized value of $373,343 under the original three-year contract, an increase of 4.4%. Requested Action: Approve a price only contract renewal, in substantial form, with Toshiba Business Solutions for one (1) year beginning on July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2027 with estimated contract renewal expense adding $390,000.00 for continued copier services.

2026-325 HHS-SOCIAL SERVICES NEUROAGILE LEADERSHIP & WORKFORCE ALLIES 4 OUTCOMES TEMP STAFFING CONTRACT APPROVAL

Background: In February 2024, Guilford County entered into contract with NeuroAgile Leadership & Workforce Consulting, LLC (dba Allies 4 Outcomes) to further enhance child welfare practice and leadership skills within the division. This initiative was endeavored in direct response to the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) imposed by the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS). The goal of the partnership has been to improve overall child welfare service delivery within the organization with two specific outcomes: 1) strengthen safety planning practices and continuous quality improvement processes, and 2) enhancing supervisor and manager skills to better promote the transfer of learning to practice for social workers. On April 23, 2025, the NCDHHS formally confirmed that Guilford County HHS-DSS - Children's Services Division has successfully completed all requirements of the CAP. This accomplishment reflects the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our staff and their steadfast commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. The Board of County Commissioners approved renewal of this contract in September 2025. Key achievements include: - Backlogs reduced: Cases open 120+ days decreased from 387 to 95 - Safety planning strengthened: Adequate Safety Assessments increased to 89% - Ongoing contacts significantly expanded: Now reaching 80% of required contacts - Supervision enhanced: Consistent, effective supervision now occurring in 100% of cases - Placement stability improved: Placement moves reduced from 11.1% to 6.1% - Kinship placements expanded: More children placed safely with relatives • Complaints resolved: No placement resource complaints reported to NCDHHS in the past 4 months Children's Services has also ensured that improvements are sustainable through: • Consolidated and accessible Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) • A redesigned onboarding and training process that integrates state and local protocols • Ongoing review and improvement through the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) team • Annual discipline-specific "Boot Camps" to refresh and update staff on policy and practice • Regular processes to maintain compliance with policy and practice updates This milestone demonstrates remarkable and measurable progress, positioning Guilford County as a leader in child welfare practice improvements across North Carolina. Additionally, in September 2025, the Guilford County Board of County Commissioners approved a new contract for temporary staffing services with Allies 4 Outcomes through June 30, 2026 to allow HHS-DSS to obtain much needed staffing support for current child welfare social work vacancies. To date, Allies 4 Outcomes has managed to successfully supply HHS-DSS with staffing for Child Protective Services. Therefore due to continued staffing needs, HHS-DSS is seeking approval to continue the contractual relationship with Allies for Outcomes for both Temp Staffing and Capacity Building. Guilford County HHS-DSS is requesting approval of a new combined one year term contract in the maximum amount of $322,000. This contract will encompass both Temp Staffing ($292,000) and Capacity Building ($30,000). These expenses were budgeted with 50% county funding; and, the County expects a 50% reimbursement rate by way of Federal/State Revenue for the contract expenses as they relate to aide to foster care, therefore the net County cost will be $161,000 and the expenses and expected revenue reimbursement are already budgeted in FY27 Adopted Budget. Requested Action: Approve contract, in substantial form, for a total contract amount of $322,000 with NeuroAgile Leadership & Workforce Consulting, LLC (dba Allies 4 Outcomes) and authorize staff to take all necessary actions to execute this contract.

2026-328 REVIEW AND APPROVE DRAFT MEETING MINUTES

Requested Action: Consider and approve the following draft meeting minutes: 7/23/2026 BOC Regular Meeting

2026-349 GUILFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS (GCS) CAPITAL PROJECT AMENDMENT: ERWIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Background: Guilford County voters have approved a total of $2.0 billion in school bond referendums to address school capital needs identified through a comprehensive facilities master plan jointly developed by the Guilford County Board of Education and Guilford County Board of Commissioners. The current project for Erwin Montessori School provides funding for the completion of design, demolition, early release work and pre-purchase of long-lead materials phases. The Claxton and Peeler-Hampton Elementary Schools are completed and have opened. On July 28, 2026, the Guilford County Schools Board of Education (BOE) approved increasing the Erwin Montessori School project ordinance by $39,476,016 to align with the received Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to complete the construction phase of the project. Funding for the project will be a combination of savings from the completed projects, Claxton Elementary ($1,186,695) and Peeler-Hampton Elementary ($2,100,960), and additional funds from the $2.0 billion bond program ($36,188,351). The total project ordinance for Erwin Montessori after the $39,476,006 increase will be $51,031,620. The increase amount originally reflected on the memo provided by GCS was $10 more than required for the GMP. That has been corrected in the totals presented in this agenda item. Requested Action: Authorize staff to take any and all necessary actions to amend project ordinances associated with the project readjustments or adopt necessary project ordinances.

2026-299 RESOLUTION TO CONDUCT AN ADVISORY REFERENDUM ON THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 ELECTION BALLOT - ONE-FOURTH OF ONE PERCENT (1/4 of 1 cent) COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 46 OF CHAPTER 105 OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES

Background: The Board of County Commissioners has been proactively working with the North Carolina General Assembly to clarify language used on the ballot for a sales tax referendum to provide transparency for voters on how the funding would be invested. The Board approved proposed language at the January 15, 2026 work session making it clear that 70% of generated funding would support classroom teacher salary supplements, 18% would support fire protection equipment and services for fire districts, 8% for Guilford Technical Community College capital improvements, and 4% for qualifying municipalities for allowable expenses (currently Oak Ridge, Pleasant Garden, Stokesdale, Summerfield, and Whitsett). The General Assembly approved SB 1074 on July 2, 2026. The Board appreciates the collaboration with the General Assembly delegation in making these amendments so voters have clarity on what the funding would support. Requested Action: Amend and replace the resolution adopted by the Board on June 18, 2025 entitled “Resolution Calling for an Advisory Referendum concerning the levy of a One-Quarter (1/4) County Sales and Use Tax” by rescinding the prior resolution in its entirety and adopting the revised resolution presented hereto.

2026-340 EXCEPTION REAPPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

Requested Action: Consider and approve the following exception reappointments to various boards & commissions: Commission on Aging Reappoint Beverly Williams to 4th term (September 23, 2026 - September 22, 2029) Reappoint Wayne Hale to 3rd term (March 1, 2024 - February 28, 2027) Reappoint Wendee Cutler 4th term (September 23, 2026 - September 22, 2029) Reappoint Heather Magill to 3rd term (July 19, 2024 - July 18, 2027)

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS

COMMENTS FROM COUNTY MANAGER / COUNTY ATTORNEY

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