March 18, 2025 Special Meeting Outer Agency Budget Presentations The Martin County Board of Commissioners met in a Special Call meeting to hear Outer Agency Budget presentations for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commissioner's Boardroom of the Martin County Governmental Center, 305 E. Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892. ASSEMBLY Those attending the meeting were Chairman Joe R. Ayers, Vice Chair David "Skip" Gurganus, Commissioner Dempsey Bond Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Taylor, and Commissioner Ronnie Smith. Interim County Manager/ County Attorney Benjamin R. Eisner (via phone call), County Clerk Julia S. Rease, Finance Officer Angela Raynor, and Human Resources Director Donna Zube. Others in attendance: Mayor Charlotte Griffin of Bear Grass, Chief District Court Judge Regina Parker, and Sheriff Drew Robinson. Chairman Ayers called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., Commissioner Bond Jr. led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Vice Chairman Gurganus provided the invocation. Chairman Ayers welcomed all in attendance. AGENDA APPROVAL Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve of the Revised Agenda, with a Second by Commissioner Taylor. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). OUTSIDE AGENCY BUDGET RESENTATION 1.Wright Flight of Martin County, Inc. - Sheriff Drew Robinson Sheriff Drew Robinson was in attendance as a representative of the Wright Flight Program. The Wright Flight Program was explained to be a program that gave sixth graders in Martin County an opportunity to learn about aviation, visit the airport, and understand that there were bigger and better things outside of Martin County. Last year, there was a total number of2,777 participants who actually went through the program, which required students to sign a behavioral agreement, set some goals and met those goals, and to pass their curriculum. It was reported that every student is transported to the airport for Field Day, where volunteer pilots brought their aircrafts in, the NCI Forestry Service and Highway Patrol attended, Elizabeth City State University would bring in their drones. In addition, it was reported that Field Day included static displays for the children and an opportunity to talk to the pilots. The students who passed the program are transported to the airport and the student and a parent of their choice gets fly with a flight instructor around Marton County and control the plane. Sheriff Robinson thanked the Board for support and stated that there was no change in the budget request this year and it would remain at $6,000.00. Board members thanked Sheriff Robinson and Chairman Ayers specifically commented positively about the program as he was a member of the Airport Commission. 2.District #2 Recovery Court = Sheriff Drew Robinson Sheriff Robinson expressed his passion for the District #2 Recovery Court Program and stated that it was the most effective program he had experienced in the 29 years ofhis law enforcement career. The goal of the District #2 Recovery Court Program was to take people who were suffering from a traumatic event, that may have been 10 years ago or within their childhood, and rehabilitating them and learn how to properly deal with that trauma, instead of substances. Sheriff Robinson stated explained that Substance Use Disorder covers up the damage that trauma has caused. The program was long term and stated to be very difficult and intensive. It was reportedly designed to peel back the layers of an individual and to get down to the actual trauma, address the trauma, and then give that individual the tools necessary to become productive members of society. Sheriff Robinson gave a success story of a man who went through the program, was rehabilitated into a productive member of society, and who now supports others. There were 14 total graduates from the program and 22 participants in the program right now, and 4 referrals. Sheriff Robinson asked the Board to consider a $25,000.00 allocation towards the District #2 Recovery Court Program. Transportation was stated to be an issue as costs were increasing and grants were being sought to assist. Sheriff Robinson reported that the Reaching Rule Grant, which was designed to provide funding to rural counties throughout the United States, was received in the amount a little over $100,000.00. Board members took turns in speaking on their experience in attending graduations and the Winter Gala. Board members expressed appreciation to Chief District Court Judge Regina Parker, Sheriff Drew Robinson, and the staff. Chief District Court Judge Regina Parker shared her experiences and passion for the program as well and expressed appreciation for her staff and the Board. 3.MC Economic Development Corp. - Steve Biggs, President/CEO EDC Director Steve Biggs thanked the Board for their continuous support. There were no additional funds being requested this year. EDC Director Biggs stated that there were funds allocated for the Administrative Assistant last year and the position was moved into County employment. The position was taken out ofthe EDC budget this year. EDC Director Biggs gave some highlights: Lobbyist Efforts for a $5 Million SPEC Building - $5 million was submitted into the budget for EDC, but the budget was not approved. The funding was still there, but it was reported that lobbying efforts had to continue to get the funding to build the SPEC building. It was a goal now and, in the future, to continue attaining funding to build SPEC buildings. Healthfirst Wellness - EDC Director reported that the owner of the clinic was more than satisfied with the Healthfirst Wellness facility and it was stated that EDC worked hard with Commerce to assist in making Healthfirst Wellness come into fruition. Natural Gas in the Industrial Park - EDC Director Biggs reported meeting with the Blue Ridge Solutions Company that bought the Old Textile Building Company and he was able to work with the owner in upfitting the building. There were several other projects that EDC was reportedly working on. EDC Director asked that the Board consider the same allocation allotted last year and thanked the Board for their support. Chairman Ayers thanked EDC Biggs and spoke on how well officials in Raleigh knew EDC Biggs. 4. Beaufort- Hyde- Martin Regional Library - Director Paula Hopper Director Paula Hopper attended the meeting representing the Beaufort - Hyde - Martin Regional Library, which was reported to be the oldest public library system in the state ofl North Carolina. The Regional Library system was reportedly incorporated in 1941. Martin County had the biggest library in Williamston and the smallest in Robersonville. Director Hopper thanked the Board for their support and the opportunity to speak with the Board. Director Hopper asked the Board to consider an allocation of$3,000.00 for the following: To provide a modest salary improvement for staff in Martin County who were making $8.00/hour. Director Hopper provided the Board with an impact report oft the work conducted by staff, which was often after hours and weekends, and included a seed library, school visits, after school programs, multiple book clubs, youth programs, clothing and food drive, family movie nights, and more, and more. Director Hopper discussed some educational qualifications of the staff at the library as some Clerks had their Masters Degrees. Most of the funding received reportedly went towards general operations. Vice Chairman Gurganus asked about funding received from the other counties involved in the regional system. Director Hopper stated that the County contribution was based on population and number of libraries, with Beaufort County providing the bulk of library systems budget. Commissioner Ayers asked if there were any other funding sources. Director Hopper stated that the library used grant funding and did ask the libraries in Williamston and Robersonville for a contribution. 5. Martin Community College - Operations and Community Engagement Director Billy Barber and Chief Finance Officer Tammy Bailey The Board was thanked for the opportunity to present a PowerPoint presentation and the submittal of the budget allocation request. Operations and Community Engagement Director Barber gave a breakdown off funding received by Martin Community College from the state and mentioned statutorily required allocations. Operations and Community Engagement Director Barber discussed classes and programs offered by Martin Community College and student demographics. After the presentation, Operations and Community Engagement Director Barber asked the Board to consider an allocation of $1,198,509 for Martin Community College's main campus in Williamston. This was stated to represent an approximate 3.33% increase over last year's budget. This increase was reported to be $38,645 over last year's allocation. The requested increase was to fund cost of living increases for our County funded employees, utilities, insurance, security, and facilities repair and maintenance. Board members asked questions regarding Martin Community College funding and programs. Operations and Community Engagement Director Barber answered all questions and was thanked for his services and presentation. 6. Center for Family Violence Prevention- Outreach Director Sandra Rhodes Outreach Director Sandra Rhodes thanked the Board for support over the years before informing the Board of staff members who provided services at the Williamston Center for Family Violence Prevention office, programs offered by the Center for Family Violence Prevention, office locations, informed the Board of funding sources. Some of the programs and services offered were listed as follows: Court Services Parenting Classes Counseling services Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) assistance, and more. This year, Outreach Director Rhodes asked the Board to consider the same allocation given last year and thanked the Board for their assistance. 7. Boys & Girls Club of the Coastal Plains - Regional Director Caitlin Kuhn Regional Director Caitlin Kuhn asked the Board to consider an allocation of $25,000 to support the BGCCP in Robersonville and Williamston to expand hours. Between the two clubs, there was an average daily attendance of 86 participants and there were 17 clubs across seven counties in eastern North Carolina. Regional Director informed the Board of services and programs such as STEM programs Enrichment programs Power Hour (dedicated time at the Boys and Girls Club for homework) Community Service Scholarships Summer Programs Commissioner Smith spoke about the program and the positive impact that it had on the community BGCCP Regional Director Kuhn announced that the G.R.E.A.T. Breakfast would occur this year on May 2025 and an invitation would be sent to the Board. Regional Director was thanked by the Board for her presentation. 8. Historical Society- Mr. Wayne Peel Mr. Wayne Peel of the Historical Society thanked the Board for the opportunity to attend and speak. Mr. Peele stated that the Historical Society was able to create an artifacts committee and a presentation was made by that committee at the 250 Anniversary of Martin County last spring. and last fall. Mr. Peel informed the Board of several Historical Society or partnered events that had taken place and were upcoming such as: - Hamilton, Hassel, Oak City Historical Tour - (event occurred) Robersonville, Everett's, Parmele, Gold Point, Spring Green Historical Buildings Tour June 7th 2025 - Pirate History in April 2025 - Revolutionary War Medicine in May 2025 Mr. Wayne Peel stated that an artifacts group was created and there was interest in a museum for Martin County. There was effort to created museum in the County before, but it was stated that the museum did not come into fruition. Mr. Peel stated that there was an issue in finding a location for the museum, but the group was able to find the Robert Seville Exhibit Hall (The Old Sparrow Insurance Building on Main Street Robersonville). It was reported that the building needed some repairs to the roof and a possible inspection for any other repairs such as the HVAC system. The group would be partnering with the Tourism Development Authority as well as Mr. Robert Seville. Mr. Peele asked the Board to consider an allocation of $10,000.00 to start the process of creating a museum in Martin County. Mr. Peele stated that the Artifacts Group already had a plan in place as to how they would collect artifacts and had a standard as to what artifacts would be accepted. All other logistics were being worked on or completed by the Artifacts group. Vice Chairman Gurganus spoke of a time he was given a piece of history regarding his family in the form of a letter and the impact that it had on him. Mr. Peel, the Historical Society, and Artifacts group were thanked for their efforts and time. ADJOURNMENT At: 6:30 p.m., Vice Chairman Gurganus made the Motion to Adjourn, with a Second by Commissioner Bond Jr. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). faplers Joe RAyers, Chairman Martin County Board ofCommissioners Eliki B.pae Julia S. Rease Clerk to the Board