November 13, 2024 The Martin County Board ofCommissioners met in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Martin County Governmental Center, 305 East Main Street, Williamston, North Carolina. ASSEMBLY Those attending the meeting were Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr., Vice Chair Emily Biggs, Commissioner. Joe R. Ayers, Commissioner Ronnie Smith, Commissioner David "Skip"C Gurganus (Webex), Interim County Manager/ County Attorney Benjamin R. Eisner, County Clerk Julia S. Rease, Finance Officer Angela Raynor, and Human Resources Director Donna Zube. Others in attendance: Mayor of Bear Grass Charlotte Griffin and SheriffTim Manning WELCOME Chairman Bond Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Bond Jr. asked that all veterans raise their hands to be recognized, thanked them and active military for their service, and asked for a moment of silence before proceeding with the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice Chair Biggs provided the Pledge of Allegiance and Commissioner Smith provided the invocation. Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. asked if all elected officials would raise their hands to be recognized and congratulated Jeremiah Taylor as County Commissioner Elect. AGENDA APPROVAL Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. asked that the following changes be made to the agenda: Pull Trillium Mental Health Board from the Consent Agenda Add Retiree Health Plan as item #2 under Old Business Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve the Consent Agenda with the changes, with a Second by Chairman Bond Jr. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofhand (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Deborah Pierce Martin County - "I was an EMT for 9 years for Martin County. Ijust buried my brother Saturday. He had a heart attack, a massive heart attack in Martin County. We're losing family members. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, because they're not given the solid chance to survive because we don'thave the paramedic status to push the drugs. Our EMT's our EMS system here, they do a great job. They work hard. They do everything that they can do, but there's some things they can't do during a heart attack, a stroke, or a seizure patient that can't come out of a seizure. These intermediates cannot push these drugs. Since our hospitals closed, which was our higher level ofcare, we tunctioned as a basic county for a long time. We had a better survival rate of the heart attacks that we had in the county due to our hospital. We no longer have a hospital anymore, SO we no longer have a higher level of care that can be given to these people in our county. Martin County is the only county out of a hundred counties that is not paramedic. What do we have to do to get the county to move to paramedic to save these family members? My brother was 50 years old. 50. There's been a 90 year old, Mr. Jimmy Revels, passed the same week that my brother did, of a heart attack. If any of you could tell me that my brother and Mr. Jimmy had a solid chance of survival with just the scope of practice that the intermediate performed and the cardiac pit crews, did they really have a solid chance of survival? Without the paramedic to push the drug, the Amiodarone, or the Magnesium Sulfate, are the two drugs that they could push. They didn't have a chance. They didn't have a chance that Bertie, Beaufort, Pitt, Edgecombe, that all of our surrounding counties have, but Martin County don't have that. I buried my brother. How many more we gonna have to bury before this changes?" 2. Ms. Verna Perry - 2161 Jones Road. "Thank you for your story. I remember some months ago I said nothing better not happen to one of my loved ones. We know my sister story, we know my nephew story. Well, November the 3rd was my husband's story. Jamesville Rescue had to pick him up. Thank God for the neighbor, he was there when he fell in our garden. He helped him get to the back ofthe truck and called Jamesville Rescue to him. Jamesville Rescue picked him up and we were on our way to the hospital. We get across the bridge and we. had to stop. His blood pressure was going up SO high every time he threw up. His blood pressure was going up SO high; we had to stop and get another damn truck to come and help assist us. We had to get a paramedic. That's what we needed. He needed a paramedic to give him SO medicine. So, we had to stop along the road, get Bertie to bring a paramedic to our Jamesville bus to give him some medicine and if not he would've been dead today. Y'all just sitting there like it ain't hit y'all. It has not hit home for y'all yet. What are y'all going to do? What are y'all going to do to get a paramedic here. People are dying. What are you going to do Dempsey? Ronnie? You gone, SO I ain't got to worry about you. What are y'all going to do? How many more stories y'all got to hear? How many? Get us a paramedic here in Martin County. That's what we need. Cant get no medicine. They didn't even have the medicine to stop him from throwing up. They couldn't give it to him. Come on y'all, we are Martin County? We are Martin County? I'm ashamed to say I live in Martin County." 79 3. Ms. Ashley Leggett - 3878 Wildcat Road, 46 .I'm also a small business owner and I own Leggett Drug in Robersonville. Istand before you today to, um, as Commissioners tojust challenge you. I know that you guys have the next vote on the next operator of our hospital, SO I really want to challenge you all to choose the best option for the county and the surrounding areas, don't necessarily focus on the hospital or an entity that has no experience in hospital management. Pick the option that makes sense for our area. Choose the option that will be able to provide the financial stability to operate a hospital, an entity that already serves our citizens with primary and specialized care. You know, choose an entity that is already the main hospital provider for Eastern North Carolina, and focus on the best option that will provide the best continuity of care for the citizens ofMartin County. My next challenge to the Board is to consider allowing the retirees ofthe county to have a choice in their future health care options. Um, I had some discussions today with some people about that. They were feeling like they were being forced to go to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Advantage Plan. I stand before you as a licensed insurance Medicare agent and one plan is not gonna be the best for every retiree. For every individual, especially an individual with multiple medical conditions and the need for specialized care, yes, I get it. They do decrease costs to the county, but you're gonna do it at their expense, and you're gonna make them pay more like, a larger amount for their health care needs. They're gonna have out of pocket expenses for help, for hospital stays, for home health. They're gonna have CO - pays at their physicians' offices that they don't have to have if they stay on traditional Medicare. They're gonna have to have referrals for specialists and most providers are actually even opting out of those advantage plans, meaning they're out of network because they're denying coverage, and they have terrible reimbursement. So as Commissioners, I challenge you to go out there and talk to your local small business owners. You will be surprised on how these health care plans are negatively impacting the health care businesses that are in this county. Um, Atenea is the worst payer at the pharmacy level, and yet they are the main insurance care for the Town of Williamston. Um, as a small business owner, I do not have access to big federal dollars and grants to keep me in business, and the citizens don't have the money to pay for these increased health care costs that these advantage plans are gonna create for them." 4. Mr. Robert Stalls - 1125 Bobby Roberson Road - "On tonight's agenda. Item Seven - New Business Number Two says, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, NCACC Legislative Goals Conference Voting Delegates. Why? Apparently, this has already been determined by Commissioners Biggs, Bond, and Smith. Yet again, they have conducted county business without proper notice, nor the knowledge of the entire board. On November 1st, these three Commissioners were registered to attend the conference.$225 for each ofthem. On the same day, hotel rooms were reserved under their names, $383.92. Let me said it again, $382.92 per night for each of them and what seems to possibly be another attempt to stick it to the citizens of the county, the registrations were made six days after the discount period for the room rates had ended. You would have to wait and to see what is invested in travel, meals, and expenses. Mr. Chairman, again, why is this on tonight's agenda and when you report back to us from the conference, please don't bring me a copy of the Legislative Goals Handbook because I already have one, I've already downloaded that at no cost.' 1 CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Smith made the Motion to approve of the Consent Agenda, with a Second by Commissioner Ayers. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofl hands (5-0). Minutes - October 9, 2024 Regular and October 9, 2024 Closed 1. Financial Report = October 2024 2. Tax Assessor - Tax Refund Request - October 2024 3. Tax Assessor Tax Relief Orders - October 2024 4. Tax Collector's Report - October 2024 5. Board ApolnimemtsReapointmemtsResigmnations a. Trillium Mental Health Board - Pulled from Consent Agenda The Trillium Mental Health Board had a vacancy and wished to make the vacancy known to the Board for any recommendations. Commissioner Smith mentioned that he knew of an individual who could fill the vacancy and would ask if the individual wished to serve on this Board. Chairman Bond Jr. stated that the matter could be reported on next month and that there was an issue with filling the vacancy due to the distance of the meetings. h. Martin County Water & Sewer Authority (MCRWASA) The newly hired Town Administrator for the Town of Williamston, Travis Cowan, was appointed to serve on the MCRWASA Board in the place of former Town Administrator, Eric Pearson. The Town of Williamston Council approved of Mr. Cowan's appointment to MCRWASA at their monthly meeting on October 7, 2024. The Board of Commissioners were recommended to approve of this appointment. This Board appointment was approved as part of the Consent Agenda 6. Clerk Report INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE(S) The new employees for Martin County are listed as follows: 1. Tammy Jackson - DSS 2. Maria Marte Pichardo - DSS 3. Adan Garcia-Pacheco DMV PRESENTATIONS "Made in Martin County" - Jennie Bowen, Director, Mid = East Commission and Rivers East Workforce Development Board Director Jennie Bowen introduced herself, informed the Board and audience of the "Made in Martin County "Project, and gave a brief update about workforce development. A brochure and fact sheet were given to the Board. Director Bowen explained the fact, which listed a five county service area and the number of services provided to Martin County through the NC Works Career Center, located on the campus of Martin Community College. It was reported that in the past year: 1,500 individuals were served in Martin County. 355 new individuals were registered for services. Provided 540 services to local businesses Entered almost 200 job orders for individuals looking for work. Director Bowen stated that the fact sheet also had success stories in it, such as a young woman that participated in the youth program, and enrolled in Automotive Technology program through Martin Community College. Director Bowen reported that the young woman was very successful. Next, Director Bowen announced the official launch of these projects across the region. A grant from Golden Leaf Foundation to complete this effort in all counties served. The purpose was to create a pathway for individuals at any career level to be able to reach local advanced manufacturing careers. This endeavor was reported to be a great partnership between Martin County Schools, Martin Community College, the local universities, local businesses, as well as the Economic Development. Director Bowen added that the purpose of this project was to encourage people to be able to see what it's like to live, work and play in Martin County. Director Bowen discussed the wage wheels, which were also called industry clusters. The Workforce Development provided a breakdown oft the impact ofthe manufacturing industries into four pieces. The four segments were wooden pulp manufacturing, chemicals and plastics manufacturing, food processing, and metal fabrication and assembly. The wage wheels include information about the types of jobs that occur within those industries, information about the average wage of what those jobs actually make, as well as information about required post- secondary training. Director Bowen stated that another purpose ofthis project was to open up the minds and eyes ofthe young talent in Martin County as well as attracting talent in the region to be able to fulfill the great needs of advanced manufacturers. Director Bowen asked ifthere were any questions. Chairman Bond Jr. reported looking at the website created for Martin County and it was impressive. Chairman Bond Jr. briefly discussed the importance in building a workforce by provided training and education. Chairman Bond Jr. expressed his appreciation for Director Bowen and the Workforce Development. Director Bowen thanked Chairman Bond Jr and referred to the "Made in Martin County website displayed on the projector screen and stated that the website link was: wwsmaimawtinsayaen. Director Bowen was thanked for her presentation. OLD BUSINESS 2025 County Revaluation Update Interim County Manager Benjamin Eisner has given updates on the 2025 County Revaluation process in recent Board meetings and gave an update for the month of November. The last revaluation was conducted in 2017 -2018 and there was a statutory requirement to conduct a revaluation on an 8-year cycle. Piner Appraisals, the company conducting the revaluation, was contacted and a Schedule ofValues needed to be presented to the Board sometime this month. A Special Call meeting would reportedly occur before the end of the month, a public hearing in December, and the potential adoption ofthe Schedule ofValues and appeal deadline would occur in January February. Interim County Manager informed the Board and audience that revaluation notices would be sent out around the month ofMarch. There was no action required for this matter and was only discussed for informational purposes. A meeting would be scheduled on or before November 25th, 2024. Retiree Health Plan Interim County Manager Eisner reminded the Board and audience about retiree health insurance being discussed at the last Board meeting on October 9, 2024. The matter was submitted to the agcnda for further discussion by Commissioner Ayers. Commissioner Ayers stated that there was a scheduled meeting for retirees that were 65 years and older. Commissioner Ayers and Commissioner Gurganus attended the meeting Commissioner Ayers reported receiving calls from retirees stating that their health care provider did not accept the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Advantage Plan that was approved to cover the retirees at the last Board meeting. To find more information, Commissioner Ayers attended a scheduled meeting for the 65 and older retirees, wherein a Blue Cross Blue Shield representative explained the plan and answered any questions. It was discovered that a part of the group was interested in the new plan and there were others that were not. Commissioner Ayers stated that the new plan was good plan, but it had some gaps for some of the retirees, especially for those who received specialty care. There were two retirees in the meeting that reported their specialty doctor not being able to support the BCBS Advantage plan. Without coverage, the retirees would have to pay out of pocket or go without services. Commissioner Ayers stated that a lot of feedback and information came from attending the meeting and listening to retirees who had experience in this matter. There were some retirees who were found to have better costs on prescriptions that received with the new plan and some retirees did not. Everyone that attended and called with concerns had their pros and cons about the new plan being offered. It was stated that the BCBS Advantage Plan did not require everyone to sign on to it and there was an option for retirees to opt out to keep their original plans. Commissioner Ayers reported that there was an unofficial discussion about giving retirees a choice in the matter of their insurance coverage. Commissioner Ayers recommended rescinding the motion made in the last Board meeting to change all of the 65 years and older retirees to the new plan and to make a motion that would give the retirees an option of opting out or in. Commissioner Smith agreed with Commissioner Ayers and stated some concerns that were received from retirees calling him. Commissioner Gurganus agreed and gave an example regarding a family member who needed $4,500-$7,000 arthritis infusions and how they would be affected by the change in insurance if not given a choice in the matter. Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. made comments about his state insurance plan and how he chose to keep his original plan over a new one that was offered recently. Chairman Bond Jr. stated that the retirees should have a choice in the matter. Commissioner Smith Motioned to rescind the original motion from the October 9, 2024 meeting, with a Second by Commissioner Ayers. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of hands (5-0). Commissioner Ayers asked that the retiree group contact Human Resources Director Donna Zube to inform her of the choice they would like to make in regard oftheir insurances package. NEW BUSINESS Low Income Energy Assistance Program - DSS Director Angela Ellis DSS Director Angela Ellis in shared information regarding the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) which was federally funded once a year from December 1 - March 31. The program was stated to help individuals and families with electricity, wood, and or gas bills. DSS Director Ellis stated that individuals had have the following criteria to apply: Household must meet an income test. Household must be responsible for its heating bills. Household cannot have resources over $2250 Household must include a U.S. citizen or an eligible alien. The month of December 1-319t, was prioritized for individuals 60 years and older and reported receiving services through Adult & Aging Services. DSS Director Ellis encouraged everyone 60 years and older to apply for the program in December. It was reported that all other households could apply for the funding beginning January 1, 2025 until funds were exhausted. DSS Director reported collaboration with Towns within Martin County and traveling to senior centers to inform residents about the program. There was information posted on multiple websites about the program as well as the application. DSS Director Ellis reported that residents could also contact the Department of Social Services to complete the application over the phone. Commissioner Smith commented that this was a great program and encourage everyone to apply. DSS Director Ellis clarified that the funding received from the program went directly to the applicant's vendor / company that provided utility services and encourage everyone applying to continue to pay their utility bill, as the funding would credit onto the account. There were no further questions or comments and DSS Director Ellis was thanked for providing this information. North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Legislative Goals Conference - Voting Delegates Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr explained that Legislative Goals Conference occurred every two years in North Carolina and was made up of all 100 counties. It was reported that all of the counties across the state had the chance to submit three goals for their county to be reviewed at the state level, Commissioners would vote on goals submitted, and the goals resulting in the vote are submitted to the Legislature. Chairman Bond Jr. stated that there was a Legislative Goals meeting earlier in the year that was alleged to be an illegal meeting. Chairman Bond Jr stated that each county in the District informed staff from Raleigh of three goals that needed to be achieved. The goals for Martin County were assistance with the hospital, broadband, and water for Piney Woods and Dardens. Each goal was to be categorized and sent to the legislature. Chairman Bond Jr stated that the County needed to have a seat at the table. Commissioner Ayers was concerned about Commissioners using taxpayer monies to attend the event as there were complaints stated in previous meetings, there were concerns with Vice Chair Biggs attending the conference as her term as Commissioner was almost complete 9 and Commissioner Ayers stated concerns with hotel rooms being purchased when the conference was in Raleigh, which Commissioner Ayers felt was close enough to travel back and forth. Commissioner Smith made the Motion to select Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. as the Voting Delegate, with a Second by Vice Chair Biggs. The motion was Carried by raise of hands (3-2). Ayes: Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr., Vice Chair Emily Biggs, and Commissioner Ronnie Smith Nays: Commissioner Joe R. Ayers and Commissioner David "Skip" Gurganus Fiscal Year 2023 State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Interim County Manager Eisner stated that the IT Department sought funding from the State & Local Cybersecurity Grant Program to complete upgrades to website domains and to conduct other necessary cybersecurity projects. The grant funding was received for Fiscal Year 2023and required a zero match. This was the second tome that the IT Department received this funding. There were no questions or further comments. No vote was required and the matter was discussed for information only. Airport atety/Maintenance Letter of Agreement Interim County Manager Eisner reported attending the Annual Comprehensive Planning meeting with the North Carolina Department ofTransportation (NCDOT). Interim County Manager Eisner stated there being cooperation between the Department of Aviation and the local airports in the State. The agreement outlined safety and maintenance services that would be handled by the Division of Aviation. The contract occurred on an annual basis. Commissioner Ayers made the Motion to Ayers Approve of the Airport Satety/Maintenance Letter of Agreement, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofhands. (5-0) Resolution Prohibiting the Viewing of Pornography on County Networks and Devices Interim County Manager referred to a proposed resolution that was included in the agenda packet as well as a Coates' Cannon blog post that gave information on the bill. It was reported that in the last Legislative Session, a bill passed to prohibit pornography being viewed on public agency devices and called for a policy to be created or enacted to meet the requirements fori the prohibition. Commissioner Ayers made the Motion to Approve oft the Resolution Prohibiting the Viewing of Pornography on County Networks and Devices, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofhands (5-0). 6. Old Everetts School Surplus Resolution The Board of Education Attorney reportedly contacted Interim County Manager Eisner regarding the disposal ofthe Old Everetts School property. The Board ofEducation voted to pass a resolution regarding the disposal and were statutorily required to present thc property to the Board of Commissioners as a right of refusal. If the Board of Commissioners rescinded the property, the property would go back to the school board for disposal. Commissioner Ayers was aware that the agenda item was presented due to statutory requirement, but his stance was to refuse the property and send it back to the Board of Education for auction. Commissioner Ayers made the Motion to Refuse the Old Everetts School Surplus Property, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of hands (5- 0). 7. Martin County Water & Sewer Utility Partnership Evaluation Proposals In 2022, Martin County, the Martin County Water & Sewer Authority (MCRWASA) and each town within Martin County received a grant to conduct Asset Inventory Assessments on their water systems. The Hazen and Sawyer Consulting group was contracted by MCRWASA to conduct an evaluation of Asset Inventory Assessments (AIA) conducted by each town, martin County Water Districts 1&2 and the Martin County Water & Sewer Authority (MCRWASA) to configure county wide water proposals and alternative proposals. Hazen and Sawyer has held stakeholders meetings with each entity for feedback, updates, and proposals. In the last stakeholders meeting on October 22, 2024, Hazen and Sawyer asked each entity present to discuss the presented proposals for countywide water to their Boards to pick the top three most interesting proposals to evaluate which proposals to move forward with and gather feedback from each entity. Chairman Bond Jr. asked ifthe matter needed to be voted on at the meeting and Interim County Manager Eisner reported that there was a potential Special Call meeting that would be scheduled before the end of the month. Interim County Manager Eisner added that the matter could be discussed further at that meeting if the Board chose to do SO. Commissioners Ayers reported reviewing the proposals extensively with the consulting representatives. Commissioner Ayers reported that from what he was told from the Towns and the consulting company, he did not see any ofthe proposals working. It was asked if Hazen and Sawyer were providing services through a grant. Interim County Manager Eisner agreed. Commissioner Ayers stated that the consulting group had not fulfilled their obligation for the funding rendered. It was suggested that ifthree choices were needed, a decision could be made to prevent another meeting, unless the Board wanted to discuss the matter at another meeting. stated that the debt forgiveness was mentioned in the proposals, but there was uncertainty that it could actually be achieved. Chairman Bond Jr. suggested waiting to see what the towns and other entities submitted. Commissioners Gurganus reported attending a webex meeting with staff from Hazen and Sawyer and the information presented was thorough. There was a concern that other entities and or towns within the County did not want to give up their revenue received from their water systems because it was a support for them. Commissioner Gurganus stated that each proposal was incumbent upon debt forgiveness ofthe water plant was mentioned in the proposals, but there was uncertainty that it could actually be achieved as there was no plan on howto attain debt forgiveness. Commissioner Gurganus was in favor of providing water to residents and reiterated the municipalities not wanting to give away the revenue that supported them. Commissioner Ayers added that the proposals did include debt forgiveness, but when the consulting group was asked where the debt forgiveness would come from; the consulting group did not have an answer. Commissioner Ayers reported that if a resource for debt forgiveness could be found, it would make the proposals better. Commissioner Smith made comments about the presentation received from the consulting group as well and stated that municipalities who had water systems looked at their water systems as revenue, but it was enterprise. Commissioner Smith added that the funding received did not go in the general fund accounts for each town. Commissioner Smith stated that the Board did not have the position to vote on the matter at the time and the entire County needed to decide on the matter together. Chairman Bond Jr. mentioned the water plant debt and methods of debt forgiveness. There was discussion that occurred in the past, wherein a county that maintained at the poverty level for thirty years, could receive reduction in debt. Martin County had been a Tier 1 county for 30 years. In 2013-14, the Town of Williamston were reportedly told that they had to cut back on their wells because the wells had too much salt. Chairman Bond Jr. was unaware if this issue had changed, but if not, the Town of Williamston would have to find another source of water. Chairman Bond Jr. stated that the County was pumping water out oft the river, treating it, and putting it in the water tank and when the Town ofV Williamston did not have enough water, the County would send water from the water treatment plant to the tanks for the Town of Williamston. Chairman Bond Jr stated that the smell that people complained about came from this process of mixing water and mentioned an issue with dead end lines that caused stagnated water that had to be flushed. Chairman Bond Jr stated that something needed to be done with the water within the county, water rates could not increase any more. Commissioner Gurganus asked with the amount of miles of county water line running by citizens of houses, what was the percentage of homes that were not connected versus those that were connected with access to county water. Chairman Bond Jr was unsure of this answer and Commissioner Gurganus reported that the percentage was around 50%. Commissioner Gurganus questioned ifconsumer confidencein the county's ability to properly maintain the water plant were factors as to why some residents were not using county water available to them. Chairman Bond Jr. stated that there were whole sections of land that didn't have water lines and asked what needed to be done to address that issue. Chairman Bond Jr stated that more discussion was needed on the matter. Mayor of Bear Grass, Charlotte Griffin, asked to speak as an active attendee at the Water and Sewer Partnership Evaluation meetings. Mayor ofl Bear Grass Charlotte Griffin reported that every town had been represented, with the exception of one, and they have had input. The towns were reportedly asked to vote on the same matter that the Board of Commissioners were asked to and to be submitted to Hazen & Sawyer by December 1st. Mayor Charlotte Griffin of Bear Grass stated that there had been great attendance in those meetings from all entities. Commissioner Ayers made the Motion to Table the matter until further information was given, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of hands (5-0) 8. Budget Amendment(s) Budget Amendment #13 Budget Amendment #13 appropriates grant funds awarded to the Register of Deeds that will be used for the restoration and preservation of County data (Books). BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-#13 BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows. Increase Decrease Automation Enhancement $ 4,714 This will result in an increase of $4,714 in the expenditures of the General Fund-Register ofDeeds. To provide an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed. ROD Grant $ 4,714 Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction. Motion by Commissioner Smith and Seconded by to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 13th day of November 2024. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of hands (5-0) For Your Information Increase Decrease ROD Grant 1100025- 441801 $4,714 Automation Enhancement 1141800- 549900 $4,714 CLOSED SESSION(S) At: 8:16 p.m., Commissioner Biggs made the Motion to Enter Closed Session(s) pursuant to 1. N.C.G.S. $ 143-318.11. (a)(6) Personnel, 2. N.C.G.S. S 131E - 97.3 Competitive Healthcare Information, 3. N.C.G.S. S 143-318.11. (a)(3) Attorney Client Privilege concerning the a. Pre 65 Litigation, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). Commissioner Gurganus did not attend Closed Session due to procedures limiting Board members participation in attending Closed Sessions via Webex/virtual participation. At: 9:01 p.m. Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Exit Closed Session(s) 1. N.C.G.S. S 143-318.11. (a)(6) Personnel, 2. N.C.G.S. S 131E - 97.3 Competitive Healthcare Information, 3. N.C.G.S. S 143-318.11. (a)(3) Attorney Client Privilege a. Pre 65 Litigation, with a Second by Vice Chair Biggs. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0.) OPEN SESSION Criterion Healthcare Phase Agreements Interim County Manager Eisner reported on Criterion Healthcare assisting with a facility assessment on the hospital building and what could be used with the REH designation. Criterion Healthcare were compiling items for the state to review and provide feedback on. The first contract with Criterion Healthcare covered the initial facility assessment and the County needed to go into a second contract for the compilation of schematic documents to the state through a company called Specialized Engineering Solutions. Commissioner Ayers made the Motion to Approve Phase 2, Step 1, which included the approval of a monetary figure of $400,000 to go forward with construction repairs at the hospital facility, with a Second by Commissioner Gurganus. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of hands (5-0). Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve of the Design services to be provided, with a Second by Commissioner Ayers. The Motion was Carried Unanimously by raise of hands (5-0). Pre -65 Settlement Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Delegate Interim County Manager Eisner the Authority to Sign the Pre-65 Settlement Agreement, with a Second by Commissioner Ayer. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofhands (5-0). Interim County Manager Monthly Financial Statement - October 2024 Interim County Manager reported on the monthly financial statement that was pre audited by the Finance Office and Human Resources Director. The statement is as follows: Hours of Work: $4, 712.50 Mileage $876.39 Total: $5, 588.89 Commissioner Ayers made the Motion to Approve of the Interim County Manager Monthly Financial Statement for the Month of October 2024, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise ofhands (5-0). Adjournment: At: 9:06 p.m. Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Adjourn, with a Second by Vice Chair Biggs. The Motion was Carried unanimously by raise of hands (5-0). Papbe Dempsey Bond Jr, Chairman Martin County Board of Commissioners lulaa Lonne Julia S. Rease Clerk to the Board