January 8, 2025 Regular Meeting The Martin County Board ofCommissioners met in a Regular Session on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Boardroom at the Martin County Governmental Center, 305 East Main Street, Williamston, North Carolina. ASSEMBLY Present in the Boardroom: Chairman Joe R. Ayers, Vice Chairman David "Skip" Gurganus, Commissioner Dempsey Bond, Jr., Commissioner Jeremiah Taylor, Commissioner Ronnie Smith, Interim County Manager/ County Attorney Benjamin R. Eisner, Clerk to the Board Julia S. Rease, Finance Officer Angela Raynor, and Human Resources Director Donna Zube. Absent: None Elected Officials: Mayor of Bear Grass Charlotte Griffin and Sheriff Tim Manning Chairman Ayers asked that Commissioner Taylor lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Vice Chairman Gurganus provide the invocation. Chairman Ayers welcomed and thanked all in attendance. AGENDA APPROVAL Chairman Ayers brought attention to the Revised Agenda stating that the Airport Commission was added to the agenda for the Secretary appointment and there was also an addition ofthe Resolution to Intent to Sell or Lease of Martin General Hospital. Chairman Ayers asked for the following amendments to the Revised Agenda: Remove Items #2 and #3 from the Consent Agenda Remove Items #5 and #6 from New Business Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve the Revised Agenda with the amendments, with a Second by Vice Chairman Gurganus. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Mrs. Marie Perry - 2161 Jones Road, Williamston, NC- "I would just like to say that y'all are doing a wonderful job, thus far. Ijust wanted y'all to know that. I have been to every meeting in the last 15 months, since the hospital closed. I have seen a lot of footwork. A lot, a lot of footwork and I see we are going forward and I want to thank y'all for taking us forward and our hospital. Also, I would like to say that we are going, me, I will be attending all ofthe rest ofthe meetings also because I will still be involved. You know, now that I know there's a lot of stuff that goes on that we should all be involved. If you are paying your tax money and you are a citizen of Martin County, you should to be involved. So I will be involved in a lot of whatever, ok ? I went by the, I went by the, they built a new urgent care in Washington and somebody made a joke about it. I was in the Dollar Tree and somebody made a joke about it and said no we building this for Martin County because they have no help SO we had to have some help for them SO we had to build another urgent care over here. I didn't think it was funny to me. Ok? It was not funny at all. That's why I want y'all, soon as you can, hospital, please try to get us some hospital, urgent care, emergency room, whatever. Ok? As soon as possible for the citizens of Martin County. Will y'all please do that for us, thank you. 99 Chairman Ayers thanked Mrs. Perry. 2. Mr. Harold Finn - 4437 US HWY 17, Williamston, NC -"I was an employee at Martin General Hospital for forty plus years, over some multiple departments. I was recruited here back in 1983. We are looking to move our institution that we have now presently, into building it into an REH. I was fortunate when I, when the hospital closed to do some consulting in states that had REH's and this is really a question that may be answered by the healthcare consultant, but we reached out to the other REH's that were in already place to see how they're managing it and what was required for it to be in place. I know what it is. I've been there, I've done it. I'm trying to make sure that we are trying to get the most out of what we have and not recreate the wheel. I think it would be a good idea for the consultant organization that we're dealing with of the Commissioners themselves to go ahead and reach out to those organizations. There are 12 other REH organizations, hospitals within the country that are asking for their designations. hospitals within the country. There are 24 right across the United States. I think there's no need to recreate it, it's already there." Chairman Ayers thanked Mr. Finn. 3.1 Mr.. Jeff Grub - 1122 Cannon Road, Hobgood -"I own some land out there in Martin County and I'm having problems with dog hunters and Gatling Hunting Club keeps coming on my property, ok? December of last year, or 2023, I had a meeting with the hunting club and the people who lease the land. They said, they told us they denied us access to go to the backside of our property and they told us there's nothing we can do about the dogs being on our property. Okay, I've done a lot of research and stuff, and I've talked to attorneys. This year, I caught one of their dogs. I was taking it to the dog pound on December the 20th. Gatling cut me off. They had my, I got two driveways, they had me blocked. I got out, got on a road. They passed me, cut me off at end ofthe road. I went down to Kelvin Cannon's house. He's got cameras. I was down there when the law come out. They always make me give them their dog back. I was on the way to the dog pound with him. Okay? They said they'd keep the dogs off my property. The very next day, I'm in the woods. I got dogs back under my, I got police reports, I got dogs back under my stand. Every time I'm having to give up my hunt to run the dogs off my property. There needs to be some kind of law on this, to protect the landowners. I pay the taxes on that property. Dogs don't pay no taxes. Nobody pays the taxes, but me. I have a right to take me and my family and all in my property. Now, I got police reports right here. Cody Melvin's, he's the president oftheir hunting club. He said that he would keep the dog on my property. He said he told them, they always, they say they come to the first person, but the first person they see, is me. They're always on my property and I'm getting tired ofhaving to give up my hunting to take care of dogs on my property. I mean, they got 8,000 acres back behind me. There's four other people on property adjacent to mind. But they run our road all the time. Land that they don't even lease, they run, and they always tell me, there's nothing you can do about it. We can run our dogs anywhere. I don't think that's right. I pay the taxes. IfI want you on my property, I'll welcome you. I got signs up, purple paint. I don't want you on my property. That means you and your animals are off my property. There ought to be some laws put on the books to protect the landowners and keep the dogs off. Because if you look in that book, it says that a game warden cannot walk up on you while you're hunting. That's molesting your hunt. I always have to come down out of my stand and all they do is they kill everything that moves. I hunt for meat. I hunt for meat because I like to eat deer and I don't think it's right that I spend my money on my license and everything else, corn and feed them and everything else and then Gatlin runs all my property, and I have no say SO. Ihave done research. I have a say SO. I can call it a dogcatcher. Matter ofi fact, I got one report here from the dogcatcher, and I've been dealing with this since '06. Something needs to be done, because this year it really got bad, and somebody's really going to get, somebody's going to get in some serious trouble and every time the sheriffs come out there, they say, well, you got to give them their dog back. Okay, I give them their dog back and I go back to my stand. Within 2 hours, I got five dogs under my stand. You're not going to hunt, butyet they can run my property, okay? They say they could tone them. When I had their dog, the dogcatcher come out, they had my driveway blocked. The dogcatcher come out and took him to Williamston after that, they didn't really bother me too much, but this is an ongoing thing. I pay the taxes. I'm the one that owns that property. Not them. They got 8,000 acres and there's four property owners on the other side of me.' I Chairman Ayers stated that the time limit for the public comment was expired, but the public comment was appreciated. Mr. Grubb asked if any members of the Board wanted to review the documents he and in regards to his situation. Chairman Ayers stated that the documents could be placed on the table if any Board members wanted to review it. Mr. Grub thanked the Board and Chairman Ayers thanked Mr. Grub. 4. Mr. Wilbur Cannon = 1198 Cannon Road - "Like Mr. Grubb said, me and him are related. We own property basically in the same area, and it's the same issue, when you own property, you don't want anything on it. Try to be respectful and keep your hunting dogs off our property and when it comes down to it, I go back in there to hunt. I'm like, Mr. Grubbs, thisi is my property, I don't want dogs all over my property, but Gatling, the hunting club there, they don't seem to care. They run their dogs anywhere they want to on Cannon Road and they don't own anything on Cannon Road. They don't lease anything on Cannon Road. Why can't they stay back on their properties? What I'd like to see is resolution from the Commission to try to put some type of restraints on these hunting clubs to keep them off of other people's properties. So the sheriff's department, they can't do for SO much and when they do come out, it's great they come out, but ify'all could give them a little bit more authority to do something about that. Because those, those hunting, hunters, don't pay my taxes on that property. So, why should I let them have, let them run it however they want to, but that's really all I got to say. I appreciate yall's time and congratulations to the new: members, but I'd like to see some type of resolution on it. Thank you.' Chairman Ayers thanked Mr. Cannon. 5. Mr. Paul Roberson "T'd like to comment on several important matters tonight. First, I want to express how refreshing it is to see this board working hard for the citizens of Martin County under the leadership of Chairman Ayers and Vice Chairman Gurganus In the last month and a half > more progress has been made than the entire tenure of former Chairman Bond and the recently indicted former Chairman Smith. The Board faces significant challenges, particularly with regard to fiscal responsibility and healthcare. I appreciate the Board's focus on restoring fiscal discipline and urge you to continue this work. We cannot sustain a five million dollar budget deficit and our financially burdened citizens cannot bear the weight ofrising property tax values without a significant rate reduction. We must not continue as a tax and spend government. I urge you to stay determined in addressing this issue. Restoring healthcare in Martin County is our most urgent need. I commend this effort towards establishing a Rural Emergency Hospital. As citizens, we must be patient and maintain optimism as this is a complex process and will evolve slowly. We must also attract a hospital provider willing to provide primary care and geriatric care that Martin County desperately needs. In addition, one other item is, we must secure paramedic, paramedic services. As the last counting mistake without paramedics, I strongly encouraged a Board to explore some educational grants to retrain EMT's that may be interested in becoming paramedics that are already County employees. As well as exploring some grants to train new paramedics. Hiring paramedics will, unfortunately, likely lead to higher fire and rescue taxes, but it's ai necessary investment in our communities health and safety. Lastly, and, and once again, I must call for the resignation of Commissioner Smith. The ongoing criminal investigation, charges, and lawsuits you face continue to hinder this County's progress, including efforts to secure healthcare provider. Your actions have damaged the reputation ofthe Board and our County. Often when I meet people from all across East, North Carolina, the first thing they often say is, y'all have a mess over there and frequently they mentioned you, sir, by name. The comments you made about the new tax assessor at last month's meeting were inappropriate and may have violated the individual's rights and open the County up to liability as it violated the rights of a potential employee. Those matters should have been addressed in close session. Discussing them in open session was frankly a human resources nightmare. I respectfully asked that you resign and allow Martin County to move forward and once again, I thank the Board for the job they're doing and restoring integrity and healthcare to our County. Thank you." Chairman Ayers thanked Mr. Roberson and stated that the public comments had concluded. CONSENT AGENDA Vice Chairman Gurganus made the Motion to Approve oft the Consent Agenda, with a Second by Commissioner Smith. The Motion was Carried Unanimously (5-0). The following items listed under the Consent Agenda were Approved: Minutes - December 30, 2024 Special 1. Financial Report - December 2024 2. Tax Assessor -Tax Refund Request -December 2024 - Removed from Consent Agenda 3. Tax Assessor - Tax Relief Orders - December 2024 - Removed from Consent Agenda 4. Tax Collector's Report - December 2024 5. Tax Collector's Report - December 2024 Category Dec. - 31 Dec. - Y-T-D Real Property 20 $ 19,054.41 $8 86,737.22 Personal Property 25 $ 1,673.62 $4 4,804.24 Total $ 20,728.03 $91,541.46 Motor Vehicle 30 $0.00 $0.00 Total MV $0.00 $0.00 All Total 20,728.03 $91,541.46 5. Board Appointments/ Reappointments A. Airport Commission The Airport Commission Secretary position has been vacant since the transition of Mr. Abner House, whom served honorably in the position for many years. Clerk to the Board, Julia Rease, was recommended to be appointed to the Airport Commission to fill the vacancy. 6. Completion of Unit Assistance List Course According to N.C.G..153A-82 Powers and duties of manager, subsections (a) (9) (d), (9): The manager shall receive a minimum of six clock hours of education upon the occurrence, or within six months of the occurrence, ofany ofthe following: a. The Local Government Commission is exercising its authority under Article 10 of Chapter 159 ofthe General Statutes with respect to the county. b. The county has received a unit letter from the Local Government Commission due to a deficiency in complying with Chapter 159 of the General Statutes. C. The county has an internal control material weakness or significant deficiency in the most recently completed financial audit. d. The county is included on the most recently published Unit Assistance List issued by the Department of State Treasurer. Martin County has been included on the published Unit Assistance List issued by the Department of State Treasurer. Interim County Manager Benjamin Eisner attended and completed the Unit Assistance List Course in a timely matter, fulfilling the requirement. 7. Clerk Report OLD BUSINESS 1. Martin County Water & Sewer Utility Partnership Evaluation Hazen and Sawyer Consultants were hired to conduct a water partnership evaluation for the County, the Martin County Water and Sewer Authority (MCARWASA), and all Towns. This evaluation included the compilation of Asset Inventory Assessments (AIA's) conducted for all entities in Martin County. The Asset Inventory Assessments evaluated the infrastructure of all water systems in the County. Hazen and Sawyer Consultants reviewed the compiled assessments and created "alternatives or options" for a countywide water partnership that factored each water systems strengths and weaknesses. All entities were given a check off list of countywide water partnership alternatives loptions and were asked to choose the three most interesting before moving forward with the evaluation to gather information. This matter was tabled in December oflast year. Hazen and Sawyer Consultants Mike Blais and Caroline Harris attended the meeting via webex to answer any questions. Vice Chairman Gurganus made the Motion to Table the matter for one month, with a Second by Commissioner Taylor. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). NEW BUSINESS 1. Sheriff's Office - Declaration of Service Weapons as Surplus It was announced that Sheriff Tim Manning, Lieutenant Steve O'Neal, Investigator Christina Jones were retiring from the Sheriff's S Office. Sheriff Manning requested that the Board of Commissioners approve the determination of badges and service weapons as surplus for the retiring law enforcement officers as stated in N.C.G.S Gen. Stat. $ 17F-20(a). NC General Statute $ 17F-20(a) provides that badges shall be provided upon request and service weapons may, in discretion of board, be provided upon request. Commissioner Smith Motioned to Approve of the Declaration of Service Weapons as Surplus for the individuals stated, with a Second by Vice Chairman Gurganus. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). 2. Resolution of Intent to Lease or Sell Martin General Hospital Chairman Ayers stated that the resolution was a step in the process of attaining healthcare and stated that Dawn Carter, Ascendient Health Consultant, was in attendance to give an update regarding Martin General Hospital and next steps in the process. Chairman Ayers asked Interim County Manager Eisner for additional information. Interim County Manager Eisner reported that NC General Statute 131(E) - 13(d) gave statutory direction on how to sell or lease hospital property. The County was in the first stage, which was to notice this meeting and the Board had to decide to adopt the resolution with intent to lease or sell the hospital property. Interim County Manager Eisner stated that Ascendient Health Consultant Carter would give further details on the process at this meeting, the process moving forward, and to answer any questions. Ascendient Consultant Carter stated that in previous updates, there were a few main questions that needed to be answered to attain healthcare in the County. Ascendient Consultant Carter gave an update on these questions: Can Martin General Hospital reopen? Consultant Carter was appreciative of the suggestion made in a public comment regarding the County talking to others who have a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) already in operation for assistance. Ascendient Consultant Carter stated there being a channel of communication with REH operators and hospital associations that had a lot ofREH'sin their State. The challenge for Martin County was reportedly the fact that there were no other REH's on a national level opened after being closed. Most of them were converted from a hospital model and the hospital remained open. It was stated that the Federal regulations had to be configured as well as the State regulations, which took some time. The answer to the question if Martin General Hospital could be reopened was positive. Martin General Hospital could reopen as an REH. What do you have to do to the building to open it physically? Ascendient Consultant Carter stated that this question had federal, state, and local implications and regulations regarding the REH designation. Ascendient Consultant Carter stated that there was a lot of work stemming from this question. It was reported that there was enough communication with the state. Ascendient Consultant Carter was confident that what had to be done to the facility was minimal and could be accomplished, SO much SO, the next step could begin. Before Ascendient Consultant explained this next step, it was: reported that some ofthe things needing to be repaired at the facility were the Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and generators. It was reported that bids needed to go out to complete the repairs and official documentation needed to be filed with the state SO they can sign off on discussions that occurred with Ascendient Health Consultants. Ascendient Consultant Carter stated that the process of sending out Request for Proposals (RFP's) could start and explained what a RFP was for. It was reported that when a city or county government owned a hospital, a statutory mandate process had to occur. There were certain requirements, the order in which they should occur, and a certain amount of time that had to pass in between some ofthe requirements in the process. Ascendient Consultant Carter stated that this was to protect the public, ensure the public has transparency, and give the public the opportunity to give feedback. Ascendient Consultant Carter stated that the reason the intent resolution was presented tonight, and presuming that the Board adopted it, a public hearing was needed. A public hearing advertisement needed to be published SO many days in advance from the public hearing actually taking place. There were certain steps that needed to take place at regular meetings and not special meetings. A timeline of the next steps was explained and is listed below: January 8, 2025 - Adopt Intent Resolution January 13, 2025 - Submit Advertisement to the newspaper January 23, 2025 - Publish Public Hearing Public Hearing at the February 12th > 2025 Board meeting After the stated steps have been completed, it was reported that the following steps would occur: Request for Proposals (RFP's) would be sent out Proposals received would be made available for the public to review. Public Hearing would occur on the proposals. Thec operators who submitted proposals would have the opportunity to speak at the hearing. The Board chooses a proposal. A legal agreement would be negotiated. The public would have an opportunity to review the legal agreement before the adoption of ar resolution to accept the agreement. Ascendient Consultant Carter asked ifthere were any questions. Commissioner Gurganus stated that when the hospital closed, there was no such thing as an REH in North Carolina or available to the County. It was reported that the first step was getting the REH designation in North Carolina, which was accomplished by the Board with the help of Ascendient Health Consultant Carter and others. Commissioner Gurganus reported that in the state of North Carolina, Martin County was a serial of one and there was obviously a lot of questions about the REH and its application, ifit could be applied. Commissioner Gurganus stated that Ascendient Consultant and Interim County Manager Eisner guided the Board through these processes in a way that helped the Board and kept the state and federal representatives aware of regulations or rules that were not for the best benefit of the people or a provider. Commissioner Gurganus stated that things did not get changed from people at the state level doing their research, but change came from people looking forhelp happen to see it beforeitis brought to their attention, and the problem is taken to the state for it to be addressed. The process was reported to be more of a complex process than initially thought, but it was worth it. Ascendient Consultant Carter added that as oftoday, there were other facilities and entities in NC wcrc thcorctically thinking about the REII designation, but had not proactively pursued the idea. To Vice Chair Gurganus' point, Ascendient Health Consultant Carter stated that without the Commissioners here, it would not have been possible because they were the ones who took action and pushed it forward in the General Assembly to make it possible in North Carolina. Ascendient Health consultant had hopes that the County could move forward as being the first to have achieved a REH. Commissioner Taylor asked when the RFP's are created, if the Board would have the ability to review it before it is sent out. Ascendient Consultant Carter agreed that the Board would be able to review the RFP. Commissioner Taylor asked if other resources were being sought or looked into to help with repairs, such as NC CARES. Ascendient Consultant reported that the NC CARES funding depended on the operator selected for the hospital because the funding was specifically for UNC and ECU to distribute. It was reported the things needed to happen to the hospital building was fairly limited. Ascendient Consultant Carter reported that funding resources had been inventoried throughout the process thus far, but the amount of potential funding had not been solidified as of yet. Commissioner Taylor asked about any REH limitations. Ascendient Consultant Carter stated that the REH could provide emergency services, outpatient services, and observation patients. It was reported that the County would not have patients that were technically in an inpatient status. It was stated that all hospitals in North Carolina and other areas had patients in their hospitals for two or three days that were not considered inpatient, but observation patients that the County could have. There would be a limit ofl hours in which the observation patients could stay in the hospital. Ascendient Consultant Carter reported that there was an issue discussed with the Board before the hospital actually closed, which was the difficulty ofs sustaining inpatient services in Martin County financially. The reason that the REH was more sustainable was due Medicare being paid at a higher rate and an annual fee would be received just by having an REH. Commissioner Taylor asked if the REH designation would limit the possibility of growth in the hospital building and asked if anything else could be added with another source. Ascendient Consultant Carter reported that any type of service could be attained expect in patient services and ifit was decided to add inpatient services, the status of the hospital would need to be changed. Ascendient Consultant Carter stated that inpatient services would be used less in the future due to hospital at home programs and the financial unsustainability. Medicine reportedly became super specialized and in order to have 15 -20 patients at Martin General Hospital, there would be difficulty in finding enough providers and or doctors with different specialties. The population of Martin County would not be able to support the specialist. Chairman Ayers asked if there were any comments or questions and there were none. Chairman Ayers thanked Consultant Carter and stated that the process was very challenging. Ascendient Health Consultant and the Interim County Manager/ County Attorney Eisner were stated to be great help. Chairman Ayers commented that the Board of Martin County was able to spear head the attainment of the REH designation in North Carolina and thanked the NC General Assembly for working with the County and getting the legislature passed in North Carolina . It was stated that there were several more steps to follow that were required by statutes. Vice Chairman Gurganus made the Motion to Adopt the Resolution of Intent to Lease, Sell, or Convey Martin General Hospital as stated, with a Second by Commissioner Taylor. The Motion was Carried unanimously. (5-0). 3. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Text Amendments Interim County Manager Eisner reported that the text amendments to the Floodplain Ordinance were mandated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for insurance purposes. The ordinance was required to be updated in order for counties and municipalities to remain in the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP) Insurance program. The original ordinance with recommended changes Chairman Ayers reported that the County had to conduct a public hearing, which would cause the County to be late in submitting the changes to the state. As a result, the County would pay a fee, but it was stated that the fee was small. It was stated that the public hearing was tentatively scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 21st at 6:00 p.m. Chairman Ayers asked for approval from the Board to conduct the hearing on said date. Commissioner Taylor made the Motion to Conduct the Floodplain Ordinance Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., with a Second by Vice Chair Gurganus. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). 4. Martin County Schools - Request for Permit Martin County High School Principle, Mr. Grantly Mizelle and Martin County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle White attended the meeting to ask for approval of a permit for the first annual graduation. Martin County High Schools were consolidated into one high school in the past year. It was stated that the high school would be having its first graduation outside, weather pending, and staff would like to have a fireworks show at the graduation. Fire Marshall Stacey Pippen was reportedly consulted about the fireworks show and recommended staff seek the approval for a permit from the Board of Commissioners. The idea stemmed from the upcoming graduation being the first since the high schools were combined and the gym offering limited seating. The fireworks display would occur only if weather permitted, would be executed in the back ofthe footbal field, and the display would be small. Principle Mizelle stated that the cost of the event was 100 % donations and everyone was excited about the idea. Principal Mizelle stated that Fire Marshall Pippen gave him a list of companies that were state approved and could conduct the display. Wetzel Pyrotech of Moyock, NC was selected to execute the display. The company was stated to have experience as they have executed displays with fireworks and drones for football games, war enactments, weddings, and more. The company was reportedly approved by the state to execute the display, would conduct a safety study to see if the ireworks show is feasible and did not risk safety, attain any permits required and or needed, and work alongside the fire department and Fire Marshall to assure safety. Approval was requested before Pyrotech company could conduct a safety check. Commissioner Smith made the Motion to Approve ofthe Permit to Conduct the Fireworks Display at the Martin County High School Graduation, with a Second by Commissioner Bond Jr. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). Discussion: Commissioner Ayers stated that Martin County did not issue a permit for such events, but the County could give a letter of approval, then Town of Williamston would take care of rest. Chairman Ayers had concerns about the safety of the fireworks show and asked about the plan where the tireworks would occur. Principal Mizelle stated that Pyrogenic conducted a zoom call and viewed the school property via Google Earth and looked at several areas on the schools property, but approval for the permit was needed in order for the company to move forward with the in person safety check. Without the approval from the Board stating that the event could actually happen, the company would not attempt to move forward. Commissioner Ayers asked if there was an option wherein the company could conduct the safety check without the approval. Principle Mizelle disagreed and assured that Pyrotechnic would take care of all safety mcasures and work with the Fire Marshall. The event was planned to take place at the football stadium in June at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks would begin as soon as graduates threw their hats. It was reported that logistics, especially with parking was still being planned. Commissioner Gurganus expressed concerns ofl liability being directed to the County ifthe school was on County owned property and asked how an approval would be written to keep the County from receiving any liability issues. Principle Mizelle reported that the County would not be liable dud to insurance that would be provided. Commissioner Gurganus stated that he understood, but asked if the original motion could be amended to stated that approval was contingent upon the Board of Commissioners reviewing the insurance coverage of the event. Commissioner Ayers asked about insurance costs. Principle Mizelle stated that insurance costs were unknown as the approval for the permit was required first to make sure that the event could actually happen before moving forward with the remaining steps in the process. Commissioner Ayers stated how he imagined the fireworks show and there were safety concerns. Superintendent White stated that Martin County Schools would be liable for any safety issues since the property was owned by the school system. Commissioner Taylor stated that the event could have a bigger attendance than planned, which would cause an issue if people viewed the display on County property. Commissioner Bond Jr. was asked to amend his original motion to state that logistics would be worked out Commissioner Bond Jr. Amended the Original Motion to State that logistics would be worked out before approval by the Board of Commissioners, with a Second by Commissioner The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). Direction was given to Superintendent White and Principle Mizelle to submit paperwork to Interim County Manager Eisner for approval and if there were any concerns, the concerns would be presented to the Board of Commissioners. 7. County Manager Search Chairman Ayers gave an update on the County Manager search. Chairman Ayers stated that the position was open and would remain open until filled. Interim County Manager Eisner commented that he enjoyed his time in dual roles and he would continue to serve in both positions until the Board decided otherwise. Chairman Ayers thanked Interim County Manager Eisner for efforts conducted in both roles. Interim County Manager Monthly Financial Statement Interim County Manager Eisner submitted his monthly financial report for the month of December 2024 to the Board of Commissioners for review after an independent audit by the Finance Office and Human Resources Department. The financial statement is as stated: Hours worked: $2, 086.00 Mileage +$ 386.45 TOTAL $3, 246.45 Vice Chairman Gurganus made the Motion to Approve of the Interim County Manager Financial Statement for December 2024, with a Second by Commissioner Taylor. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). 8. Budget Amendment(s) Budget Amendment #15 To appropriate fund balance to cover the expenses for Youth Services-Detention for the second half ofthe fiscal year. The original appropriation of $60,000 has been spent. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-#15 BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners ofMartin 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 Youth Services-Detention $50,000 This will result in an increase of $50,000 in the expenditures oft the General Fund-Fund Balance. To provide an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Fund Balance $ 50,000 Section 2. Çopies ofthis budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction. Motion by Commissioner Bond Jr. and Seconded by Commissioner Taylor to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of January 2025. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). For Your Information Account Number Increase Decrease Youth Services-Detention 1143200-569306 $5 50,000 Fund Balance 1100090-499099 $ 50,000 Budget Amendment #16 To appropriate funds given by Martin County Travel Tourism and Development Authority to the Co-Op for the Farm Heritage Days event. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-#16 BE IT ORDAINED by the Board ofCommissioners ofMartin 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 Farm Heritage Days $2,000 This will result in an increase of$2,000 in the expenditures of the General Fund-Coop Extension -Farm Heritage Days. To provide an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Farm Heritage Days $2,000 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 Vice Chairman Gurganus to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of January 2025. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). For Your Information Account Number Increase Decrease Farm Heritage Days 2300040-449525 $2,000 Farm Heritage Days 2349500-523325 $2,000 Budget Amendment #17 and #18 To appropriate 911 funds awarded to Communications for a Motorola System Upgrade Agreement. The agreement provides hardware, software, and implementation services to enable system expansion, increased coverage, and additional users. It also ensures the latest features and capabilities are delivered to Martin County. System upgrades are seamless and processed without delay. The County's share oft this project is approximately $5,556. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-#17 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 E-911, the expenditures are to be changed as follows. Increase Decrease E-911 Fund $50,092 This will result in an increase of $50,092 in the expenditures of the E-911. To provide an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Fund Balance-E-911 $ 50,092 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 Vice Chairman Gurganus and Seconded by Commissioner Taylor to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day ofJ January 2025. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). For Your Information Account Number Increase Decrease E-911 Service & Maintenance 1343260-544000 $5 50,092 Fund Balance-E-911 1300090-499099 $ 50,092 BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-#I8 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 Communications Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows. Increase Decrease Communicaions-Equip Main. & Repairs $5,566 This will result in an increase of $50,092 in the expenditures ofthe Communications Fund. To provide an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Fund Balance Appropriation $ 5,566 Section 2. Copies ofthis budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction. Motion by Vice Chairman Gurganus and Seconded by Commissioner Taylor to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of January 2025. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). For Your Information Account Number Increase Decrease E-911 Service & Maintenance 1143250-535200 $5,566 Fund Balance Appropriation 1100090-499099 $5,566 Budget Amendment #19 To appropriate and authorize the expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds governed by the Memorandum of Agreement Between the State and North Carolina and Local Governments on Proceeds Relating to the Settlement ofOpioid Litigation. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-#19 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 Opioid Settlement Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows. Increase Decrease MTW-Naloxone D $21,255 MTW-Harm Reduction SSP $21,254 This will result in an increase of $42,508 in the expenditures ofthe Opiod Settlement Fund. To provide an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Opioid Setlement-Restricted $ 42,509 Section 2. Copies ofthis budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction. Motion by Vice Chairman Gurganus and Seconded by Commissioner Taylor to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of. January 2025. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). For Your Information Account Number Increase Decrease MTW-Naloxone D 1851000-569380 $2 21,255 MTW-Harm Reduction 1851000-569381 $ 21,254 Opioid Settlement 1100090-499099 $ 42,509 BOARD REPORTS/ COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, at 8:04 p.m. Vice Chairman Gurganus made the Motion to Adjourn the meeting, with a Second by Commissioner Bond Jr. The Motion was Carried unanimously (5-0). fo & Lsere Joe R. Ayers, Chairman Martin County/Board of Commissioners acis ghc Julia S. Rease, Clerk to the Board