Brunswick County public meetings in 2021

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will hold its annual meeting to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair, approve routine consent agenda items, and consider a $2 million ARPA allocation for park improvements. The consent agenda includes a $326,636 contract for South Brunswick High School roof replacement, several ambulance franchise agreements, and various budget amendments. A public hearing is scheduled for a resolution on limited obligation bonds.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022
• Contract with Industrial Contract Services Corp for South Brunswick High School roof replacement, $326,636
• Appropriation of $2 million ARPA funds for park improvements
• Change order for Northeast Regional WWTP expansion, $263,691.24
• Public hearing on 2022 Limited Obligation Bonds amendment

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will vote on consent agenda items including minutes, deeds of dedication, and routine fiscal items. They will also hear presentations on courthouse furniture funding and a compensation study, and consider administrative items such as a resolution on vaccine status, multiple equipment purchases, and utility contracts.

• Approve $991,102 for new courthouse furniture
• Ratify $2,846,000 repair of 48-inch raw water line with State Utility Contractors
• Approve $536,955.18 for two ambulances
• Adopt resolution in support of individual freedom over personal vaccination status
• Approve $25,000 grant for Sheriff's Office GHSP Region 3 LEL position

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved $991,102 for new courthouse furniture and adopted an initial resolution to refinance up to $11.5 million in 2012 limited obligation bonds, scheduling a public hearing for December 6, 2021. The board also adopted a resolution opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates and approved numerous consent agenda items, including budget amendments, land dedications, and a $25,000 highway safety grant. All votes were unanimous (4-0) except where noted.

• Approved $991,102 for courthouse furniture (4-0)
• Adopted initial resolution for 2022 Limited Obligation Bonds, refinancing up to $11.5M, with public hearing Dec. 6 (4-0)
• Adopted resolution in support of individual freedom over personal vaccination status (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, meeting schedule amendment, and budget calendar (4-0)
• Approved $25,000 GHSP grant for Sheriff's Office with no county match (4-0)
• Approved purchase of two ambulances for $536,955.18 (4-0)
• Approved $2,846,000 for raw water line repair with State Utility Contractors (4-0)
• Appointed Scott Phillips to Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority Board (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting on November 1, 2021. The agenda includes a consent agenda with routine items, a public hearing on a proposed rezoning, and several action items. Key items include a proposed expansion of EMS services with eight new positions and two new units, a COVID-19 premium pay policy for employees, and a land transfer to a charter school. The board will also hear a presentation on the FY2021 audit and a proclamation for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an EMS coverage expansion adding eight new positions and two peak-load units, and a COVID-19 Essential Public Services Premium Pay Policy providing eligible employees up to $2,200 each using ARPA funds. The board also awarded a one-year, $1,388,183 inmate healthcare services contract to Wellpath LLC, and approved a consent agenda including property transfers, budget amendments, and a record retention schedule. A draft FY23-27 Strategic Plan was presented and will be revisited at the November 15 meeting.

• Approved EMS coverage expansion with 8 new positions and 2 peak-load units (5-0)
• Approved COVID-19 premium pay policy, up to $2,200 per eligible employee via ARPA funds (5-0)
• Awarded $1,388,183 one-year inmate healthcare contract to Wellpath LLC (consent agenda)
• Approved transfer of parcel at 360 Macon Rd, NE to Classical Charter Schools of America (consent agenda)
• Approved $4,471,457 water and $10,291,934 wastewater capital recovery fee refunds (consent agenda)
• Approved $121,323.03 DHHS funding for 4 temporary social services positions (consent agenda)
• Adopted National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week proclamation (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Cooke to Trillium Health Advisory Board

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved a $5,290,090 construction agreement with Monteith Construction Co. for a new Municipal Solid Waste Transfer Station. The board also approved a consent agenda with 13 items, including a change order for the courthouse renovation, a housing voucher payment standard increase, and a vehicle donation to Bald Head Island. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved $5,290,090 construction contract for new transfer station (5-0)
• Approved $81,627 change order for courthouse renovation (5-0)
• Approved increase in Housing Choice Voucher payment standards (5-0)
• Approved donation of 2009 Dodge Charger to Village of Bald Head Island (5-0)
• Approved $163,701 deductive change order for wastewater force main project (5-0)
• Approved ATMC Metro Ethernet contract at reduced cost (5-0)
• Approved additional deputy position reimbursed by Brunswick County Schools (5-0)
• Approved SAMHSA Year 4 service contracts (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved a $20 million budget amendment to fund future capital projects from fund balance, along with $100,000 for the BID marketing program and a contract for a compensation study. They also approved several consent agenda items, including a $107,600 design contract for the Utilities Operations Center expansion. Two items were removed from the consent agenda for further discussion.

• Approved $20M fund balance appropriation for capital projects (5-0)
• Approved $100,000 additional funding for BID marketing program (5-0)
• Authorized compensation study with Cape Fear Council of Government (5-0)
• Approved $107,600 design contract with MHAworks for UOC expansion (5-0)
• Approved Oak Island wholesale bulk water service agreement (5-0)
• Approved FY 2022-2023 budget calendar (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Sybil Kesterson to Sunset Beach ETJ Planning Board (5-0)
• Approved $476,000 wastewater refund to Wilmington River Club (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved a consent agenda including a $2,218,967 DWSRF principal forgiveness loan for Navassa water repairs, a $400,000 SAMHSA grant for the Adult Treatment Court, and a 911 center phone system extension. They also adopted resolutions supporting WARM's 25th anniversary and assisting Shallotte and Southport with merger/regionalization feasibility grant applications. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved $2,218,967 DWSRF loan for Navassa water system repairs (5-0)
• Approved $400,000 SAMHSA grant for Adult Treatment Court expansion (5-0)
• Approved 911 center phone system extension with ePlus Group for six months (5-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting WARM's 25 years of service (5-0)
• Approved resolution to assist Shallotte with merger/regionalization grant application (5-0)
• Approved resolution to assist Southport with merger/regionalization grant application (5-0)
• Approved fee schedule change for sub-contractor change from $75 to $50 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including budget amendments and tax items (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution directing a special election on the annexation of Brunswick Forest to the Brunswick Regional H2GO Sanitary District, with costs paid by the district. The board also approved American Rescue Plan funding guidelines (4-1), an opioid settlement MOA, and authorized negotiations for ARP funds transfer to the Town of St. James. All other agenda items were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved resolution for special election on Brunswick Forest annexation to H2GO (5-0)
• Approved American Rescue Plan project funding guidelines (4-1, Cooke opposed)
• Approved MOA on opioid litigation proceeds allocation (5-0)
• Authorized negotiation of inter-local agreement for $1,991,221.16 ARP funds transfer to Town of St. James (5-0)
• Approved purchase of 10 LUCAS 3 compression devices for emergency services (consent)
• Approved $354,655.51 contract deduction for Northwest WTP pipeline change order (consent)
• Approved $380,000 sewer transmission reimbursement agreement with Stanbury Creek developers (consent)
• Approved 5-year WatchGuard Video body camera agreement for Sheriff's Office (consent)

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included accepting surplus property offers, approving transit grant resolutions, accepting water/sewer infrastructure deeds, and various fiscal and health items. They also adopted resolutions commemorating Brunswick Family Assistance Agency's 40th anniversary and supporting Brunswick Business & Industry Development. Additionally, the Board approved adding four new Social Worker III positions and reclassifying a vacant Social Worker II position in Child Welfare, and tabled two recruitment-related items for further data collection.

• Approved consent agenda with surplus property offers, transit resolution, deeds, and fiscal items (5-0)
• Adopted resolution commemorating Brunswick Family Assistance Agency's 40th anniversary (5-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting Brunswick Business & Industry Development (5-0)
• Approved adding four Social Worker III positions and reclassifying one Social Worker II to III (5-0)
• Tabled temporary employee referral bonus program for further data collection (5-0)
• Tabled temporary sign-on bonus for further data collection (5-0)
• Received County Complex master plan study and agreed to move forward (consensus)
• Entered closed session to consult with attorney (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution opposing wind energy leases within 24 nautical miles of the North Carolina shore, citing visual impacts on tourism. The board also approved a $356,077 change order for the courthouse addition, an interlocal sewer agreement with Columbus County, and a renewed bulk water agreement with Holden Beach. All votes were 5-0.

• Adopted resolution opposing wind energy leases within 24 nautical miles of shore (5-0)
• Approved courthouse addition change order #2 for $356,077 (5-0)
• Approved interlocal sewer service agreement with Columbus County (5-0)
• Approved renewed wholesale bulk water service agreement with Holden Beach (5-0)
• Approved Brunswick Community College budget flexibility request (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including ambulance purchase, radio purchase, and surplus property offers (5-0)
• Approved BBID application for NC Railroad Build Ready Sites Program grant (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to hear a presentation from NC DOT on the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement. The board reached a consensus to further explore options at the WMPO level, but no formal action was taken. Commissioner Williams requested a resolution for additional funding options to be considered at the August 2, 2021 meeting.

• Consensus to further explore bridge replacement options at WMPO level (no formal vote)
• Requested staff prepare a resolution supporting additional funding options for the bridge (for August 2, 2021 meeting)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:58 a.m. (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved a $10,350 task order with ECS for consultant services to study potential impacts of a proposed sand mine expansion within the 211 Water Treatment Plant Wellhead Protection Area. The Board also approved a $325,046 change order for the Shallotte Transmission Water Main contract with Ralph Hodge Construction Company, adding 56 days due to pipe supply issues. All consent agenda items, including budget amendments, contracts, and a resolution honoring NC Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry, were approved unanimously.

• Approved $10,350 ECS task order for sand mine impact study (5-0)
• Approved $325,046 change order for Shallotte Transmission Water Main (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including budget amendments and contracts (5-0)
• Adopted resolution honoring Mike Sprayberry upon retirement (5-0)
• Declared tax-foreclosed parcel 173IA00101 as surplus property (5-0)
• Appointed Leah McGhee to Substance Use and Addiction Commission (5-0)
• Appointed Daralyn Spivey as Clerk to the Board (5-0)
• Approved closed session minutes and attorney consultation (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Ordinance, Schedule of Fees, and Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan totaling $291,541,119 for all funds, with no change in the property tax rate of 48.50 cents. The board also approved a consent agenda including a $876,086.96 contract for a new school phone system, a $195,400 floodplain study, and a $70,967.74 change order for the Northeast Regional WWTP expansion. Street names were adopted after a public hearing, and a disaster debris removal agreement with NCDOT was approved 4-0 with Chairman Thompson recused.

• Adopted FY 2021-2022 budget of $291,541,119 with no property tax rate change (48.50 cents)
• Approved consent agenda including $876,086.96 phone system contract for Brunswick County Schools
• Awarded $195,400 professional services agreement for Caw Caw Swamp floodplain study
• Approved $70,967.74 change order and 71-day extension for Northeast Regional WWTP expansion
• Adopted street names for 20 roads after public hearing
• Approved NCDOT disaster debris removal agreement 4-0 (Chairman Thompson recused)
• Approved $40,000 agreement with Communities in Schools for Teen Court services
• Approved property liability and worker's compensation insurance renewals with NCACC

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting to recognize volunteers and organizations that assisted after the February 15, 2021 EF-3 tornado. The board presented certificates of appreciation to numerous groups and individuals. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was primarily ceremonial.

• Presented certificates of appreciation to tornado relief volunteers and organizations

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a consent agenda including an application for $27,741,111 in federal American Rescue Plan funds, a $805,000 roof replacement contract for Waccamaw School, and several budget amendments. A public hearing on the FY2021-2022 budget was recessed to June 21, 2021, after one resident commented on proposed water rate increases. The Board also made appointments and reappointments to advisory boards and named voting delegates for NACo and NCACC conferences.

• Approved ARP application for $27,741,111 (5-0)
• Approved $805,000 Waccamaw School roof contract (5-0)
• Approved budget amendments including $3,254,231 airport grant (5-0)
• Approved first reading of 20 street names, set public hearing June 21 (5-0)
• Recessed FY2021-2022 budget public hearing to June 21 (5-0)
• Appointed Cynthia Carver to Health & Human Services Advisory Board (5-0)
• Reappointed Clayton Rivenbark to Zoning Board of Adjustments (5-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Williams to MOTSU Committee, Sykes alternate (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board received the FY 2021-2022 recommended budget totaling $291.5 million with no change to the property tax rate of 48.50 cents, and set a public hearing for June 7, 2021. The Board also approved the UDO text amendments mandated by NCGS 160D, postponing staff-proposed amendments to July 6, 2021. Additionally, the Board approved the purchase of two new ambulances and one remount, and approved a subconsultant for courthouse furniture design.

• Set public hearing on FY2022 budget for June 7, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved UDO text amendments mandated by NCGS 160D (5-0)
• Postponed staff-proposed UDO amendments to July 6, 2021 (5-0)
• Approved purchase of two new ambulances and one remount (5-0)
• Approved courthouse furniture design subconsultant (4-1)
• Adopted resolution opposing divisive theories (5-0)
• Approved government relations contract with Ward and Smith, P.A. (5-0)
• Approved annual board appointments (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included contracts for roof replacements at two elementary schools totaling about $1.19 million. The board also approved several budget amendments, resolutions, and other routine items. No public comments were made, and no substantive decisions were made outside the consent agenda.

• Approved $864,750 contract with AAR of North Carolina Inc. for Southport Elementary roof replacement (5-0)
• Approved $328,993 contract with Coastal Commercial Roofing Company Inc. for Union Elementary roof replacement (5-0)
• Approved National Safe Boating Week proclamation (5-0)
• Approved amended post-disaster debris policy resolution (5-0)
• Approved $209,001.45 contract with MECO, Inc. for Leland fuel site upgrades (5-0)
• Approved $243,900 agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. for water master plan (5-0)
• Approved extension of disaster response construction agreement with State Utility Contractors, Inc. until May 4, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved Drinking Water Week resolution (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners held a budget workshop to review the preliminary FY2021-2022 recommended budget, fees, and capital improvement plan. No formal votes were taken on the budget items; the workshop was for discussion and direction. The Board moved the public hearing on the budget from June 21 to June 7, 2021, and directed staff on several items, including TDA funding review and removing a locker room request from the budget.

• Approved agenda as presented (5-0)
• Moved public hearing on FY22 budget to June 7, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. regular meeting
• Directed County Manager to review TDA funding for possible changes
• Directed County Manager to address Building Inspections, Fire Inspections, and Central Permitting staffing
• Directed removal of BCC locker room request from budget; notify President Smith he may present request to Board
• Directed County Manager to include Western Shelters in American Recovery Plan list
• Adjourned at 12:12 p.m. (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved accepting a $2,852,818 Clean Water State Reserve Fund grant and a $2,218,967 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund principal forgiveness loan to repair the recently acquired Navassa utility system, along with $40,000 in engineering task orders. The board also approved a $1,996,000 contract for the Leland Middle School HVAC upgrade and several other consent agenda items. No action was taken on the utilities project updates or the public housing hearing, which received no comments.

• Accepted $2,852,818 grant and $2,218,967 loan for Navassa utility repairs (4-0)
• Approved $40,000 in WithersRavenel task orders for engineering reports (4-0)
• Approved $1,996,000 Schneider Electric contract for Leland Middle School HVAC upgrade (4-0)
• Approved interlocal agreement with Boiling Spring Lakes for code administration (4-0)
• Declared surplus property Parcel 142CE010 for potential sale (4-0)
• Approved FY2021-22 JCPC funding plan totaling $242,486 (4-0)
• Approved $34,382 budget amendment for Lockwood Folly Inlet dredging match (4-0)
• Approved proclamation designating April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several items including a $709,365 contract for Lincoln Elementary School roof replacement. Other business includes board appointments, utility project change orders, and budget amendments for the Sheriff's Office and concealed weapons permits.

• $709,365 contract for Lincoln Elementary School roof replacement with Highland Roofing Company
• $120,000 for engineering services for the 2021 Comprehensive Wastewater Master Plan
• $55,400 for McKim & Creed soil testing and engineering services
• $31,750 change order for the 211 WTP Lab Building contract with Coastal Carolina Builders, Inc.
• Appointment of Mary McCarthy to the Fire Fee Committee for the Southport Fire District

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the FY2022 mission, vision, and values statements and focus areas, with a request to consider adding 'protecting the freedoms of citizens' to the values. The board also approved a resolution supporting the Bald Head Island Transportation Authority's acquisition of the ferry system, and a consent agenda including a $709,365 roof replacement contract for Lincoln Elementary School.

• Approved FY2022 mission, vision, and values statements (5-0)
• Approved resolution supporting Bald Head Island Transportation Authority ferry acquisition (5-0)
• Approved $709,365 roof replacement contract for Lincoln Elementary School (5-0)
• Appointed Mary McCarthy to Fire Fee Committee for Southport Fire District (5-0)
• Appointed Judge Pauline Hankins as JCPC Chief District Court Judge Designee (5-0)
• Approved $70,000 budget amendment for concealed weapons permit fees (5-0)
• Approved $73,165 budget amendment for Sheriff's sales and services (5-0)
• Approved two-year lease for Southport Probation & Parole office at $1,200/month (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering routine approvals, including proclamations, surplus property bids, and various contracts. They will receive presentations on the Comprehensive Transportation Plan and a COVID-19 update, hold a public hearing on the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, and consider adding six positions to the Sheriff's Office.

• Approve $145,025 HAVA election grant amendment
• Approve $267,438 in LIEAP energy assistance funding
• Approve $15,559.93 in courthouse audio/visual change orders
• Public hearing on adopting the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Approve six new Sheriff's Office positions funded by Juvenile Detention revenue

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners approved adding six positions to the Sheriff's Office, funded by Juvenile Detention Program revenues, with a 4-1 vote. The board also adopted the Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan unanimously and approved a consent agenda with multiple routine items. A motion to lift the local State of Emergency was ruled out of order, and no action was taken.

• Approved 6 Sheriff's Office positions (4-1)
• Adopted Southeastern NC Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including surplus property offers and budget amendments (5-0)
• Appointed Jimmy Powell to Airport Commission (5-0)
• Approved agenda as amended (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent agenda with multiple contracts, including a $487,250 well rehabilitation contract, a $95,565 courthouse change order, and a COVID-19 vaccine scheduling system. They will also receive presentations on Medicaid Managed Care and an audio/visual upgrade for the commission chambers, and may enter closed session for personnel and legal matters.

• Approve $487,250 contract with Skipper's Well Drilling for 211 WTP well rehabilitation
• Approve $95,565 change order with Monteith Construction for courthouse addition/renovation
• Approve $39,000 design contract extension with Sawyer Sherwood for Ash Waccamaw Multiuse Building
• Approve CureMD COVID-19 vaccine management system agreement
• Support WARM 2021 Urgent Repair Program with up to $20,000 match

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners met and approved the agenda and consent agenda unanimously. The consent agenda included 13 items such as accepting a surplus property bid, appointing Brenda McCants to a committee, approving contracts for design, construction, audit, and engineering services, and supporting a housing repair program application. The board also received presentations on fire assistance recognition and Medicaid Managed Care, and voted to discuss an audio/visual upgrade at a future budget workshop.

• Approved the meeting agenda as presented unanimously
• Approved the consent agenda unanimously, including 13 items
• Accepted a surplus property bid for a parcel on Cherry Rd
• Appointed Brenda McCants to the Home & Community Care Block Grant Committee
• Approved a design contract extension with Sawyer Sherwood & Associates for $39,000
• Approved Change Order #1 with Monteith Construction for $95,565
• Approved a one-year audit services contract with Martin Starnes & Associates
• Approved a $20,000 funding match for WARM's 2021 Urgent Repair Program

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will hold a workshop to receive and discuss the Raftelis Water Rate Study Summary Report. The study updates projected FY 2022 water rates, which have increased approximately 33% from the original May 2019 presentation due to changes in debt timing, loss of wholesale and industrial customers, and earlier debt service costs. The board is only discussing the report; no formal action is listed on the agenda.

• Water rate study projects 33% increase in volumetric rates and monthly base charges by FY 2022
• Approximately $183.3 million in capital projects for water plant expansion, raw water transmission main, and LPRO system
• Loss of wholesale customers (47% flow) and industrial customer (25% flow) drive rate increases
• Debt service costs increase by $9.7 million per year by FY 2023
• Series 2019 and 2020 revenue bonds fund projects; first full debt payments in FY 2023

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to hear a presentation on a water rate study by Raftelis. The study projected a $10.7 million revenue increase needed from rates, with an average customer bill increase of $9.85. No action was taken; the Board will review recommended changes during the FY 2022 budget process, with any approved changes taking effect January 2022.

• Heard presentation on water rate study; no action taken.
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (5-0).

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners held an emergency meeting to address debris from the February 16 tornado. They unanimously approved a motion to authorize staff to remove construction and demolition (C&D) debris using county resources, contingent on NCDOT removing vegetative debris. The motion was amended to limit removal to areas defined by staff, excluding debris in front of vacant or commercial lots. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Authorized staff to remove C&D debris using county resources, contingent on NCDOT removing vegetative debris (5-0)
• Amended motion to limit C&D debris removal to areas defined by staff (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:29 p.m. (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a consent agenda covering surplus property sales, board appointments, budget amendments, and emergency biosolids disposal contracts. A public hearing is scheduled for a zoning map amendment from C-LD to C-I. The board will also receive presentations on a community connectivity plan and the interim Cooperative Extension Director.

• Public hearing on Z-800: amend zoning map from C-LD (Commercial Low Density) to C-I (Commercial Intensive)
• Approve emergency biosolids disposal: Bio-Green Services (up to $34,000) and EMA Resources ($123,000 plus $25,600 tipping fee)
• Accept surplus property bids for two parcels on Robin Rd, BSL ($3,300 and $1,680)
• Appoint Dan Bruneau to Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. Board (District 5, term to June 30, 2021)
• Approve COVID-19 vaccination program agreement addendum and CDC grant addendum

The Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 to send rezoning case Z-800 back to staff for additional consideration, rather than approving or denying the request to change the zoning from C-LD to C-I. The case had been continued from January 19, 2021, after the applicant requested a continuance. The Planning Board had previously denied the request, and the applicant appealed. No other substantive decisions were made; the rest of the agenda was routine or informational.

• Sent rezoning case Z-800 back to staff for consideration (3-1)
• Approved consent agenda including surplus property offers, appointments, and fiscal items (4-0)
• Appointed Dan Bruneau to Brunswick Senior Resources board (consent)
• Appointed Jennifer Lucas to Substance Use and Addiction Commission (consent)
• Scheduled public hearing on Public Housing Agency goals for April 19, 2021 (consent)
• Approved emergency biosolids disposal contracts for Northeast and West Brunswick WWTPs (consent)
• Approved amendments to Property & Fixed Asset Policy (consent)
• Approved 2020 unpaid tax lien advertisement (consent)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners is holding a countywide goal workshop to review and discuss the FY 2021-2022 goals and objectives for all county departments, including legal, human resources, tax, sheriff, emergency services, health, and social services. The agenda also includes budget projections for employee compensation, retirement contributions, and health plans, as well as updates on capital needs like the 911 backup center and animal services facility.

• Employee compensation plan: $3,490,900 total budget impact for 1.1% CPI adjustment and 3% merit increases
• LGERS retirement contribution increase: $694,400 total impact (LEO rate from 10.9% to 12.1%, general from 10.15% to 11.25%)
• Health plan: no medical premium increase projected; dental may increase 10%
• Sheriff's office requests: $60,000 for in-car cameras, ~$700K for 911 backup at former Calabash Library, armored vehicle for SWAT
• Tax administration: 2023 revaluation of 150,000 parcels to begin March 2021

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners held a countywide goals workshop, hearing presentations from multiple departments. The only formal action taken was approving the health plan renewal, with preliminary discussions indicating no increase based on current plan design. The board also directed staff to schedule a meeting between Brunswick Community College and Emergency Services regarding paramedic training, and expressed consensus to keep the tax rate the same or lower.

• Approved health plan renewal (4-0)
• Directed County Manager to schedule paramedic training meeting with college and Emergency Services
• Consensus to keep tax rate same or lower
• Consensus to focus on service delivery and reward departmental efficiency

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will consider accepting and appropriating $103,710 in federal CARES Act supplemental funds and Center for Tech and Civic Life grant funds for 2020 election COVID-related costs and pollworker bonuses. The consent agenda also includes approvals for water/sewer infrastructure dedications, equipment purchases, budget amendments, and utility contracts. A courthouse addition and renovation project update is scheduled for presentation.

• Approve $103,710 in CARES Act and CTCL grant funds for election costs and pollworker bonuses
• Accept deeds of dedication for water/sewer infrastructure at Artesa Village Apts. and Landmark at Lighthouse Cove
• Approve purchase of 8 LUCAS chest compression devices and 25 McGrath laryngoscopes using CARES Act funds
• Approve $13,640.14 contract amendment for West Brunswick WWTP aeration system, total $821,354.50
• Approve $110,000 engineering contract with McKim & Creed for West Brunswick wastewater capacity study

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included accepting CARES Act funds for election expenses, purchasing medical equipment, and approving various contracts and budget amendments. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included a presentation on the courthouse project with no action taken.

• Approved consent agenda unanimously (4-0)
• Accepted CARES Act and Tech and Civic Life grant funds for election COVID-19 expenses
• Approved purchase of 8 LUCAS chest compression devices with CARES Act funds
• Approved purchase of 25 McGrath laryngoscopes with CARES Act funds
• Appropriated $80,000 for concealed handgun permit fees
• Approved $13,640.14 contract amendment for West Brunswick WWTP aeration system
• Approved $110,000 contract with McKim & Creed for capacity study
• Authorized temporary straight-time pay for nursing staff in COVID-19 vaccination

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners is holding a goal workshop to review the current budget performance, preliminary FY 2021-2022 budget, and capital improvement plans for general government and enterprise funds. They will also hear departmental goals and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, and discuss proposed mission, vision, and values statements. The meeting is primarily a discussion and planning session, with no formal votes scheduled.

• FY22 preliminary budget: tax rate estimate remains at 0.4850, with total property value estimated at $30.6 billion
• General Fund CIP includes C&D Landfill Closure ($150k engineering in FY22, $9.94M construction in FY23) and Landfill Transfer Station ($5.42M construction in FY22)
• Parks & Recreation capital plan: Smithville Park concession/restroom ($500k), Cedar Grove Park playground ($240k), Shallotte Park asphalt/lighting ($245k)
• Water CIP: Northwest Water Treatment Plant expansion ($167.4M), 54-inch LCFWSA raw water main ($28.7M county contribution), Shallotte water transmission main ($5.9M)
• Wastewater CIP: Northeast Brunswick WWTP expansion ($45.7M), West Brunswick WRF expansion ($25.76M total cost)

Board of Commissioners

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners will vote on a consent agenda covering school capital needs, a $350,000 budget amendment for South Brunswick High School field repairs, and a resolution supporting a new Food Bank facility. The board will also receive a presentation on water rate methodology and proposed changes, and consider an agreement to allocate 36.5% of county tax revenue to schools for fiscal years 2022-2025. A public hearing is scheduled for a zoning map amendment from Commercial Low Density to Commercial Intensive.

• Approve $350,000 from school fund balance for South Brunswick High School baseball field repairs
• Receive water rate presentation and recommended rate changes
• Approve agreement appropriating 36.5% of county tax revenue to schools for FY 2022-2025
• Public hearing on zoning change from C-LD to C-I
• Approve $2,000,000 Register of Deeds excise tax revenue budget amendment

The Board unanimously approved a four-year funding agreement with the Brunswick County Board of Education, appropriating 36.5% of county tax revenue (after debt service deductions) for fiscal years 2022 through 2025. The Board also approved a 27-item consent agenda, including a $590,000 contract for the 911 center video delivery project, a $57,506.50 sole-source purchase of two rapid deployment tents for COVID-19 vaccination sites, and a resolution supporting a new Food Bank facility. A public hearing on zoning case Z-800 was continued to February 15, 2021, and a water rate presentation was received with no action taken.

• Approved 36.5% county tax revenue agreement with schools for FY 2022-2025 (5-0)
• Approved $590,000 contract to North Carolina Sound for 911 center video delivery (5-0)
• Approved $57,506.50 sole-source purchase of two ASAP tents from DLX Enterprises (5-0)
• Approved $350,000 budget amendment for South Brunswick High School baseball field repairs (5-0)
• Approved $40,350 for message boards for COVID vaccination locations (5-0)
• Approved $115,800 engineering contract for Ocean Ridge Reclaimed Water Project (5-0)
• Approved six change orders for transfer station repairs totaling $56,385.87 net (5-0)
• Continued zoning case Z-800 to February 15, 2021 (5-0)