Lenoir commissioners advance riverwalk plan, approve PIO job and EMS contract
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Oct. 20, approved a slate of budget items and contracts, set a public hearing for a proposed campground, and received an update on the Kinston Riverwalk project that is pushing toward construction funding by June 2026.
Chair Linda Rouse Sutton opened the meeting with an invocation by Dr. Preston Harris and a pledge led by Commissioner June Cummings. Commissioners paused to remember Dr. Aaron Cotton, a longtime county coroner and emergency room physician.
Key actions
Campground hearing set: Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for Monday, Nov. 3, on a special-use request from Wayne Langston to operate a campground on two parcels near Norbert Hill Road and Rayland Drive.
Economic development staffing structure: The board approved an employee lease agreement to make Lenoir County the employer of record for staff of the newly forming nonprofit Global TransPark Economic Development Region. The nonprofit will reimburse all personnel costs. Commissioners also amended the county’s position and classification plan to add three EDR roles: chief operating officer, economic development director and marketing director.
EMS medical direction: The county approved a contract with Wake Emergency Physicians for EMS medical direction at $2,416.67 per month. Norman Bryson, Emergency Services director, said Dr. Milling will serve as the new medical director following Dr. Cotton’s passing.
Public information officer funded: Commissioners authorized funding for a full-time countywide public information officer at $40,000. County Manager Michael James said the role will support county departments and the Sheriff’s Office. He recognized longtime part-time PIO Bryan Hanks for service and noted Hanks will help onboard the new hire.
Sheriff’s Office grant purchases: The board approved use of $85,003.29 in state grant funds for equipment that includes computers, pistols, rifle accessories and an AED.
Transit vehicle replacement: Commissioners authorized replacing a totaled FY 2024 transit vehicle for $101,502.76, using $90,845.10 in insurance proceeds and $10,502.76 from fund balance.
EMS stair chairs grant: The county accepted a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $143,429.09 with a local match of $23,912.65, totaling $167,341.74, to replace manual stair chairs with powered units to speed patient movement.
Consent agenda approved: Commissioners approved minutes and a series of routine items including proclamations recognizing the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, tax relief applications, public health fee adjustments including a $10 community rabies clinic fee, a FEMA repayment of $3,795.16, ABC Board funding of $10,000 for the 9th Judicial Accountability and Recovery Court, an interior painting contract for the Community Recovery Center at $12,900, a $14,000 Bear Creek streambank stabilization survey and design, and several budget amendments for aging services, Cooperative Extension programming and a Trillium grant for two court case coordinators.
Riverwalk project update
Planning Director Adam Short briefed commissioners on the next phase of the Kinston Riverwalk. The county and city secured about $3.3 million through the federal Carbon Reduction Program with a local match of roughly $670,000 split between the two governments. Environmental review, surveying and utility coordination are underway, with right-of-way work anticipated from November 2025 through May 2026, final design in spring 2026 and a target to obligate construction funds by June 2026.
Economic development notes
James reported two recent announcements: a Canadian company planning a rehabilitation facility investment of a little over $4 million with about 20 jobs averaging just under $50,000, and a $23 million Electrolux expansion expected to add roughly 40 jobs in Kinston. Sutton also noted First Lady Anna Stein’s visit during the Eastern North Carolina Recovery Conference and stops at the farmers market and the Children’s Garden.
Appointments and recognitions
The board approved the second reading appointing Lee Philippi to the Lenoir County Board of Health and heard the first reading for Dr. Jennifer Murphy to the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library Board.
Sutton recognized Justin Banks of Central Communications for 10 years of service.
Commissioners discussed targeting Dec. 15 for their annual retreat, pending scheduling. The board later entered closed session and adjourned.
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