Lenoir County commissioners approve two economic development incentives, budget amendments and board appointments
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners met Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, approving a series of economic development agreements, departmental budget adjustments and tax-related resolutions during a meeting that highlighted continued industrial growth and ongoing state-funded flood mitigation work.
Chairman Linda Rouse Sutton called the meeting to order, followed by an invocation from Dr. Preston Harris and the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners reported no conflicts of interest.
Proclamation honors 100-year-old business pioneer Jewell Rider
The board formally recognized Mrs. Jewell Rider with a proclamation honoring her 100th birthday and her decades as a business owner in Kinston. Rider founded her business in 1951, growing it from a backyard tool shed to a permanent location on Westover Avenue. The proclamation celebrates her role as a trailblazing woman entrepreneur.
Public hearings held for two industrial incentive grants
Commissioners held public hearings for two economic development projects—Project Rehab and Project Ready Pad—then approved funding agreements for both.
Project Rehab
The board approved a four-year, performance-based business investment grant totaling about $31,343 to support the new U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility of Cardon Rehabilitation & Medical Equipment USA, LLC. The Canadian company plans to invest about $4 million and create at least 20 new jobs in Kinston. The incentives are tied to annual tax payments, with no upfront money provided.
Project Ready Pad
Commissioners also approved a five-year incentive agreement with Electrolux Consumer Products, Inc. for its planned $26.8 million facility expansion and the creation of 74 new full-time jobs. The county's total incentive commitment is approximately $262,896, also structured as reimbursement based on tax performance.
Public comments
The minutes and captions do not reflect extensive public comment discussion for this meeting, and no speaker-specific concerns were recorded. The meeting proceeded quickly to the consent agenda.
Consent agenda approved
Commissioners approved all consent agenda items, including:
Minutes from the Nov. 3, 2025 meeting
Tax collection reports and releases
Late tax relief applications filed under NCGS 105-282.1(a1)
A budget amendment accepting $6,684.46 in RTENC Recovery Conference funding
A $156,531 Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) budget amendment to support flood mitigation, debris removal and streambank repair projects
A $286,057 adjustment to reflect revised funding for account AA117
These approvals were routine and passed without debate.
New business includes special use hearing, sheriff’s equipment and industrial agreements
In new business, commissioners approved:
Setting a date for an evidentiary hearing for a special use permit request to operate a sandpit mine
A $27,043.80 purchase of two iTouch biometric fingerprint devices for the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office
Both economic development grant agreements associated with Project Rehab and Project Ready Pad
Commissioners then approved a $500,000 building reuse contract for Project Ready Pad, supporting Electrolux’s expansion.
Board appointments
No new citizens were appointed to boards or commissions during this meeting, though the clerk noted multiple current vacancies on planning, transit and other advisory bodies.
County manager update
County Manager Michael James presented several informational items, including:
County administration updates
October Planning and Inspections reports
October Transit system reports
Items from commissioners and attorney
Commissioners provided updates on meetings and community events.
A brief closed session was held under NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) and (a)(4) to discuss attorney-client matters and economic development issues. No action was taken.
The board returned to open session at approximately 10:41 a.m. and adjourned shortly thereafter.
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