Derek Burress: Greene County Commissioners tackled recreation, safety, veterans’ services, and legislative concerns at June 16th meeting
“This will make our softball field a top-notch facility for our student-athletes,” - County Manager, Kyle DeHaven
On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Greene County Board of Commissioners convened at the Greene County Operations Center, 229 Kingold Blvd., Suite D, to address a comprehensive agenda focused on recreation, public safety, veterans’ services, infrastructure, and state legislative issues impacting local governance.
Approval of Agenda
The commissioners unanimously approved the meeting’s agenda without any changes..
Public Information
Two reports, prepared by an official not in attendance, were reviewed by the board:
Stephanie Wiggins, Tax Administrator, prepared the Monthly Collection Report, detailing tax collections through May 31, 2025, as required by state law (GS 105-350(7)). The report showed $1,626,279.62 collected year-to-date (YTD) for 2024, with $178,813.06 uncollected, achieving a 98.48% collection rate. For 2014-2023, collection rates ranged from 99.83% to 99.95%, with outstanding amounts from $2,346.03 (2014) to $37,003.46 (2023). Total collections across all years reached $11,799,208.57, with $305,420.82 uncollected, reflecting robust tax recovery efforts before the fiscal year-end.
Sandy Shirtz, Finance Officer, prepared the Monthly Financial Report for May 2025, summarizing fiscal status. The General Fund recorded $22,679,401 in revenues, representing 85.82% of the $26,425,952 budget, and $2,525,703 in expenses, or 63.76% of the budget. Key revenue sources included Ad Valorem Taxes at 102.76% ($12,298,277 collected against $11,968,149 projected) and Sales and Services at 102.69% ($2,216,129 collected). Public Health Revenue reached 64.77% ($626,138 of $966,731 budgeted), and Social Services Revenue achieved 71.97% ($1,418,667 of $1,971,340), reflecting YTD totals with one month remaining. Departmental expenses, such as Public Safety ($5,184,693 for Sheriff and EMS operations) and Human Services ($3,987,432 for social services and health programs), stayed within budget.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda was approved unanimously with no items pulled. Heath confirmed, “The ayes have it? The motion is carried.” The items included:
June 2 Meeting Minutes
Late Property Tax Relief Applications: The board approved a late Elderly or Disabled Exclusion for 2025, per state law (GS 105-282.1(a1)), aligning with precedents for equitable tax relief.
Releases/Refunds: Routine tax adjustments, prepared by Wiggins, corrected overpayments or exemptions, such as misapplied payments or erroneous assessments, ensuring accurate records.
Budget Amendment for County Projects: County Manager Kyle DeHaven presented an amendment allocating $80,033 from Contingency Funds for completed projects: $40,893 for exterior LED lighting at the County Office Complex to enhance nighttime security for employees and visitors, $20,140 for Justice Building exterior enhancements like repainting and window repairs to improve weather resistance, and $19,000 for asbestos abatement at the former VFW Building.
Budget Amendment for Lottery Funds: DeHaven presented an amendment recognizing supplemental Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund lottery proceeds for Greene County Schools’ new high school construction, supporting modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities to accommodate growing enrollment.
Public Comments
No one spoke during the public comment period.
County Manager’s Report
DeHaven presented nine action items, all approved unanimously:
Appointment: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: DeHaven proposed reconstituting the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, as required by county ordinance, which calls for between five and eleven members.
Nine applications were received, but a few issues came up during the process.
Heath emphasized the need for transparency and said, “To be totally transparent, of those nine applications, one applicant is a relative of one of our commissioners—Commissioner Jerry Jones’s nephew. After consulting with legal counsel, it’s advised that Commissioner Jones not participate in this part of the meeting. Tonight, he will recuse himself. Secondly, one of the applicants is a part-time county employee. Again, after speaking with our attorney, it is not advisable to appoint a part-time employee to this advisory board.”
Commissioner Derek Burress asked for clarification about the status of the board. He said, “When we met a few days ago with Malcolm in the conference room, you said Monday we’d try to restart this board and appoint new members. Did that board stop meeting or something? Is there any particular reason they haven’t been meeting?”
DeHaven responded, “It’s my understanding they stopped meeting and haven’t met for quite some time. Some terms had expired or lapsed. This is just a restart. We have a new administration, a new interim recreation director, and we want to give him an advisory board for guidance on the issues he’s facing.”
Burress followed up, “I’m just curious why they stopped meeting. We’re reappointing a lot of the same members from the current board, so I was curious.”
Commissioner Bobby Taylor added, “From what I heard from a current board member about a month ago, they haven’t met since October of last year.”
The board appointed eight members to help guide youth sports leagues like baseball, soccer, and basketball, as well as community events such as summer camps, holiday festivals, and fitness challenges. They will also support facility upgrades, including improvements to playground accessibility, trail development, and potential splash pads or pickleball courts.
In addition to program and facility planning, the advisory board will help the interim recreation director with park maintenance schedules, expanding adult fitness and senior activity programs, and applying for grants for projects such as new soccer fields or lighting upgrades.
“This board will provide critical guidance to revitalize our recreation programs, which have been stagnant for too long,” DeHaven said.
The board appointed the following individuals to the advisory board:
Josh Harrell
Steven Criste
Steven Trey Scott
Linda Sewall
Brandon Hendricks
Christy Stroud
Dorthy Moore
Matt Beaman
Acceptance of State of North Carolina and NC Amateur Sports Grant: DeHaven presented a $20,000 grant to fund a metal shelter to be constructed at the Greene County Sports Complex near the concession area for weather protection and improvements to the Greene Central High School softball field.
Greene Central Athletic Director David Bryant was consulted, and the Greene Central Diamond Club agreed to cover additional costs for upgrades like enhanced dugouts, improved drainage, spectator seating, field lighting, and fencing to enhance player safety and fan experience.
Commissioner Bobby Taylor asked, “I just read the note, they get $10,000 annually. How many years after that?” DeHaven responded, “I believe they’ve gotten $20,000 this year. I can check this out. It just seemed like a good opportunity to improve some facilities.”
The board accepted the grant to bolster recreational infrastructure. “This will make our softball field a top-notch facility for our student-athletes,” DeHaven noted.
Budget Amendment for EMS: An amendment, prepared by Emergency Management Director Brock Kearney, allocated $240,000 to fund a new ambulance, ordered in October 2022 and ready for delivery by June 30, 2025. Commissioners approved repurposing equipment from a 2015 ambulance, including a Zoll monitor and Striker stretcher, to equip the new vehicle with advanced life-support capabilities for cardiac emergencies and trauma care. DeHaven highlighted the urgency: “We’ve been waiting two years, two and a half. The ambulance is ready for delivery.”
Resolution: Adoption of the Neuse River Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan: DeHaven presented the 700-page Neuse River Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, updated every five years per FEMA requirements and approved by NC Emergency Management, pending FEMA review.
Prepared by WSP, it addresses risks like dam failure, drought, flooding, hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, winter weather, and wildfires, outlining strategies such as flood barriers, early warning systems, public education campaigns, and infrastructure hardening to protect critical facilities. The plan ensures eligibility for mitigation funding under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and NC law (GS 166A-19.41).
DeHaven quipped, “I know you all went online and read the hazard mitigation plan, and it’s 700 plus pages,” adding, “This is a plan that’s updated every five years. Because we are part of the Neuse River region, they ask that we comply with these rules, which we do.”
Burress jokingly responded, “I just want to take a minute and thank you for acknowledging that we have read all 700 pages!” prompting light laughter.
The board adopted it, assigning implementation and annual reviews to the Emergency Services Director.
Veteran’s Services Grant: DeHaven presented an $18,000 grant from the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, exceeding the $6,000 requested by Ray Holoman, Veterans Service Officer.
The funds supported training for staff on navigating federal and state benefits, community outreach events like veterans’ resource fairs and job workshops, and equipment such as computers, printers, and materials for counseling sessions to assist with claims and healthcare access.
“They applied and were awarded $18,000 and some change. We have been working with him to find ways to improve that department, to provide a better service to our veterans,” DeHaven said.
The board approved the grant and budget amendment.
Resolution: Closeout of National Guard Armory, Emergency Operations Center Capital Project Ordinance: DeHaven presented a resolution to close out the National Guard Armory renovation, now an Emergency Operations Center and primary dispatch hub, completed after the 2018 NC National Guard divestiture. Funded by a $650,000 Golden LEAF grant (2017), an $841,964 NC 911 Board grant (2019), a $325,000 Golden LEAF grant, and $299,401 from the Emergency Telephone System Fund, the project involved Summit Design and Engineering Services for architectural design, including reinforced structures for storm resilience, and Farrior and Sons for construction, installing advanced communication systems and backup power generators for uninterrupted emergency operations.
“The building we sit in is the National Guard Armory Emergency Operations Center. I’m also asking for a refund of the initial amount paid by Greene County Transportation to be refunded back to transportation, and that money will then be picked up by the general fund.”
Transportation Advisory Board Appointments: Kim Howell, Transportation Director, prepared a proposal, presented by DeHaven, to fill two vacancies. Clifton Bryant, a Senior Center volunteer recommended by Sharon Harrison (Senior Center Director), was approved as the public transportation user after advertisements in The Standard Laconic (April 12, 2025).
Commissioner Bobby Taylor was appointed as the commissioner representative, with terms starting in August 2025. The board approved both to guide transit services for seniors, disabled residents, and medical transport to regional hospitals like ECU Health.
“There are currently two vacancies on the transportation advisory board. The application applied for was Mr. Clifton Bryant, and the transportation board seems in agreement with him as an applicant; he’s got a good review,” DeHaven said, with Howell adding, “Bryant’s involvement at the Senior Center makes him ideal for this role.”
Resolution: Authorizing the Transfer of Surplus Vehicles for Greene County Transportation: DeHaven presented a resolution to transfer five surplus Greene County Transportation vans to county agencies for non-competitive use, including two 2017 Ford Vans with wheelchair lifts (9 passengers, 1 wheelchair, ~190,000 miles), two 2019 Ford Vans with lifts (9 passengers, 2 wheelchairs, ~165,000 miles average), and one 2017 Ford Transit Van (13 passengers, ~135,052 miles).
Potential recipients included the Senior Center for elderly transport, the Sheriff’s Office for inmate transfers, and the Cooperative Extension Service for 4-H and agricultural outreach, with one van possibly surplused per state laws if unneeded.
DeHaven noted, “I believe she has four current and one coming surplus vans. They are well-maintained. They have, they probably have midlife, Half Life miles… they would be an upgrade for some of the fleet of other vans that we have.”
Position Classification Amendment: Josh Jones, HR Officer, prepared a proposal, presented by DeHaven, to add a Processing Assistant V position at grade 61, aligning with the county’s classification plan, which stopped at Processing Assistant IV.
DeHaven explained, “There’s been a request to add a processing assistant five… we kind of looked it up and made sure that it fell in line with our other processing assistance.” The board approved the amendment, with DeHaven stating, “This addition ensures we meet our staffing demands.”
County Attorney’s Comments
County Attorney Kevin MacQueen had no comments during his agenda slot.
Commissioners’ Report and Recommendation
Juneteenth Celebration & Statewide Recognition for Trey Cash: Chairman Heath announced the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration, noting, “As we’ve done for the past five years, Greene County will once again host a Juneteenth Celebration. It’s an important tradition that continues to grow each year.” The event will begin on Friday, June 20th, at the Best Chapel School Museum.
Heath also took a moment to recognize a major honor for one of the county’s own. “Mr. Trey Cash has had the distinction of being named the 2025 Emerging Leader of the Year by the North Carolina Economic Development Association,” Heath said. “Trey is the first recipient ever from any county east of Interstate 95 to receive this award.”
Cash currently serves as the Economic Development Director for both Greene and Lenoir Counties. The Emerging Leader of the Year Award is the highest honor a young economic developer can receive in the state. It is given annually to a rising professional whose efforts have made a measurable difference in both their local community and across North Carolina.
Commissioners Oppose Senate Bill 205 Over Local Land Use Concerns: Commissioner Bobby Taylor raised concerns about Senate Bill 205, which incorporates key provisions from House Bill 765. Both bills pose significant threats to local control over land use and zoning.
“I brought something up to Kyle this morning during our meeting through the County Commissioners Association about House Bill 765,” Taylor said. “That bill was later dissolved, and its contents were moved into Senate Bill 205. It is essentially the state taking away the rights of counties and municipalities to manage their own land. I am completely opposed to Raleigh—or the state of North Carolina—telling me what I can or cannot do with my own property.”
House Bill 765, introduced in the North Carolina House in early 2025, aimed to limit the authority of local governments to enforce zoning and land-use regulations. Supporters of the bill claimed it would streamline residential and commercial development by reducing permitting delays and minimizing local oversight. However, critics warned that it would severely undermine the ability of counties and municipalities to guide growth, protect farmland, and preserve the character of their communities. The bill raised particular concern over the possibility of incompatible developments—such as industrial sites—being allowed near residential areas.
After the bill stalled in the House, much of its language was incorporated into Senate Bill 205, introduced in the North Carolina Senate. SB 205 continues the push to centralize land use decision-making at the state level. It would require local governments to expedite development approvals, weaken zoning protections, and reduce their ability to regulate how land is used within their jurisdictions.
Economic Developer Trey Cash confirmed the concern. “Yes, language from House Bill 765 was inserted into Senate Bill 205 in an attempt to undermine local governments’ authority over their own land use and development. Legislators need to hear directly from their counties.”
The board unanimously approved the drafting of a formal resolution opposing Senate Bill 205. Commissioner Jerry Jones encouraged public action. “I urge everyone to contact your legislators and ask them to vote against it.”
Commissioner Taylor emphasized the urgency of the matter, calling for the resolution to be completed before June 30, when the legislative session is scheduled to end.
Burress Calls for Greater Transparency and Accessibility in Public Records Process: Commissioner Derek Burress noted that over the past two to three weeks, the county has received a significant number of public records requests. He expressed concern that a recent response by DeHaven included a form for the requester to complete, which he later tried to locate without success.
Burress explained that he had seen the link to the form earlier in the day but was unable to find it again, despite spending 13–14 minutes searching in the area where he believed it should be. He suggested that staff consider placing the form in a more visible and accessible location on the county website.
He also inquired whether the form could be added to the page detailing the county’s fees for public records requests. Burress emphasized the importance of transparency and consistency, noting that this would help ensure requesters are not surprised by fees after initiating the process.
In addition, Burress asked if the board could receive a summary at least quarterly, showing the number of public records requests received and the turnaround time for each. He noted that many of the emails board members are receiving involve complaints from residents who say their requests have not been fulfilled, and having this data could help the board track and address potential delays.
County Attorney Kevin McQueen responded with caution. He explained that North Carolina law sets clear limits on what local governments can charge for fulfilling public records requests. “I would caution the board not to put fees on this stuff,” McQueen began. “These are very specific about what you can and cannot charge. You cannot charge, for example, for the time involved in processing the request. If a public request for information comes to me and I actually handle it, I cannot bill for my time. I’m paid by the county—that’s considered part of my employment.”
MacQueen added that while there are limited situations where counties may charge a fee, they are only permitted to bill for the actual cost incurred, such as physical copying expenses. “That’s why you’ll often hear 25 cents per page. You can do that. But not all responses involve paper. A lot of the information is sent electronically, so no charge applies.”
He emphasized that posting a blanket fee online could unintentionally mislead residents. “If we put a fee out there, folks may assume that every request comes with a charge, when in fact, most do not,” he said. “Yes, if you ask for extensive written or paper documentation, a fee may apply. But most of the responses we generate are not the kind that come with a cost.”
Instead of a fixed list, McQueen recommended a more flexible approach. “You’d be better off posting a general statement—something like, ‘You may be subject to a charge if necessary,’” he said. “And when someone makes a comprehensive request, we can respond by saying, ‘We’ll be happy to fulfill this, but please understand there may be a fee. Do you want us to proceed?”
The conversation then turned to confidentiality and protected information. McQueen made it clear that certain personal information is not subject to public release. “We are specifically forbidden to send out private information about individuals,” he said. “That includes names, phone numbers, addresses, Social Security numbers—any private information like that.”
However, there are a few exceptions under state law. “Someone can ask, ‘What is Mr. McQueen’s salary?’ and I am obligated to tell them, whether I want to or not,” he said. “The state requires that. But if someone asks me for my home address, I don’t have to give it. I can provide my work address—229 Goldsboro Avenue—but not my personal address. That’s protected.”
McQueen added that other county officials are protected the same way. “Mr. DeHaven is not required to give that out. Mr. Cash is not required. The sheriff is not required. The commissioners are not required to disclose personal information unless you choose to.”
Commissioner Bobby Taylor followed up by asking if staff could give requesters a heads-up about potential delays. “Is there a way, when we get a request, to email the person back and say, ‘It’s going to take two or three weeks to get this together,’ so they know?”
McQueen confirmed that approach is not only allowed—it’s encouraged. “Absolutely,” he said.
Commissioner Johnson added, “That’s what we need to do, just communicate with people. Let them know what’s going on.”
Adjourn
The board adjourned unanimously, with Heath declaring, “We are adjourned until June 30, at two o’clock.”
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