Lenoir County Commissioners advance park, sewer projects; discuss budget
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners took action on several significant projects and held a detailed discussion on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 during their regular meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025.
Key approvals included authorizing a lease agreement with the state for a new county park and awarding a construction contract for a major sewer project at North Lenoir High School.
The board approved a lease agreement with the State of North Carolina for approximately 29.5 acres of the Richard Caswell Historic Site. This area is designated for a new county park facility intended for historical and natural recreation. Assistant County Manager Adam Short explained the project is a priority in the draft Parks and Recreation Masterplan and aims to add amenities like walking trails, a kayak launch, a disc golf course, and areas for picnicking and enjoying the river. Chairman Linda Rouse Sutton noted the project has been a long process and would be a wonderful addition to Lenoir County. The lease is for a twenty-year term and may be extended.
Commissioners also authorized the award of a construction contract for the North Lenoir High School Pump Station & Force Main project to Busco Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $3,999,530.00. The project is funded by a $5,000,000 allocation from the NC General Assembly and seeks a long-term solution to the school's sewer issues by connecting to the City of Kinston's system. Short stated this connection is the "better long-term option" and could support "additional growth in the vicinity". Busco Contractors was the only qualified bidder after the project was re-bid.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation and discussion of the proposed FY 2025-2026 budget by County Manager Michael James. James reviewed the impact of the recent property revaluation, which increased the total assessed value from $4.6 billion to $6.3 billion. He presented the revenue-neutral tax rate of .6394 and discussed the proposed total budget of $101 million. The discussion touched on strategic priorities, the county's financial position, debt management, use of fund balance for major capital projects like the Courthouse and EMS Station 4, and the goal of setting a stable tax rate between reappraisals. James indicated the recommended rate aimed to be comparable to regional counties and would provide flexibility for future needs. A public hearing and final vote on the budget are scheduled for the next regular meeting.
In other business, the board approved a resolution recognizing the BBQ Fest on the Neuse for earning a Guinness World Record by selling 4,775 barbecue sandwiches. They also approved a proclamation declaring June 2025 as Economic Services Appreciation Month, honoring the vital work of those staff members.
Commissioner updates included discussions on seeking grant funding for the LCC Automotive Technology Center/school bus garage project, county funding for Trillium services, updates on UNC Lenoir Healthcare and DSS operations, concerns about federal funding cuts impacting organizations like Green Lamp, and activities related to the City-County Joint Working Committee and the Highway 70 Quarter Commission.
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