Jones County Board of Commissioners addresses infrastructure, public safety, and community programs
The Jones County Board of Commissioners met Monday to approve significant financial commitments for county projects, including the construction of a new shell building in the industrial park and major upgrades to emergency services facilities. The meeting also saw extensive discussion on long-standing infrastructure concerns and a contentious debate over a change order for an EMS station.
Economic Development and Industrial Growth Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an application for approval of financing arrangements for a new shell building in the Jones County Industrial Park. John Bender, Economic Developer/Planner, stated the project would be financed through a $400,000 equity investment from North Carolina Southeast, a $500,000 loan with Jones Enslow, and a county appropriation. The Board appropriated up to $1,367,323 from the county for the project, which will be built by the Jones County Development Alliance, a new nonprofit. County Manager Kyle Smith confirmed this amount would be largely covered by the recent $1.65 million sale of the DHI building.
Emergency Services Enhancements Ryan Mills, Emergency Services Director, secured approval for several initiatives aimed at bolstering the county's emergency response capabilities. The Board approved the purchase of a $25,000 DEN system using a Duke Energy Preparedness Grant, which will provide a cellular and web-based communication redundancy system. Mills also received approval for a technology contractor to equip the Pollocksville EMS station and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at a cost of $29,580.15 for the EMS station and not to exceed $72,433.97 for the EOC. These upgrades include security systems, Wi-Fi, and other technology, with the EOC expanding from a 12-person to a nearly 50-seated facility.
Further EOC improvements include:
• New Furniture: Approval for furniture to accommodate 56 personnel and two offices in the EOC, expanding capacity from 12.
• Communication Tower: Approval to spend $15,500 for an additional tower to support ham radio and Wind Link systems, creating a crucial backup internet and communication source, particularly important given past communication failures during events like Hurricane Florence.
• EOC Renovation Change Orders: Two change orders were approved for the EOC renovation: $6,443.35 to add a server room closet and $14,648.03 to relocate LED lights and wiring for TVs in the break room.
Mills also discussed the progress on long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Florence, proposing a partnership with the Coastal Carolina Disaster Resiliency Agency (CCDRA) and New Hope Volunteer Village. He suggested a future workshop to bring CCDRA's executive director to explain their model.
Contentious EMS Station Change Order A request for a change order regarding a parking turn radius issue at EMS Station 1 sparked debate among commissioners. The total cost of the change order was $52,176.52. While Wooten Company, the contractor, had agreed to pay $23,317.40, leaving the county responsible for nearly $30,000, Commissioner Sondra Ipock Riggs and Commissioner Charlie Gray expressed strong opposition.
"It was built for EMS building. If they don't have no sense to figure give you a little extra room, put all that fuel out there. We shouldn't had to pay my opinion," Commissioner Riggs stated. Commissioner Gray added that the internal cost for redesigning the parking lot should have been done initially by the contractor. The board ultimately voted to move into closed session to discuss the matter further with legal counsel, preserving attorney-client privilege.
Health and Community Services Adrian Smith, Health Director, received approval for a $3,990 carryover for the Medication Assistance Program grant to conclude the two-year grant period ending July 30. Smith also announced a Community Baby Shower on July 12 at the Civic Center, partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, who donated over 100 packs of diapers and wipes.
Colby Powers, Outreach Specialist for Focused Addiction Recovery, presented on their substance abuse treatment services in Wallace, Duplin County. Services include intensive outpatient programs, clinical services, a maintenance program, and a 26-bed co-ed housing facility, emphasizing individualized care and employment partnerships.
Jennifer King, Deputy Director of Administration, reported that Jones County was awarded $165,000 for the Urgent Repair Program (URP) 2026, which will assist approximately 10 citizens with urgent home repairs, capped at $12,000 per home this year, increasing to $15,000 next year.
Financial and Infrastructure Updates Fleming Jeffress, Tax Administrator, presented the FY2024-25 final collection report, showing a collection rate of 96.06 percent for the 2024 levy, slightly down from 96.96 percent last year, but still considered a good outcome as it was over budget. The total tax collections for 2024 and prior years amounted to $8,651,972.33. Jeffress also presented the annual settlement reports and requested approval for releases and discoveries for the fiscal year.
Blake Batchelor, Finance Director, gained approval for a grant project ordinance to fund a new recreation and wellness complex, including playground facilities and a fitness pad. Funding sources include an accessible parks grant, a Trillium inclusive playgrounds grant, a Herald Bait Foundation grant, and a local match. County Manager Kyle Smith noted an expected $70,000 donation would help cover the local match. The board also approved $15,000 for the demolition and removal of an old house on the complex site, choosing demolition over a training burn due to potential asbestos.
Commissioners raised concerns about ongoing issues, including stream debris removal and poor road maintenance. Commissioner Riggs emphasized the need for state action on stream cleanup, citing the risk of flooding, stating, "Our ditches has not been cleaned out in 14 years". Mr. Smith confirmed a $3 million request has been made to the legislature for a radio tower in the 58 area to enhance communication in Rock Creek, Longpoint, and Maysville, contingent on the state budget passing.
The meeting concluded with manager, attorney, and commissioner comments, followed by a closed session to discuss ongoing opioid litigation.
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