Jones County Board of Commissioners approves health funding, grant applications, and park improvements
TRENTON – The Jones County Board of Commissioners met Aug. 4 at the Jones County Agricultural Building, approving public health and environmental health funding allocations, advancing a major housing revitalization grant, and accepting a $70,000 donation for park improvements, among other actions.
Public Health and Environmental Health Funding
Health Director Adrian Smith presented an update on the Department of Public Health’s Public Health Infrastructure: Local Workforce Development funding. Jones County has received $111,547 for year three of a five-year program. In past years, only minimal amounts were budgeted, but due to uncertainty in federal and state funding, the full amount will be budgeted this year. Funds will be used for staff development, travel, training, registration, and contract services that could also support staff salaries. The board approved the allocation.
Smith also requested approval to carry over $20,301 in unspent funds from a National Environmental Health Association grant awarded earlier this year in partnership with the FDA. The funds will support the county’s food and lodging program. The carryover was approved.
New Senior Center Director
Senior Services introduced Ellen Hargett as the new director of the Jones County Senior Center. Hargett, a Cove City native with more than 20 years of experience serving seniors, shared her mission to enhance participants’ lives through engagement, social interaction, and opportunities to build new relationships. She highlighted ongoing programs, such as a weekly breakfast and field trips, and efforts to secure additional funding from local churches to sustain meal programs.
Community Development Block Grant
A public hearing was held for the county’s $950,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for neighborhood revitalization. The program, designed to benefit low- and moderate-income residents, can fund ADA-compliant renovations, accessibility ramps, and new construction to replace deteriorated homes.
Applications opened in late June, and 34 have been received – a significant increase from the usual 10. Each application will be reviewed for income eligibility, followed by home visits and assessments using a point system administered by Insight Planning and Development, with oversight from county staff.
Some commissioners expressed concerns about outreach efforts and ensuring fair assessments by local evaluators. Smith confirmed that applications had been advertised in local newspapers and on social media, and agreed to work with staff to improve future promotion.
EMS Station 2 Improvements
The board approved a $6,870 change order to widen the parking and turning area at the Pollocksville EMS station’s ambulance entrance.
Heritage Festival Parade
Commissioners approved an ordinance authorizing a Sept. 27 road closure for the Heritage Festival parade. The two-day event will feature a Friday evening concert and Saturday morning parade, with the goal of increasing festival attendance.
Accessible Parks Grant Match
The board accepted a $70,000 donation from Cypress Creek Renewables toward the county’s local match for the North Carolina Accessible Parks Grant. The grant, which has a 5-to-1 match requirement, will fund a project totaling more than $500,000 to create an inclusive park facility. Commissioners discussed park safety and liability, with legal counsel recommending posted rules, hours, and supervision guidelines.
County Manager’s Updates
County Manager Kyle Smith announced several upcoming events:
Aug. 9 – Fifth annual Back-to-School Bash at the Civic Center, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 11 – Hurricane Community Forum at the Civic Center, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 – Heritage Festival parade and activities.
Smith also reported on progress toward a possible $300,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund federal grant for the Brock Mill Pond enhancement project, which, combined with other awards, could total nearly $1 million in improvements with minimal local match requirements.
Commissioner Comments
Several commissioners addressed hurricane preparedness, urging the development of a coordinated volunteer system with designated coverage areas, especially for elderly and mobility-limited residents. Road maintenance concerns, including Pocosin Road, were also raised.
Vice Chair Charlie Dunn, Jr. noted ongoing discussions about sewer infrastructure and regionalization, citing its importance to economic growth. Commissioner James Harper praised county staff for securing grants and managing resources without major property tax increases, while also noting that the county manager’s performance is drawing attention from other jurisdictions.
Veterans Transportation
Smith confirmed that $18,000 in grant funds are available to repair the veterans’ transport van. In the meantime, transportation is being provided using other county vehicles, with no disruption to service.
Closed Session
The board entered closed session under attorney-client privilege before adjourning.
The next work session is scheduled for Aug. 18.
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