Lenoir County commissioners approve economic development financing, DSS legal funding and insurance-funded settlement
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners opened its first meeting of 2026 on Jan. 5 by honoring the late Commissioner Roland Best before approving a series of economic development, budget, and administrative actions, including financing for a new industrial shell building and additional legal support for the Department of Social Services.
Chair Linda Rouse Sutton called the meeting to order and asked the board and audience to remember Best, who died during the holidays. Commissioners later confirmed that a nominee to fill Best’s vacant seat is expected to be presented by the Democratic Party at the board’s next meeting.
Industrial park shell building moves forward
Commissioners held a required public hearing on proposed financing for the construction of a new commercial shell building at the Lenoir County Industrial Park along U.S. 70. No public comments were offered.
County Attorney David Baxter explained the project would be funded through a USDA-administered REDLG loan, passed through Tri-County Electric Membership Cooperative. The financing will support construction of an approximately 22,000-square-foot shell building on a pad-ready site to support future economic development. The board later approved a resolution authorizing staff to seek approval from the Local Government Commission for the financing arrangement.
First TIDE application approved in La Grange
The board approved the county’s first application under the Tax Incentive for Downtown Enhancement, or TIDE, program. The program provides tax rebates tied to new property value created through downtown investment and job creation.
The application, submitted by Tomiko Moy for property at 125 S. Casual St. in La Grange, authorizes the county manager to execute a memorandum of understanding outlining performance requirements. County staff said the program is designed to encourage downtown redevelopment across all municipalities in the county.
DSS legal funding increase approved
Commissioners unanimously approved a $62,734 increase to the professional services legal line item to fund a second attorney for the Department of Social Services.
DSS Director Brittany Naylor told the board the number of foster children in Lenoir County has nearly doubled, rising from about 60 in late 2024 to 112 as of January. She said child welfare court filings have increased sharply, citing staffing shortages in prior years and changes in state policy that expanded reporting requirements.
Naylor said the additional attorney is needed to ensure timely court proceedings and compliance with legal standards. The funding will not affect the county’s general fund and is partially reimbursable by the state. Commissioners noted the expense is expected to be ongoing.
Crown Equipment grant funds released
The board authorized acceptance and disbursement of $400,000 in One North Carolina Fund grant money to Crown Equipment Corporation. County officials said the funds relate to a previously approved building reuse project and that the county is acting as a pass-through after the company met all grant requirements.
Insurance-funded settlement clarified
Commissioners also approved a $500,000 budget ordinance amendment tied to the settlement of a legal matter involving the county administration building renovation.
County Manager Michael James emphasized that no taxpayer dollars were used. He said the settlement was fully funded through insurance proceeds after a contractor was targeted by a cyber crime that diverted payments during the renovation project.
County officials said $756,250 in insurance coverage was applied toward the settlement, which was reached through mediation. Commissioners stressed that the county refrained from public comment during active litigation to protect the legal process.
Fire district fund transfer
The board approved a $1.9 million line-item transfer within fire district funds to improve financial tracking and transparency, with no new money added to the budget.
Board appointments
Commissioners also approved appointments to county boards, including Margaret Grace Alexander Merritt to the Lenoir County DSS Board and Anthony Clark to the Jury Commission.
Looking ahead
County staff advised commissioners that preparation for the fiscal year 2026-27 budget is underway, with a budget development calendar to be shared in coming weeks.
The board adjourned after closing remarks from commissioners reflecting on Best’s service and the start of the new year. The next regular meeting is expected to include action on filling Best’s vacant seat.
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