Greene commissioners to consider senior center budget, residential rezoning
SNOW HILL — Greene County commissioners will consider an initial $1.1 million budget for a new senior center and hear public comments on a proposal to convert county-owned industrial property near Walstonburg to residential use when they meet Monday, Nov. 16.
The meeting begins at 3 p.m. at the Greene County Operations Center.
The proposed Senior Center of Excellence capital budget includes $1,015,000 in federal grant funding and an $85,000 county contribution for engineering and preliminary project costs. Establishing the project fund would allow the county to move forward with planning, engineering and construction of a new facility.
The proposed budget ordinance describes the project as a modern, accessible senior center intended to accommodate growing programs and better serve residents.
Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution accepting the grant’s conditions Nov. 2, according to minutes submitted for approval Monday. A U.S. Department of Agriculture representative told the board that construction must begin within one year of the grant obligation and be completed within five years.
Monday’s proposal would establish the initial project budget. It does not identify a construction start date or opening date.
Industrial property proposed for residential use
A public hearing will address a request to rezone 16 county-owned parcels in the former Walstonburg industrial park from industrial to residential.
The property is near U.S. 264. The county’s application states that it wants to sell the land for residential use.
The Greene County Planning Board recommended approval Nov. 4 on an 8-0 vote, with one member absent. Its consistency statement describes the proposed change as a way to create additional housing options.
The request does not identify a developer or specify how many homes would be built. Rezoning would change the permitted land use; it would not itself establish a construction schedule.
Waterline relocation costs
Commissioners also will consider adding $71,185.46 in state transportation funding to a U.S. 13 waterline relocation project.
The proposed increase includes $7,801.46 for engineering and $63,384 for construction, according to supplemental agreements approved by the N.C. Department of Transportation.
The relocation involves waterlines along U.S. 13 between East Wayne Road and Rodell Barrow Road. County engineering consultant McDavid Associates reported that the project was delayed because some easements had not been acquired. Subsequent changes required revised plans and additional construction costs.
The construction increase includes $20,444 in adjustments to previously bid unit prices and $42,940 for two additional valves.
Richard Moore of McDavid Associates is scheduled to present the proposed budget amendment.
Other business
The consent agenda includes a net $20,401 increase in the public health budget. The amendment includes additional funding for general public health services, maternal health and breast and cervical cancer screening services, along with a reduction in tuberculosis program funding.
Commissioners also are scheduled to receive Sheriff Matt Sasser’s bond, review monthly tax collection and financial reports, and consider declaring a 1977 International bus surplus property.
Residents wishing to speak during the public comment period must sign up before the meeting begins. Comments are limited to three minutes per person.
