Lenoir County commissioners approve withdrawal from Eastern Carolina Council
The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to withdraw from the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments effective July 1, approving the move without changes as county officials said they will work to avoid disruptions to aging and transportation-related services. Commissioners Lovick and King were absent.
The action formalizes a break with the regional organization after county staff raised concerns in agenda materials about the council’s financial stability, long-term viability, governance and accountability.
Lenoir County Public Information Officer Amedith Stroud said the board approved the withdrawal as presented, with no amendments, substitute motions or additional directives before the vote.
County officials said discussions are still ongoing about how services tied to the Area Agency on Aging and regional transportation planning will be handled after the withdrawal takes effect.
According to Stroud, Commissioner June Cummings and Chairwoman J. Mac Daughety Sutton-Rouse emphasized that the county’s top priority is making sure funding and services provided through the Council on Aging remain uninterrupted. Even after the county withdraws from formal membership, aging funding may still be administered through the organization while staff evaluates options over the next 60 days, Stroud said.
The county also plans to review options for transportation planning through a rural planning organization in the coming weeks, according to the county’s response.
“The County values the partnerships and collaborations built within the Council of Governments region and anticipates those relationships will continue, regardless of formal membership status,” Stroud said in a statement.
The vote marks a significant shift in one of Lenoir County’s regional relationships, though county leaders indicated they expect some partnerships to continue as staff works through the transition.
