Jones County commissioners approve FY 2027 budget, fee schedules

TRENTON — The Jones County Board of Commissioners approved the county’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget ordinance and fee schedule during its June 15 regular meeting.

The board held a public hearing on the budget ordinance, but no public comments were made, according to draft meeting minutes. Commissioners later voted unanimously to approve the FY 2027 budget ordinance and fee schedule.

The meeting was held at 7 p.m. at the Jones County Agricultural Building in Trenton. Chairman Frank Emory, Vice Chairman Charlie Dunn Jr. and Commissioners Michael Haddock, James Harper, April Aycock and Charlie Gray were present. Commissioner Sondra Ipock-Riggs was absent.

During the public comment period, Charles Mallard raised concerns about the condition of Pole Pocosin Road. Bianca Cruz, representing El Mariachi Mex & Grill Restaurant, provided information about the restaurant and requested approval related to an alcohol permit.

Commissioners also received updates from Chris Henderson, Jones County clerk of Superior Court, and Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Robert Roupe. Roupe introduced himself to the board, outlined his judicial district, which includes Jones County, and emphasized communication and cooperation with county officials.

The board approved the Jones County Health Department’s clinical fee schedule for fiscal year 2026-27. Health Director Adrian Smith told commissioners the updated fee schedule would be posted on the Health Department’s website for transparency and that comparison information from the previous year was included for reference.

Smith also presented third-quarter financial and service count reports for January, February and March 2026.

Commissioners approved operating procedures for the Board of Commissioners acting as the Board of Health, with a correction to the meeting date schedule. Smith told commissioners they had assumed the roles and responsibilities of a Board of Health and provided handbooks containing operating procedures, member and staff information, general statutes, accreditation requirements and health information related to Jones County.

The board also approved the Health Department’s environmental health fee schedule for fiscal year 2026-27.

Commissioners approved a resolution requesting $4,000 in opioid settlement funding to support a part-time reentry coordinator at the Lenoir Community College-Trenton campus. The coordinator would help connect people reentering the community with housing, job support and life skills services. The effort is part of a partnership involving the Jones, Lenoir and Greene county health departments.

The board renewed a one-year lease agreement with Advanced Plastic Extrusion LLC for the county-owned facility at 189 Sermon Road in Pollocksville. The lease runs from July 1, 2026, through July 1, 2027, with monthly rent of $4,338.63. The rate represents a 1% increase over the current lease, with other terms substantially unchanged.

Finance Officer Blake Batchelor presented budget amendments Nos. 44-55, which commissioners approved unanimously.

County Manager Kyle Smith told commissioners they could move forward with placing a mixed beverage referendum on the November ballot. Smith noted that El Mariachi’s Trenton location is seeking local approval to serve liquor by the drink and said the board would need to adopt a resolution to place the matter before voters. Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with preparing a resolution for consideration at the next board meeting.

Commissioners also approved the county’s five-year capital improvement plan.

Smith provided an update on the Brock Mill Pond Enhancement Project following the June 11 construction bid opening. He recommended awarding the contract to Farrior & Sons as the lowest bidder and asked for the board’s consent to proceed with the project. The draft minutes do not list a separate vote on that item.

In his manager’s comments, Smith noted that the 119th North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Annual Conference will be held Aug. 20-22 in Durham.

The board later entered closed session under attorney-client privilege before returning to open session and adjourning.