Jones County commissioners approve opioid settlement position, water system security upgrade

TRENTON - The Jones County Board of Commissioners approved an opioid settlement spending plan and a cybersecurity upgrade for the county's regional water system during its regular meeting Monday, Aug. 3, while also hearing updates on housing repairs, child support, livestock programs and public concerns about drainage and water quality.

Commissioners approved a resolution to use opioid settlement funds for a full-time opioid settlement coordinator position housed through the Department of Social Services. Jennifer King, deputy director of administration, said the position would replace a part-time family mentor and peer support specialist role and would be fully funded through opioid settlement dollars.

King said the plan includes $160,000 over two years for salary, benefits and related expenses, plus $60,000 for an existing recovery housing support program. The coordinator would oversee opioid settlement initiatives, connect individuals and families with recovery resources, expand prevention and education efforts, strengthen partnerships with schools, law enforcement, health care providers and nonprofits, and pursue additional grants.

County Manager Kyle Smith said the county has built up some opioid settlement fund balance while determining local needs. He said overdose numbers have dropped substantially since 2021 and 2022, and county officials see peer support and youth mentorship as areas where the settlement money can make a direct impact.

Commissioner April Aycock said she supported the proposal because it uses opioid settlement funding, but said county agencies will need to communicate with each other for the position to succeed.

Commissioners also approved a $22,761.15 software update for the Jones County Regional Water System's SCADA system. Smith said the upgrade will add multi-factor authentication to better secure remote access used to operate wells, pumps and tanks.

"This is to better protect our assets related to our water infrastructure in the county," Smith said, noting recent cyberattacks on municipal systems elsewhere.

In a separate water-related discussion during commissioner comments, Vice Chairman Charlie Dunn Jr. raised concerns about yellow staining in fixtures at his home and questioned water quality. Smith said county water samples submitted to the state each month have been fine, but said staff would check Dunn's water.

Commissioner James Harper said he was concerned about public statements suggesting residents should not drink county water and asked that the county sample water near commissioners' homes and in other areas, then share results with the public. County Attorney Jonathan L. Robinson said the county's official position is that it has received no information indicating the water is unsafe to drink, while also noting that any reported concern should be tested and investigated.

During the first public comment period, a resident identified as Bryant returned to discuss drainage problems near Hawthorne Lane, saying standing water remains in her yard after rain and has become worse since road work in the area. Smith said county staff would send her photos to the N.C. Department of Transportation and follow up with the district engineer. Commissioners also discussed whether the county could petition to have Hawthorne Lane accepted into the state-maintained road system.

County manager responds to water quality:

Kristi Welke, area Extension agent for agriculture and livestock, told commissioners she reached 55 Jones County producers through programs and outreach from January through June. She said 17 Jones County youth participated in the Jones County Chicken Project, with Aurora Nelson winning grand champion broiler bird. The project processed more than 180 birds for use by food banks and educational programs.

Welke also highlighted youth livestock projects, animal waste continuing education credits, classroom visits at Jones Senior High School and the Jones-Craven-Pamlico Livestock Show scheduled for Aug. 21-22. Upcoming programming includes trailer safety training, a small-acreage livestock class and a carcass-to-canning class Nov. 21 at the Civic Center.

King recognized August as Income Maintenance Caseworker Appreciation Month and Child Support Awareness Month. She said the county's income maintenance staff complete more than 4,000 eligibility actions a year and currently have no untimely Medicaid applications or past-due recertifications.

King said Jones County's child support program established paternity in 94% of applicable cases last year, has child support orders in place in 90% of cases and collected more than $636,000 on behalf of Jones County children. She recognized Wanda Scott and Renee Brown for their work in the program.

King also reviewed the county's Urgent Repair Program application period, which will run from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. Jones County received $165,000 for the URP27 cycle and expects to assist about 11 households with urgent repairs.

The program helps income-qualified homeowners with special needs address imminent threats to health and safety, such as failed heating systems, roof repairs and accessibility modifications. King said the county has moved from a first-come, first-served process to a standardized ranking system based on household and repair needs.

Commissioners approved additional funding of $1,687.40 for the Minority Diabetes Prevention Program. King said the money will support travel to an annual diabetes conference and provide incentives and supplies for four additional participants.

The board approved consent agenda items including July 13 minutes, a Stevens Amendment policy and budget amendments Nos. 3-9. Commissioners also approved a resolution clarifying that the county manager has appointment and supervisory authority for the finance director and supervisory authority for the tax administrator, while the tax administrator will still require annual appointment by the board.

Smith said the next Board of Commissioners work session is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. because of Labor Day. He also announced an Aug. 17 unveiling ceremony for three historical markers on the courthouse lawn and an Aug. 14 roundtable with U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy.