Lenoir commissioners back Woodington grant, approve campground with berm requirement
Lenoir County commissioners supported a $52 million grant application to replace Woodington Middle School, approved a campground with a protective berm requirement and raised county transit fares during their meeting Monday, Sept. 21.
The school proposal would use a state Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund grant toward an estimated $54.6 million project, with a required $2.6 million local match.
Superintendent Brent Williams told commissioners that much of Woodington dates to 1952. Although staff have maintained the campus, he said its age and layout limit what maintenance alone can accomplish.
The proposed replacement would largely follow the design of the new E.B. Frink Middle School. Williams said the school system already owns the necessary land at Woodington, allowing students to remain in existing classrooms during construction before moving into the new building.
The application deadline is Oct. 2. Monday's vote allows the application to move forward; final project plans, contracts and funding arrangements would return to commissioners for further consideration if the grant is awarded.
County Manager Michael James said county and school officials are also developing a possible sales tax reimbursement arrangement to help cover the local match and provide additional money for school capital needs.
Commissioners also approved Reggie Weston's special-use permit for a campground off N.C. 55 East after an extended hearing that drew objections from neighboring property owners.
The site plan for the proposed Paradise Lake and RV Resort lists 205 RV spaces, 23 tiny homes and 20 houseboats, along with tent camping areas. The property includes a lake and extends to the Neuse River.
Weston said the development would attract visitors, support local businesses and expand the county's tax base while preserving substantial open space. He described quiet hours, on-site management and limits on the length of stays as measures intended to keep the campground orderly.
Neighbors raised concerns about traffic, noise, drainage, security, property values and the effect on the area's rural character. Residents across N.C. 55 described concerns about vehicles entering and leaving the property, while a property owner across the river asked for enforceable protections addressing noise, lighting and river activity.
Commissioners approved the permit with a condition requiring a 6-foot berm along N.C. 55 to protect nearby residents.
In a separate zoning decision, the board approved James Pruitt's request to rezone approximately 73 acres from agricultural/rural to commercial. Pruitt said he plans to expand a pick-your-own flower farm operation into Lenoir County, with possible future additions including a general store, space for local vendors, small lodging units and a wedding venue. The property is accessed by an easement off Albrittons Road.
One-way fares for rural general public transportation and employment transportation will rise from $5 to $7. Fares for the Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program will increase from $3 to $5. Contract rates will rise from $3.10 to $3.98 per mile.
The approved changes include a 10% reduction in routes and elimination of Saturday service except for dialysis transportation.
Transit officials said fares had not been updated since 2017 and that earlier cost-saving measures had not resolved a structural budget deficit. During public comment, a speaker representing an employer of people who are blind or legally blind warned that higher fares could threaten workers' ability to afford transportation to their jobs.
In a separate action, commissioners authorized a $435,379 application for the fiscal 2028 Community Transportation Program. The proposal includes administrative funding and one replacement vehicle, with a combined local match of $58,783.
Commissioners approved Southwood Volunteer Fire Department's purchase of a $1,094,753 fire engine to replace a 32-year-old vehicle. A department representative said the selected manufacturer offered a lower price and shorter delivery time than other options. Sales tax reimbursements will help with the down payment.
The board renewed the community paramedic program agreement with UNC Health Lenoir and approved previously executed recovery program agreements and related noncompetitive procurement justifications under the county's federal COSSUP grant. The recovery program presentation acknowledged that some individual agreements had not received separate board approval and outlined steps to bring contracts into compliance with county procurement policies.
Commissioners awarded Rick Bostic Construction two demolition projects totaling $10,298: $3,125 for a property at 962 N.C. 58 South and $7,173 for a property at 2427 Elijah Loftin Road.
The board also authorized reinvestment of approximately $10.31 million through the North Carolina Investment Pool. The approved strategy uses 120-day terms for general fund, capital projects and solid waste money, and a shorter 90-day term for school sales tax funds to preserve access to that money.
Commissioners revised the consent agenda to include an updated community recovery staffing proposal and postponed a $3,197 erosion-control contract for Pearson Park until the next meeting. County Manager Michael James did not detail the staffing revisions or explain the reason for postponing the park project.
