Johnston County
Board
of Commissioners report from May 4 session |
 |
Commissioners present:
Chairman Ted Godwin, Tony Braswell, Jeff Carver,
Patrick Harris, Butch Lawter, Chad Stewart, and Larry Wood
Absent: none
Food-stamp applications
soar as county
allocated another $1,376,530 from feds
NO LETUP IN PERMITTING OF NEW HOUSES
Reporting for the county's Building Inspections Department, Shane Hudson said it's "business as normal" in his office despite the coronavirus pandemic. "We've not seen a slowdown," he told commissioners on Monday. Permits issued for new-home permits were up 38% in March and 25% in April, he said. Meanwhile, the department conducted about 7,500 building inspections in March and about 6,600 in April, he said. At the same time, because of the coronavirus threat, "we've cut back on going into people's homes" by postponing visits for services like HVAC inspections, he said.
FINANCING APPROVED FOR NEW DETENTION CENTER
Commissioners approved financing of the new Detention Center to be built east of Smithfield with up to $60 million from Limited Obligation Bonds that don't require voter approval as do General Obligation Bonds. Estimated cost of the new jail is just over $63 million, but commissioners heard Monday that bids subject to review have come in under the $60-million bond limit they adopted. Awarding of the construction contract may come at the board's June meeting.
JOINT RECREATION PROJECT AT CLAYTON BOOSTED
Adrian O'Neal --- the county's director of parks, greenways, and open space --- recommended a contribution of $58,850 from the county's Open Space Fund to a proposed project to improve athletic fields at Clayton Middle School for community use. What he termed a "pilot" for upgrading existing sports fields elsewhere in Johnston would involve Clayton Parks and Recreation, the Clayton Little League, the Neuse River Futbol Association (a soccer league) as well as Clayton Middle School. Commissioners approved Mr. O'Neal's recommendation for county funding of half the project's construction budget of $117,700.
FINANCING FOR NEW BROGDEN FIRE TRUCK OK'd
The board approved tax-exempt status for a loan to the Brogden Rural Fire Department by KS Bank for purchase of a 2020 tanker truck to replace a 1982 model. At the fire department's request, County Finance Director Chad McLamb recommended approval of KS Bank even though Civic Federal Credit Union submitted an identical bid for the $250,000 loan at an interest rate of 2.6% over a 10-year period.
LOANS FOR ARCHER LODGE, INGRAMS WATER PROJECTS
The board approved acceptance of two state loans for water-district projects, both with interest rates of 1.42% over a 20-year period. The Archer Lodge Water District will borrow $1,701,000 to construct a second elevated water tank near the fire station. The Ingrams Township Water District will borrow $2,950,000 for construction of a 16-inch water line along 13,500 feet beside US 301 near Four Oaks. Both loans will come from the N.C. Water Infrastructure Fund and will be repaid by customers of the two water districts.
FUNDS FOR MOCCASIN CREEK DRAINAGE DISTRICT
The board approved a $44,572 contribution from the county's General Fund to the Moccasin Creek Drainage District for debris removal and stream repair. The district was established half a century ago to improve drainage along Moccasin Creek from just north of Pine Level eastward to Holt's Pond near Princeton.
BILL TO EXPAND AIRPORT AUTHORITY ENDORSED
Commissioners endorsed proposed state legislation to increase the size of the Johnston County Airport Authority from five to seven members. If approved, perhaps this spring, the County Commissioners would be authorized to appoint two new members to the authority within 90 days of the bill's effective date.
APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
The board approved the following to serve on various boards and commissions:
• Economic Development Advisory Board --- Donnie E. Lassiter to represent Micro, J.C. Triplett to represent Wilson's Mills.
• Local Emergency Planning Commission --- Halbert Lee Barbee reappointed.
• Pleasant Grove Community Building Trustees --- Mike Langdon reappointed.
• Fire Protection District Commissions --- Brogden: Joe Carlisle reappointed; Meadow: Samuel Neal Johnson and Robert D. Parker reappointed; Micro: Thurman R. Batten Jr. reappointed; O'Neals: Kendall Hocutt and Ray Wheeler reappointed, Billy Hodge newly appointed; Selma: Roy F. Noble III appointed.
MEMORIAL DAY, EMS WEEK, ELDER ABUSE DAY PROCLAIMED
The board approved proclamations for:
• Memorial Day on May 25 --- requested by the county's Veterans Service Office.
• EMS Week May 17-23 --- requested by Johnston County Emergency Services.
• Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15 --- requested by the county's Department of Social Services.
ANNUAL AUDIT CONTRACT RENEWED FOR ANOTHER YEAR
The board agreed to renew the county's contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams & Co. of Whiteville to audit the county's financial records for the current fiscal year that ends June 30. The contracted fee of $71,000 has remained the same for a number of years.
HEARING SET FOR JUNE 1 ON 2020-21 COUNTY BUDGET
The board scheduled a public hearing during its 10 a.m. session on Monday, June 1 on a proposed county budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 that begins July 1. County Manager Rick Hester will present his proposed budget prior to that meeting. Additional budget sessions were scheduled for June 8 and June 15.
More details about Monday's agenda items on the county's website>
Live-streaming of Monday's meeting archived on the county's Facebook page>