The December 1 meeting of the County Commission revisited some topics first touched on in previous meetings. Some topics came to a resolution, while others will come up again in the new year. Monday’s meeting is the month’s only meeting unless a second is announced. About half a dozen members of the public joined the commissioners to hear more about hemp, dredging, and a few other subjects.

The commissioners voted in favor of allowing the sheriff’s office to apply for a law enforcement equipment grant. The grant will cover 25 new Motorola body-worn cameras. The grant is for up to $50,000 and does not require matching funds from the county. 

It’s our year-end donor drive! Give now for 100% match on your donation:

The commission held a public hearing on the subject of new regulations on hemp and kratom products in unincorporated areas of the county. A proposed ordinance would set minimum proximity rules between shops selling these products, as well as their proximity to schools, religious buildings and camps.

The ordinance also regulates lighted signage. 

The board met in closed session to discuss amending the ordinance to allow continual sale of non intoxicating hemp products. They concluded the ordinance, as written, was unclearly written, and could lead to unintentional bans on items like pain-relieving CBD lotion. The commission voted to table discussion for 30 days to allow for clarification in the ordinance.

Violet Williams Ollison spoke during the public comment period to say she has concerns about the shops selling products to minors. “You've got the high school kids that go right in there and purchase these items,” she said. “I don't like them. I mean, I know I'm just one voice, but, I mean, I know from experience that you sell to underage kids.”

At the current time, there is no age limit in North Carolina for sales of hemp products. Governor Josh Stein established a council over the summer to address hemp-based THC products. A bill that would limit purchases to those 21 and up died in committee. A new federal law banning all synthetic THC products is set to go into effect late next year. 

Last month, the commission received a request from Pecan Grove Marina and Friends of Shop Gut Channel for the county’s cooperation in applying for a Water Resources Development Grant Program Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund grant to cover a portion of the cost of dredging in Shop Gut Channel. The channel has become shoaled, leading to depths insufficient for many of the deep keeled boats kept in the marina.

Initial reports from Pecan Grove Marina indicated that the marina would assume all costs and all liability associated with the grant. However, further investigation revealed that the grant in question could not be issued as a passthrough grant. If Pamlico County applied for the grant, the county would have to assume all liability, as well as administrative costs associated with the grant.

“The board assumes full obligation for payment of the balance of the project cost. The board will obtain all necessary state and federal permits,” said Commissioner Thomas Mills. 

Additionally, there are a number of costs that, by law, could not be paid for with the grant. Ineligible costs include costs incurred outside of the contract period, indirect or overhead costs of the municipality such as rent, telephone service, or general administrative support, salaries or other expenses of elected officials whether incurred for purposes of project direction, execution, or legislation, or not, and eligible costs.

In light of the additional costs and responsibilities the county would incur, the commissioners voted unanimously to abandon efforts to secure the grant.

Each year, the County Commission elects a new Chairman and Vice Chairman. The commission elected Kenny Heath as Chairman and Ed Riggs as Vice Chairman. 

“First order of business tonight, and this is becoming a common recurrence. Seems like we just did this. Everyone seems to be wanting to retire on us,” said Commissioner Riggs. “So, Ms. Violet, we're going to take a moment to really recognize you, really appreciate the service and the time you've given.”

Riggs read a proclamation noting the history of Violet Williams Ollison’s service with the county, which spans almost 30 years. Ollison began her career in the Pamlico County Department of Social Services on April 25, 1996, starting as Income Maintenance Caseworker 1. She took on additional responsibility over the years, assuming the role of Senior Service Director in 2013. Ollison is retiring effective November 26.

“Now, therefore, we have resolved that the Pamlico County Board of Commissioners to hereby recognize and honor Violet Williams Ollison for her outstanding career and contributions to the county, wishing her a joyous, healthy, and well-deserved retirement,” Riggs concluded.

The commissioners discussed consolidating Human Services at their second November meeting. The consolidation will allow the department more flexibility when working with individual clients who need multiple services.

A public hearing about consolidation will be held at the January 5, 2026 meeting. 

The following requests were also approved at the December 1 meeting:

The commissioners went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

The county’s finance policy was approved with an amendment that raised the minimum necessary for a competitive bidding process. For expenditures over $10,000, the county will need to acquire three bids before choosing a provider.