Monday’s meeting saw a number of issues raised that could affect people working and living in Pamlico County. We bring you the most important notes. 

County Commissioners heard from Jordan Carney of McDavid Associates, who was there as part of his duties with the 2025 CDBG Board of Law program. The county is set to receive $950,000 in federal funds to upgrade housing and improve access to vital programs. There were 60 homes evaluated for reconstruction and replacement. Three were selected for the program. Remaining funding will go to building a senior center. A public hearing on the grant was scheduled; however, no community members chose to speak about the grants.

Commissioner Candy Bohmert reported speaking with local fishermen including Keith Bruno of Endurance Seafood at a recent seafood coalition meeting. Bruno expressed worries that restrictions recently imposed on crabbers in Albemarle Sound will be extended throughout the state. 

Researchers are concerned about blue crab numbers because they are finding lower numbers of juvenile blue crab. The decline appears to be caused by predation from invasive catfish. However, fishermen counter that last year, they had the best season in years and that this is not an overharvesting issue.

County Commissioners agreed to write a resolution showing support for our county’s crabbing industry before new regulations can be put into place.

As readers may know, the state legislature did not pass a budget before going into recess. This means that North Carolina’s ferry system will be underfunded by around $7 million. To cope with the shortage, ferry routes including the Cherry Point ferry will only be able to operate half their usual daily routes.

The commissioners have reached out to Representative Keith Kidwell, Senator Sanderson and Senator Hanning expressing the need to find funding to keep the ferry running on its regular schedule.

They voted unanimously to put together a joint resolution expressing the need for consistent ferry service.  

Commissioners heard a plan to change how vehicles for county workers are acquired and maintained. The county currently purchases vehicles and handles maintenance internally. Under a new plan, vehicles will be leased from Enterprise Fleet Management instead. It is estimated that the change will save the county around $100,000 a year. Additionally, county workers will have access to newer, more fuel efficient vehicles. 

County commissioners heard about a proposed plan to switch from three contractors at the Health Department to one full-time employee. This will require an additional $10,000 per year in salary in order to meet regional salary expectations for this position.

Changing to one full-time provider will mean patients see the same professional throughout care, giving them better continuity during treatment.

The motion was passed with a 5 to 1 vote, with Commissioner Doug Brinson dissenting.

The following items from the consent agenda were passed without discussion:

Renewal of the meter reading contract with Metermark was approved. The cost will increase by 5 cents per meter, which is around 3.5% per year.

The Sheriff’s Office will renew their contract with Trinity Services Group. They’ve been the county’s correctional food service provider for several years and Sheriff Chris Davis says they are happy with their service. 

A request to apply for a $20,000 military and veterans affairs grant was approved. 

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