Edgecombe County Board Of Commissioners Regular Monthly Meeting Monday June 5, 2023

AGENDA

REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY

JUNE 5, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.

IN THE JONATHAN FELTON COMMISSIONERS ROOM

 COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

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1.         MEETING CALLED TO ORDER.

2.         SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

 

3.         PRAYER.

 

4.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL.

May 1, 2023

 

5.         PUBLIC HEARINGS:

1.  A public hearing is called to order to receive citizen comments relative to the proposed 

     fiscal year 2023-2024 Edgecombe County budget.  (Attachment #1)

     a. Public Hearing called to order.

     b. Reading of public notice as published by Mr. Peters.

     c. Comments by Mr. Evans.

     d. Call for public comment. (Public should state name and address for public record.)

     e. Adjourn public hearing.

 

 6.        PUBLIC PETITIONS.

·      Public present should state name and address for public record. (limit 3 minutes)

·      Mr. Evans to read public petitions submitted via email or postal mail.

 

 7.        OTHER BUSINESS:

            A. Consideration of approval of budget amendments. (Attachment #2)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve budget amendments as presented.)

 

B.  Consideration of approval of revision of Family Planning Coordinator position. 

      (Attachment #3)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

            C. Consideration of approval of funding recommendation for Home and Community Care

                  Block Grant for FY-24. (Attachment #4)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

D. Consideration of approval of applications for fireworks displays.   (Attachment #5)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

E. Consideration of approval of designating County property as surplus. (Attachment #6)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approval as presented.)

 

F.  Consideration of approval of voting delegate for the upcoming NACo and NCACC

      Annual Conferences. (Attachment #7)

 

      (Recommended action:  Approve as recommended.)

 

  8.        APPOINTMENTS. (Attachment #8)

            A.  Human Services Board.

            B.  Turning Point Workforce Development Board.

            C.  Edgecombe Community College Board of Trustees.

            

  9.       AFTERLISTS AND RELEASES FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.

 10.       CONTRACTS FOR REVIEW AND/OR APPROVAL.

11.       DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS FOR REVIEW.

            A.  Water and Sewer update.

            B. Monthly Financial Summary.

            C. DSS-Community Impact Program update.

           

12.       MANAGER’S REPORT.

            A. Workforce Development Indicators.

            B. TDA financial report.

            C. Update on Countyline merger.

            D. Call for a Special Meeting on June 26, 2023 at 7:00 pm to adopt the FY-24 budget and

     approve budget amendments.

            E. Reminder of June 21, 2023 Work Session at 10:00 a.m. to discuss the Compensation

                  Plan and Broadband.

            F. Updated list of upcoming meetings.

            G. NC Megasite Readiness grant.

            H. Handy Corner sign.

              

13.       COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT.

 

14.       ATTORNEY’S REPORT.

15.       CLOSED SESSION.

            A. Economic Development. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(4)]

 

16.       ADJOURNMENT.

Edgecombe County Commissioner’s Meeting Monday April 3, 2023 My Concerns

I arrived at the Edgecombe County Commissioner’s meeting on Monday April 3, 2023 and I had set up to livestream the meeting. I asked the other guy in the room was I in his way. He said yes. I said no I am not because where I am I would not be in front of you. He left the room and I am quite sure to go tell the County Manager Eric Evans.

When Eric came in the room he said I could not set up where I was because people would be using the area. What a lie. He said I need y’all to set up in the back of the room and that was a lie because the other guy was set up on the side of the room where he was last month March. Where he was set up block the aisle and no one can pass him.

Eric said we are trying to remodel the room to get it right and along with a better sound system.

I addressed the commissioners during the public comments about my concern and I said if you didn’t want me to set up over there just say it but there is no traffic and if it was it would only be the commissioners which is rare. Commissioner Viola Harris left the room to go out to talk to someone but that she would have had plenty of room to pay by me and she could have even walked behind me.

Board chair Leonard Wiggins said Eric had control over the room and he chooses where we could set up. I didn’t question that he had control over the meeting but what I do know is he lied about the folk passing through the area where I was set up.

I said my Clerk of Court Carol A. White was sitting on the side where the other guy was set up and when she got up to go swear in the council she had to get up exit to the back of the room and go out the door into the hallway and come in the front of the room. If the other guy was not set up in the aisle she would been able to get up and walk up the front.

Sitting up in the back of the room the sound is bad and I don’t like videoing the back of folk.

See the video for yourself.

My 2nd issue I addressed the commissioner’s after the meeting adjourned to go into closed session. I asked was Coach Tynesha Lewis Elizabeth City State University and/or her family notified about them presenting a resolution to her for her accomplishment of winning the CIAA Women’s Basketball Championship for the 1st time in the school’s history. Tynesha is from Macclesfield NC and played basketball at SouthWest Edgecombe High School, NC State University and then for several teams in the WNBA.

Commissioner Ralph Webb said he think she/family was notified and turned to ask the chair. Leonard said if she didn’t Tynesha didn’t know she knows now. I said the only way is if she is looking at my livestream because the other guy don’t livestream. Ain’t that a damn shame, that attitude. I bet if it had been somebody else, they would have made sure they were notified.

I said Tynesha family are in Macclesfield and her church is in Pinetops and they would have been here. Hell I bet Tynesha would have came home for the presentation.

I responded to the media email that I received on Friday with the monthly agenda and on Sunday when I read it to post on my page I noticed it had Tynesha’s last name incorrect. Eric said he seen that and made the correction on the resolution. Well if by the media sharing it and not receiving a correction with the last name, no one would have known who the real Tynesha was. I told him that she is my double cousin. My dad and her dad are 1st cousins on my dad’s dad side. My dad and her mother are 1st cousins on my dad’s moma side. So if there was a problem with contacting the family, then he could have asked me how to contact them. I said her dad is a Macclefield Town Commissioner.

This is just sad. The other guy that was videoing is White and I am Black. Tynesha is Black. I am just saying. Now somebody gone say it ain’t about race. Well where in the lie in the race of the people involved here?

Oh and by the way I video their meetings and don’t get paid because I do what I do out of pocket.

Watch the video for yourself by clicking on this link: Edgecombe County Commissioners Meeting Monday April 3, 2023

REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY APRIL 3, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.

AGENDA

REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY

APRIL 3, 2023 AT 7:00 P.M.

IN THE JONATHAN FELTON COMMISSIONERS ROOM

 COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

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1.         MEETING CALLED TO ORDER.

2.         SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

 

3.         PRAYER.

 

4.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL.

March 6, 2023

 

5.         PUBLIC HEARING:

            1. A public hearing is called to order to receive citizen comments and questions

relative to proposed Unified Development Ordinance text amendment for the Stormwater Ordinance. (Attachment #1)

      a. Public Hearing called to order.

      b. Reading of public notice by Mr. Peters.

      c. Comments by Mr. Evans.

      d. Call for public comments. 

·      Public present should state name and address for public record.

·      Mr. Evans to read public comments submitted via email or postal mail.

      e. Adjourn public hearing.

      f. Consideration of approval.

    

      (Recommended action:  The Planning Board forwarded this request with a

      favorable recommendation.)

 

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6.         RECESS REGULAR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING AND

CONVENE AS BOARD OF EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW. (Attachment #2)

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A. Carol Allen White, Clerk of Court, or designee to administer oath.

B. Chairman to call meeting to order.

C. Consideration of adoption of Notice of Decision letters.

     1.  Regular

     2.  Discovery and late listing

     3.  Untimely real property appeals

D. Scheduled appointments.

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RECESS AS BOARD OF EQUALIZATION AND REVIEW UNTIL MAY 1, 2023

AND RECONVENE REGULAR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING.

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7.         SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS.

A.  Nichelle Cole and Julius Moody to present Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson

      Community Action’s Annual Needs Assessment and CSBG Grant Application.

      (Attachment #3)

 

8.         PUBLIC PETITIONS.

·      Public present should state name and address for public record. (limit 3 minutes)

·      Mr. Evans to read public petitions submitted via email or postal mail.

 

 9.        OTHER BUSINESS:

            A. Consideration of approval of budget amendments. (Attachment #4)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve budget amendments as presented.)

 

            B. Consideration of approval of amendment to Personnel Policy regarding

                  On-Call/Stand-by pay.  (Attachment #5)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

            C. Consideration of approval of Resolution to support Rocky Mount’s request for

     funding to construct a new Judicial Center.  (Attachment #6)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

D. Consideration of approval of Easement Agreement related to Hurricane Floyd

     buyout property.  (Attachment #7)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

E. Consideration of approval of request from the ABC Board for County-owned

     property. (Attachment #8)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

F. Consideration of approval of JCPC Programs for FY-24.  (Attachment #9)

 

       (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

G. Consideration of approval of Resolution to Authorize Applications for

     Infrastructure Funding. (Attachment #10)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

H. Consideration of approval of Resolution to Recognize the Accomplishments of

     Coach Tynesha Williams. (Attachment #11)

  

     (Recommended action: Approve as presented.)

 

I. Consideration of approval of Interlocal Agreement with Halifax County

    regarding detention of inmates. (Attachment #12)

 

    (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

 10.      APPOINTMENTS: (Attachment #13)

            A. Planning Board.

             

 11.      AFTERLISTS AND RELEASES FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.

 12.     CONTRACTS FOR REVIEW AND/OR APPROVAL.

13.       DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS FOR REVIEW.

            A.  Water and Sewer update.

            B. Monthly Financial Summary.

            C. Solid Waste report.

           

14.       MANAGER’S REPORT.

            A. Workforce Development Indicators.

            B. TDA financial report.

            C. Follow-up from Vision exercise at retreat.

              

15.       COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT.

 

16.       ATTORNEY’S REPORT.

17.       CLOSED SESSION.

            A. Economic Development. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(4)]

            A. Personnel. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(2)]

 

18.       ADJOURNMENT.

Regular Scheduled Meeting Of The Board Of Commissioners Of Edgecombe County September 6, 2022 7:00 PM

AGENDA

REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.

IN THE JONATHAN FELTON COMMISSIONERS ROOM

 COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

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1.         MEETING CALLED TO ORDER.

2.         SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

 

3.         PRAYER.

 

4.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL.

            August 1, 2022

 

5.         SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT:

            A. Michelle Etheridge, to present COVID-19 update. (Attachment #1)

            B. Ted Cole, Davenport and Company, to present recommendation for financing of

                  Sheriff’s vehicles. (Attachment #2)

            C. Representative from Altus Group to present request to waive tax penalty.

                 (Attachment #3)

 

6.         PUBLIC PETITIONS.

·      Public present should state name and address for public record. (limit 3 minutes)

·      Mr. Evans to read public petitions submitted via email or postal mail.

 

 7.        OTHER BUSINESS:

            A. Consideration of approval of budget amendments. (Attachment #4)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve budget amendments as presented.)

 

            B. Consideration of Financial Action that would initiate the County-line Merger of

                  Edgecombe County Public Schools. (Attachment #5)

 

                 (Recommended action: Consider action to address school funding inequity)

 

            C. Consideration of approval of transfer of land to Edgecombe-Martin Electric

                  Membership Corporation for Kingsboro Substation.  (Attachment #6)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

D. Consideration of approval of Grant Award for Kingsboro Infrastructure

     Project. (Attachment #7)

           

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

            E. Consideration of approval of increase in mileage reimbursement rate.

     (Attachment #8)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

F.  Consideration of calling for a public hearing to consider Ordinance change to

      add a fine for violation of the County’s noise ordinance. (Attachment #9)

 

      (Recommended action:  Call for a public hearing as recommended.)

 

G.  Consideration of approval of the participating in the NC Department of

      Agriculture’s Spay and Neuter Program. (Attachment #10)

 

      (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

H.  Consideration of approval of Agreement with NC Department of Agriculture for

      Forestry Services. (Attachment #11)

 

      (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

I.  Consideration of approval of Stream Flow Rehabilitation Grant from the NC

    Department of Agriculture.  (Attachment #12)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

J.   Consideration of approval of resolutions to Authorize Applications for

      Infrastructure Funding. (Attachment #13)

 

      (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

K.   Consideration of approval of the FY 2022-20223 Rural Operating Assistance     

 (ROAP) application.  (Attachment #14)

 

(Recommended Action:  Approve application as presented.)

   8.      APPOINTMENTS: (Attachment #15)

            A. Tourism Development Authority.

            B. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

            C. Animal Welfare Advisory Council.

9.         AFTERLISTS AND RELEASES FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.

  10.     APPROVAL AND/OR REVIEW OF CONTRACTS.

 11.      DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS FOR REVIEW.

            A.  Water and Sewer update.

            B. Monthly Financial Summary.

           

12.       MANAGER’S REPORT.

            A.  Workforce Development indicators.

            B. Grant Award for Broadband.

            C. Update on ARPA funded projects.

            D. Dedication of Leonard Wiggins Parkway: September 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

           

13.       COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT.

 

14.       ATTORNEY’S REPORT.

15.       CLOSED SESSION.

            A. Economic Development. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(4)]

 

16.       ADJOURN MEETING UNTIL OCTOBER 3, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.

 

Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners

Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners
Regular Monthly Meeting
Monday August 1, 2022 7:00 PM

Good evening,

I was not feeling well during the July meeting so I didn’t attend the meeting when you voted on the demerger of Edgecombe County Public Schools and Nash County Public Schools.

I began in the late 80’s attending the ECPS board meetings and challenged the system for years. I remember the bond referendum that NCPS received and it appears that ECPS got little out of it.

I attended and videoed all of the public meetings that were held for the community to attend about the demerger and it was hard missing the meeting when you voted. I was very disappointed in the vote. I don’t understand why the vote failed because the facts of how Edgecombe County has been treated and as it stands, it will not change unless Edgecombe County bring our children back home where they belong. I am not going into the details of why because this board know what has transpired over the years.

I was very disappointed in Commissioners Viola Harris and also Ralph Webb voting against the demerger. It was clear to me in previous meetings where Commissioners Donald Boswell (my district) and William Wooten stood. I don’t understand why anyone that is politically inclined and knowledgeable of what is at stake, that they would not want to see the demerger take place.

Someone said they are worried about what they don’t know. But my problem is what we do know. We know there are around 1700 students that will come back to ECPS. We know staff, facilities, transportation and other that they receive now will be needed in Edgecombe County so what is the problem? We know that the monies from the state and other that are going to NCPS now will be coming to ECPS.

I believe the Edgecombe County Commissioners and Edgecombe County Public Schools joint meeting in Princeville to discuss the demerger on February 24, 2020 that I recorded and has it on YouTube explains it well about why the demerger is on the table and what it will take place after the demerger.

I arrived a little late at the February meeting because I got off work at 3:30 PM attended the Rocky Mount City Council meeting at 4 PM and then arrived at the meeting in Princeville shortly after it had begun. The presentation by the County Manager and the ECPS Superintendent and her team were awesome to me. I got it.

What I got back then; I get today. Add two years to what was discussed and it mean that the cost has risen. It means that the longer we wait it will continue to rise.

I will end now because I think you got my message.

However, I want to end on the following note. As I viewed Commissioner Harris video of the public comments, I seen Rev. Roosevelt Higgs address this board and he used my physical address as he was to give his name and his address. It is a fact that he just registered with the Nash County Board of Elections March 30, 2022 that he lives at 2820 S Church St Rocky Mount NC. Atleast 4 of you know that he does not live in Tarboro and know he has not lived in Speed since the 1999 flood but used that address until this change. Higgs also confirmed he has been living at the Nash County address for several years on WNCR TV Bronson Williams Morning Show when he talked about when his son beat him up.

I am asking this board to address Rev. Roosevelt Higgs for giving this board my address when he addressed you.

Thanking you in advance.

Curmilus Dancy II
Edgecombe County Active & Engaged Citizen

P.O. Box 1391
Pinetops, NC 27864
(252) 314-5484

Edgecombe County Regular Scheduled Meeting Monday August 1, 2022 7:00 PM

AGENDA

REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY

AUGUST 1, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.

IN THE JONATHAN FELTON COMMISSIONERS ROOM

 COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

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1.         MEETING CALLED TO ORDER.

2.         SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

 

3.         PRAYER.

 

4.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL.

            July 5, 2022

 

5.         SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT:

            A. Tarasa Lewis, Tax Administrator, will present the 2021 Annual Settlement.

                  (Attachment #1)

         

                  (Recommended action:  Approve the Tax Collector’s Settlement as of June 30,

      2022 and recharge the Tax Collector with collecting taxes for years 2012

      through 2022.)

 

6.         PUBLIC PETITIONS.

·      Public present should state name and address for public record. (limit 3 minutes)

·      Mr. Evans to read public petitions submitted via email or postal mail.

 

 7.        OTHER BUSINESS:

            A. Consideration of approval of budget amendments. (Attachment #2)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve budget amendments as presented.)

 

            B. Consideration of approval of Chief Financial Officer Position. (Attachment #3)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

            C. Consideration of approval of Planning Technician Position.  (Attachment #4)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

D. Consideration of approval of Deed of Right of Way to NC Department of

     Transportation. (Attachment #5)

           

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

            E. Consideration of approval of Opioid Settlement Program. (Attachment #6)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

F.  Consideration of approval of amendments to the Budget Ordinance.   

      (Attachment #7)

 

      (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

G.  Consideration of approval of correction to Personnel Policies. (Attachment #8)

 

      (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

H.  Consideration of approval of Sheriff’s application to the North Carolina

      Governor’s Highway Safety Program. (Attachment #9)

 

      (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

   8.      AFTERLISTS AND RELEASES FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.

  9.       APPROVAL AND/OR REVIEW OF CONTRACTS.

 10.      DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS FOR REVIEW.

            A.  Water and Sewer update.

            B. Monthly Financial Summary.

            C. Solid Waste Annual Report.

            D. ARPA Funded Community Impact Program.

           

11.       MANAGER’S REPORT.

            A.  Workforce Development indicators.

            B.  Update on Bridge Construction Projects in Edgecombe County.

           

12.       COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT.

 

13.       ATTORNEY’S REPORT.

14.       CLOSED SESSION.

            A. Economic Development. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(4)]

 

15.       ADJOURN MEETING UNTIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.

So What Is Your Response To The Vote Against The Nash Edgecombe School Demerger?

The Political Agitator’s response: I am trying to figure out the questions about the unknowns surrounding the merger. Everybody know it is a cost because that is the reasoning behind the demerger. From what I understand the Senate Bill 382 as written removed Rocky Mount City out of the equation and that Edgecombe County would have to pay the monies that Rocky Mount City would not be allowed to pay. I understood that if the Commissioners do not vote to demerge and do nothing, that the demerger would happen by default.

I don’t understand why folk are having a hard time understanding with the 1,700 students that there will be a cost to fund whatever it takes to educate them. There will be a need for buildings and all other that comes along with the educating of these children such as staff, transportation, maintenance and etc.

So therefore it has been my thought on the issue that the Commissioners vote to either do the damn thing and let the citizens know where they stood. Well they voted on Tuesday.

For the past year there was an Edgecombe County Committee team that was created by the County Commissioners and the Edgecombe County School Board under the direction of Donnell Cannon that has talked about how they want to see the schools look like on the Edgecombe County side after the demerger.

From what I understand the ball is in the Edgecombe County Commissioners hands. Either Edgecombe County continue to pay into the current system and Nash County can spend the money how they have been or Edgecombe County can demerge and let all the money for Edgecombe County students be spent on the Edgecombe County side alone.

I agree with Attorney Teresa Bryant former Edgecombe County School Board Member and C.B. Daughtridge former Edgecombe County Commissioner as they addressed the Commissioners in favor of the demerger.

I agree with Rocky Mount Councilmen Andre Knight and Reuben Blackwell because they say that Rocky Mount City should pay their fair share something that Nash County Commissioner Robbie Davis and crew are against.

I don’t believe folk really understand what the demerger mean. If I am correct Edgecombe County can continue operating as is with the Edgecombe County students going to Rocky Mount Schools or they can demerge and these students will have to be educated by Edgecombe County.

I don’t understand the big deal that Viola Harris made about her response to Leonard Wiggins comment. So maybe some think that “rot in hell” was harsh so what other words do you want to hear? If Edgecombe County Schools have not been receiving their fair share as it relates to the schools on the Edgecombe County side then what words are you looking for?

My question to Wooten, Boswell, Webb and Harris what are you looking for? I would love to hear what you are looking for.

Are you saying you want to know the exact cost of what Edgecombe County will be inheriting for the 1,700 students such as school buildings, building maintenance, transportation, staff, cost of a new building and other?

My question is can the vote be recalled and if so all the citizens of Edgecombe County need to hold all the Commissioners that voted against the Demerger accountable.

I didn’t attend the meeting on Tuesday and after watching the video Rev. Roosevelt Higgs had the audacity to use my address when he spoke on the Demerger issue during the Public Comments. Public is asked to state their name and address for the record. Sad!

Edgecombe County board votes 4-3 against school demerger

The Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 Tuesday night against what has been commonly called a county line demerger that would remove an estimated 1,700 students who live in the Edgecombe County side of Rocky Mount from Nash County Public Schools.

Commissioners Donald Boswell, Viola Harris, Ralph Webb and Billy Wooten voted against the motion, which was made by board Chairman Leonard Wiggins and supported by Commissioners Wayne Hines and Evelyn Powell.

Harris, who had seemed in favor of the demerger during a May 31 joint meeting between commissioners and school district officials, questioned the unknowns surrounding the merger.

“You’re talking about dollars and cents,” she said. “You’re going into it blind if you don’t know what you’re taking on.” 

Wooten and Boswell also joined in questioning the cost and the plan — but Wiggins may have hurt his own chances at getting the motion passed.

As the discussion continued, Wiggins said, “They (Edgecombe students attending Nash) are in no man’s land. They are Edgecombe County residents and most look like me. If we don’t do this, we might as well let them rot in hell.”

An audible gasp could be heard from the commissioner’s room as Harris quickly disagreed and admonished Wiggins. Wooten called the statement “poor leadership.”

Wiggins reiterated his statement and made the motion.

School board Chairman Raymond Privott and Superintendent Valerie Bridges addressed the board prior to the opening of public comments, and both told commissioners that regardless of the vote, their job is to see that Edgecombe County students are afforded the best possible education and that they would continue to strive to meet that commitment.

Four people — Teresa Deloatch Bryant, C.B. Daughtridge and Rocky Mount Councilmen Andre Knight and Reuben Blackwell — spoke in support of the separation.

Former school board member Bryant told commissioners that she felt they had contracted out a “very important task to Nash County and Nash County has failed to fulfill the contract. It’s time to pull the contract back.”

Daughtridge, a former commissioner, asked commissioners, “Do you give a signed, blank check to just anyone?”

He followed that question by saying, “If you do not vote in the affirmative for demerger, you are giving Nash County just that from Edgecombe County.”

Knight said he was speaking as a representative of the Rocky Mount chapter of the NAACP, while Blackwell noted that his children, now ages 27 and 25, attended the schools in question.

“Those schools are the same now as they were then,” he said.

He went on to reference Daughtridge’s blank check comment and added, “Our children are the currency.”

Not everyone spoke in favor of the demerger.

Longtime educator Faye Taylor, who said she was representing the Temperance Hall community, raised concerns about teacher retention, school safety, the effect of the pandemic on education, uneducated parents who are homeschooling their children and financial concerns.

Taylor pleaded with commissioners to consider how detrimental a vote to demerge could be.

Also addressing the council were Roosevelt Higgs and Bronson. (Original Rocky Mount Telegram Article)

Rev. Roosevelt Higgs Used My Address At The Edgecombe County Commissioner’s Meeting When He Spoke About The Demerger

Click On Photo and go to around 23:15. Video courtesy of Commissioner Viola Harris
It is a shame that a man call himself a Reverend who have been lying about his residency since the 1999 flood is still playing games. He just recently changed his address to Nash County after living there for over 5 years. He finally went to the Board of Elections and registered his correct address. Higgs is on Bronson Williams TV Show WNCR TV daily promoting mess so I am told because I quit watching the show last year around October.

It is a shame that Higgs is obsessed with me that he has now stooped to another all time low and used my address during the Edgecombe County Commissioner’s Meeting when he spoke during the Public Comments about the Demerger.

I am going to see what steps I can take to address Higgs from a legal standpoint and to make sure that my address is not used during the actual documentation of the minutes of the meeting for the record.

Edgecombe County Board Of Commissioners Regular Scheduled Meeting Tuesday July 5, 2022

AGENDA

REGULAR SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

OF EDGECOMBE COUNTY

JULY 5, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.

IN THE JONATHAN FELTON COMMISSIONERS ROOM

 COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

TARBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

******************************************************************************

1.         MEETING CALLED TO ORDER.

2.         SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.

 

3.         PRAYER.

 

4.         MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING PRESENTED FOR APPROVAL.

June 6, 2022; June 14, 2022; June 27, 2022

 

5.         PUBLIC HEARINGS:

            1. A public hearing is called to order to receive citizen comments relative to the

    possible county-line merger of Edgecombe County Public Schools. (Attachment

    #1)

     a.  Public hearing called to order.

     b.  Reading of public notice by Mr. Peters.

     c.  Comments by Mr. Evans.

     d.  Call for public comment. (Public should state name and address for public

            record.) 

     e.  Adjourn public hearing.

     f.  Consideration of action to initiate a County-Line Merger.

 

(Recommended action:  To consider the public comments and take the action   deemed appropriate by the Board.)

 

6.         SCHEDULED APPOINTMENTS:

            A. Alan Thompson, Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams and Co., presentation of the

     FY-21 Audit. (Attachment #2)

B.  Tanya Heath, Cooperative Extension Director, to introduce the 4‑H

      representative to the NCACC Conference.

 

7.         PUBLIC PETITIONS.

·      Public present should state name and address for public record. (limit 3 minutes)

·      Mr. Evans to read public petitions submitted via email or postal mail.

 8.        OTHER BUSINESS:

            A. Consideration of approval of budget amendments.

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve budget amendments as presented.)

 

            B. Consideration of approval of Health Department fee changes. (Attachment #3)

 

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

            C. Consideration of approval of the Involuntary Commitment (IVC)

     Transportation Agreement.  (Attachment #4)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

D. Consideration of approval of Offer to Purchase on property located at 1681 Cox

    Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. (Attachment #5)

           

                 (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

            E. Consideration of approval of the addition of a Deputy Tax Administrator

     position.   (Attachment #6)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

F.  Consideration of approval of Deed of Trust to Transfer Property from  

       Edgecombe County to Edgecombe County Water and Sewer District No. 6.

      (Attachment #7)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

G.  Consideration of approval of Right-of-Entry for Survey and Exploration to the

      US Army Corp of Engineers.  (Attachment #8)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as recommended.)

 

H. Consideration of approval of change to Solid Waste Fee Schedule. (Attachment

      #9)

 

     (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

 

I. Consideration of approval of change to Planning Fee Schedule. (Attachment #10)

 

    (Recommended action:  Approve as presented.)

          

  9.       APPOINTMENTS: (Attachment #11)

A.  Edgecombe County Planning Board.

           

  10.     AFTERLISTS AND RELEASES FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL.

 11.      APPROVAL AND/OR REVIEW OF CONTRACTS.

 12.      DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS FOR REVIEW.

            A.  Water and Sewer update.

            B. Monthly Financial Summary.

            C. Solid Waste update.

           

13.       MANAGER’S REPORT.

            A.  Workforce Development indicators.

            B. Notice from Dominion energy regarding a transmission line rebuild project.

            C. Opioid settlement update.

           

14.       COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT.

 

15.       ATTORNEY’S REPORT.

16.       CLOSED SESSION.

            A. Economic Development. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(4)]

            B. Personnel. [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(3)]

 

17.       ADJOURN MEETING UNTIL MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.

 

Edgecombe board to consider school demerger

The DCN News Blog Online TV response: Visit my YouTube Videos to see Demerger Meetings.

The future of education in Edgecombe County could be decided Tuesday night when the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners holds a public hearing about a proposed county-line demerger of Edgecombe and Nash county schools.

The board will meet at 7 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room in the county administration building in Tarboro.

Edgecombe County currently pays more than $3 million each year to Nash for education. While $2,740,453 is for operating costs, $466,391 is for debt service and capital outlay.

Before July 1, 1992, Nash County Public Schools encompassed only the schools located in Nash County outside of the Rocky Mount city limits. Schools within the boundaries of Rocky Mount were part of Rocky Mount City Schools, which included schools within the city limits located in both Nash and Edgecombe counties.

However, that changed in 1991 when the General Assembly voted to merge Rocky Mount City Schools and Nash County Public Schools after years of mainly racial conflicts over educational issues. In the 1991, Chapter 391 Senate Bill 612 forced the merger with the stated purpose “of providing a quality education to all students residing therein.”

As part of that legislation, Edgecombe County had to contribute funding to the newly formed Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools to cover the costs of Edgecombe County students attending the schools. However, since Edgecombe County generally spent less money per student than Nash County did, the City of Rocky Mount was required to pay what became known as the “gap payment” between the two figures. (Read more)

I Hate I Missed The Edgecombe County Commissioner’s Meeting On Monday Night Because I Attended The Eastern NC Ministerial Alliance Candidates Forum In Rocky Mount

Word of the Day! Quite Interesting!

I found the article “Edgecombe commissioners discuss plans for school district demerger” to be quite interesting.

I find the comments about the school demerger to be quite interesting since there were meetings scheduled to take place before the night of the Commissioner’s meeting.

I am trying to figure out the purpose of the meeting on April 18 since the Edgecombe County Commissioners are having 3 meetings in Rocky Mount. I would think the demerger committee would be sharing information about what will take place with the demerger and etc. I hope the April 18 meeting is not a political move but that is all I see happening.

I also looked at the video of the meeting and seeing it was better than reading about it.

I found the conversation about women not being chosen as a chair of the Commissioner’s board over the years to be quite interesting as well. I have addressed that. However, I found Commissioner Viola Harris comments about how she has seen the choosing of a chair has been done in other areas to be quite interesting. What I have not understood is why neither of the women have nominated the other or even themselves. But I know how politics work and I could address that but I will let that sit right there.

I find the article interesting because the demerger committee was not named and how concerned citizens could contact the person leading the committee.

I found it interesting that only 375 Edgecombe County citizens only worked at QVC. I believe it was stated that citizens were from 21 counties however Edgecombe County had the most. I wonder why only 375 Edgecombe County citizens worked at QVC, could it be because the citizens in Edgecombe County didn’t apply or what.

A couple of Commissioners said they didn’t get much demerger information during the retreat. Chairman Wiggins said he disagreed with they didn’t get what they asked for. He said if anyone that didn’t get what they thought they should, they should give them questions that they want addressed.

Commissioner Billy Wooten said that Nash County was putting more in Edgecombe County Schools than Edgecombe was paying in.

The report Commissioner Viola Harris the meeting the Commissioners and School Board held was in 2020 not 2018.

I found it interesting why there were a lot of discussion about who will teach the children when the demerger and not about the facilities.

It is about Race on Edgecombe County and not about a nation.

So now some of the Commissioners want to speak for the school system. Commissioners need to stay in their lane and School Board do theirs.

It is not about who are going to teach the children, it is about the money needed to take over the schools (Capital Improvement).

The damn issue is that Rocky Mount City Council was stopped by Nash County Commissioners from paying the gap that Edgecombe County didn’t pay.

Wow! Commissioner Harris you should speak to our representatives in Raleigh about your concerns about Senate Bill 382.

It appears I missed a good meeting on Monday.

Watch the County Commissioners Meeting On YouTube. I think you will find the meeting to be Quite Interesting too!

Edgecombe County Board of Commissioner’s Regular Monthly Meeting Monday April 4, 2022

The April 4, 2022 regular meeting of the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners will be held in the Jonathan Felton Commissioners Room, located on the 2^nd floor of the County Administration Building at 201 St. Andrew St., Tarboro, NC 27886. 

The public may also listen to the meeting by calling 1-929-205-6099, entering 872-9069-6168 as the meeting ID, and 051698 as the passcode. You may also join by this link https://tinyurl.com/yk89m4ed

Those who wish to address the Board during public comments should sign up in advance to do so. You may sign up by calling Frangie Mungo, Clerk to the Board, at (252) 641-7834 no later than Monday, April 4^th at 5 PM.

The public is also encouraged to submit public comments via email to publiccomments@edgecombeco.com by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2022. Public comments may also be submitted by mail addressed to Frangie Mungo, Clerk to the Board, P.O. Box 10, Tarboro, NC 27886. All public comments received by 5:00 p.m. on April 4^th will be read at the meeting.

Edgecombe County Commissioners February 2022 Meeting

Edgecombe County Board Of Commissioners
Monday February 7, 2022 5:00 PM

Public Comments

Good evening,

First of all thank you for allowing me to serve on the Edgecombe County Animal Welfare Council. I don’t see anything on the agenda about a report on the Edgecombe County Animal Shelter. I would hope that each month a report will be given because the need of a new Animal Shelter should be a high priority.

I hope you will update the Sheriff vehicles with high mileage. I was at the Edgecombe County Christmas Classic Basketball Game at Tarboro High and I parked across from an old Sheriff SUV. I was typing up a question to my Sheriff about it. However a Deputy drove up and as we were walking in, I questioned him about the year of the SUV. He said that it was in rotation when he was just a Deputy in the early 2000’s if I remember correctly. He said it was not in rotation that only SROs use them for driving to a school event or etc. and not for patrolling. I also understand that some of the vehicles in rotation have lots of miles on them as well. I don’t know the magic number for mileage but I do know I have passed by a local business for a couple of years and at any given time I see several Sheriff cars there for repair.

It is obvious that Edgecombe County Sheriff Office is doing a great because I questioned where was the Tarboro Police Officers at the game. Someone told me that only see the Sheriff Office working the games. However I stand to be corrected.

I sure hope the county can convince QVC to rebuild because these folk are taking a huge pay cut from the salary they were making to the little unemployment that NC offers. QVC has nothing to do with the amount of unemployment wages so that was good when they paid them for several weeks at the salary they were making.

I know the Edgecombe County Commissioners like other entities have some issues/challenges however I hope you will attend to my requests.

Thanking you in advance.

Curmilus Dancy II
Tarboro NC

State warns Edgecombe County about late audits

The Political Agitator’s response: Edgecombe County Commissioners Meeting Deputy Treasurer Sharon Edmundson Reported County Stand To Lose $3.2 Million

TARBORO — Edgecombe County was called on the carpet Monday night by the State Treasurer’s Office.

Sharon Edmondson, secretary of the Local Government Commission and a deputy treasurer for the state and local government finance division of the treasurer’s office, put the county on notice that it is time to get its audit situation under control.

Edmondson, telling the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners that she hoped they weren’t hearing the information she was sharing for the first time, advised that the county was two years behind on its state-required audits — and that the situation was getting worse.

“You are two years behind on your statutorily required audit,” she said. “On Dec. 4, 2020, the 2019 audit was over a year late. Since 2015, you’ve been late every year.”

Edmondson said she had talked with Edgecombe County Manager Eric Evans about the situation.

She told commissioners that the consequences of the county’s not being able to meet its state-mandated deadlines could be great — and gave an example.

“If your audit is not approved by Feb. 22, the county will lose funding and be required to pay $3.7 million back to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” she told commissioners and about 15 other county employees and spectators. (Read more)

Edgecombe County Animal Shelter Fundraiser

This is where Donations should be sent. It was reported in a recent news article Rocky Mount Telegram to send to Eric Evans the County Manager. I didn’t say it would not get to the right place.

I spoke to this on News You Can Use Bronson Williams host and Nehemiah Smith co-host this morning.

Rev. Roosevelt Higgs called in and brought up the subject about the Animal Shelter and throwing off on Sheriff Clee Atkinson simply because he has a problem with the Sheriff. This ignant called the Sheriff incompetent in so many words.

County Commissioner Viola Harris said that the Sheriff had not brought a location to the commissioners. Well I know it has been brought up and the county manager said that the county owns land right beside the Sheriff office.

Now wouldn’t it make sense to build it there?

I am member of the Edgecombe County Animal Services Committee.