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Home My WebLink About110325 mHARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Regular Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 The Harnett County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 9:00 am, in the Commissioners Meeting Room, Harnett County Resource Center and Library, 455 McKinney Parkway, Lillington, North Carolina. Members present: Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman William Morris, Vice Chairman Barbara McKoy, Commissioner W. Brooks Matthews, Commissioner Duncan "Eddie" Jaggers, Commissioner Staff present: Brent Trout, County Manager Dwight Snow, County Attorney Kimberly Honeycutt, Finance Officer Melissa Capps, Clerk Chairman Nicol called the meeting to order at 9:00 am. Commissioner Jaggers led the Pledge of Allegiance and provided the invocation. Eric Truesdale, Veterans Services Director, presented information regarding the Harnett County Heroes Remembrance recognition. We are recognizing and honoring veterans that appear on our Wall of Heroes. These individuals have received awards for acts of individual heroism, not as a unit. Mr. Truesdale read Private First Class Donald Langdon's citation. Chairman Nicol presented Private First Class Langdon with a certificate. Chairman Nicol called for any additions or deletions to the published agenda. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jaggers and carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Commissioner Jaggers seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The items on the consent agenda were as follows: A. Minutes i. Regular Meeting Minutes of October 20, 2025 Charlotte Leach, Workforce Development Director introduced Lorria Troy with the Mid Carolina Workforce Development Board. Ms. Troy shared the Harnett County Department of Social Services (DSS} was nominated and recognized for its outstanding positive contributions to the community, the local economy, and the workforce through its strong commitment to employment and training Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 1 of 5 initiatives. For many years, Harnett County DSS has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to community engagement and workforce development. Through its partnership with the NCWorks Career Center - Harnett County, Harnett County Department of Social Services (DSS) has provided a seamless service delivery system that connects individuals with meaningful employment and training opportunities. As an exceptional employer, Harnett Department of Social services (DSS) continues to meet the needs of the community by offering employment and training experiences to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) participants, including NextGen Youth, Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Veterans. These opportunities have enabled countless individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and enhance their overall quality of life. Through Work -Based Learning (WBL), WIOA participants have gained invaluable transferable and soft skills necessary to succeed in today's global economy. Harnett County Department of Social Services (DSS) has played a vital role in equipping individuals with these essential competencies, preparing them for long-term success in the workforce. Harnett County Department of Social Services (DSS) consistently strives to improve the quality of life for Harnett County residents by collaborating with community agencies and local organizations to support customer needs. The agency continues to provide hands-on training to WIOA participants, helping them explore career pathways, develop critical soft skills, and build a foundation for success in the Human Services field. The Harnett County Department of Social Services has a proven track record of opening doors and creating meaningful opportunities for WIOA participants -helping to strengthen both individual lives and the community. This accomplishment highlights DSS's deep commitment to workforce development and its lasting impact on the community. Ms. Troy also shared Daniella Torres -Lopez was nominated for Distinction for Outstanding Teen. Daniella exceptional perseverance, leadership, and personal growth through participation in the WIOA NextGen Youth Program she has exemplified resilience and determination in overcoming challenges while pursuing her high school diploma and post -secondary education goals. Through her dedication and commitment, she has strengthened her social, communication, and leadership skills, demonstrating remarkable progress during her Work -Based Learning experiences with the Harnett County Department of Social Services (DSS) and the NC Cooperative Extension. Outstanding leadership was further displayed during her Paid Work Experience with the NC Cooperative Extension, where she guided the development of STEM robotics activities for students and facilitated a STEM workshop for young girls at Simply Girls, a nonprofit organization in Dunn, North Carolina. Daniella achievements reflect an unwavering commitment to excellence and serve as an inspiration to her peers and community. Commissioner Matthews read the Adoption Awareness Month and Day Proclamation. The Harnett County Board of Commissioners, proclaimed November 2025 as "ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH" and November 22, 2025, as "ADOPTION AWARENESS DAY" in Harnett County, and commended its observance to all citizens. Commissioner Matthews presented a framed copy of the Proclamation to employees from Social Services. Chairman Nicol opened the meeting for informal comments by the public, allowing up to 3 minutes for each presentation up to 30 minutes. The following people provided comments: 1. Glenn Maughan of 230 E. Lillington Street, Angier, NC. 2. Larry Mitchell of 478 Century Drive, Cameron, NC. Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 2 of 5 3. Alan Longman of 234 Hamilton Road, Bunnlevel, NC. 4. Kate Reichert of 6711 River Road, Fuquay-Varnia, NC. No one else spoke and the public comment period was closed. Christine Wallace, Tax Administrator, petitioned the Board for a public hearing to allow the citizens of Harnett County an opportunity to comment on the Schedule of Values for the 2026 reappraisal. Chairman Nicol opened the public hearing. No one spoke and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to adopt a Resolution for naming of future U.S. Navy Amphibious Ship USS Harnett County. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Morris and carried unanimously. (Attachment 1) Brent Trout, County Manager, shared the following information regarding the Board of Commissioners meeting survey results: • On September 15, 2025, the Board of Commissioners asked staff to conduct a survey to gauge feedback from the community regarding if the community would be interested in the Board moving one morning meeting to an evening meeting. • Currently: The Board of Commissioners has three morning meetings and one evening meeting. o 1 ' Monday of the month at 9 am - Regular meeting o The Tuesday prior to a Regular meeting are at 9 am - Work Session Meetings o 3`d Monday of the month at 6 pm - Regular meeting • The survey was open from September 19 - October 24, 2025. • The survey was shared: o Website o October Electronic Newsletter o October Physical Newsletter o Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X, Next Door, LinkedIn o Paper copies of the survey were available at the information desk of the Resource Center and Library o Information was shared with local media who also assisted in distributing the information to the public Results: Would you be interested in the Board of Commissioners moving an additional meeting each month to the evening? o Yes 53.21 % (83) o No 46.79% (73) • Results: If you answered yes, which meeting would you prefer the Board of Commissioners move to an evening 6:00 pm meeting? 0 1' Work Session (Tuesday prior to the 1' regular meeting) 10.84% o Regular Meeting (which takes place the 1' Monday of the month) 68.67% 0 2nd Work Session (Tuesday prior to 2nd regular meeting) 20.48% • Conflicts o Harnett County Planning Board meetings the first Monday of the month Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 3 of 5 o Harnett County Board of Education meets the first Monday of the month • Recommendations o Stay the same and keep meetings as is. o Move the (1 st) Monday meeting to another day of the week (Tuesday or Thursday). o One of the Work Session meetings could be moved to an evening. (This could have a budgetary impact) o Remove a meeting. Many of our surrounding counties have 1-3 meetings a month such as Wake & Cumberland (3: 1 Work, 2 Regular), Chatham (1: Work and Regular together) and add meetings as needed. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion that we change our meeting schedule to three (3) meetings a month, all would be voting availability meetings, two of the meetings would be public comment, the first Monday of the month, like we do now, a daytime meeting, the second Tuesday of the month and the third Monday as an evening meeting. The motion was seconded by Chairman Nicol. Discussions included potential conflicts, voting at all meetings and affects of participation of the public. Commissioner Jaggers amended his motion to make the changes effective December 1, 2025. The amended motion was seconded by Chairman Nicol. Additional discussion included impact on the budget, if additional meetings were added to the evening. Chairman Nicol called for a vote. The motion passed unanimously. Vice Chairman Morris requested to defer the applications and appointments for the First Responders Advisory Committee for two weeks. Consensus of the Board was to defer consideration of applications for two weeks. Mr. Trout asked that Paul Polinski, Social Services Director, come up to give an update on the current status of SNAP benefits. Mr. Polinski shared as far as the federal shutdown, due to the federal shutdown, food nutrition benefits will not be issued for the month of November. That affects over 8,200 households in Harnett County. We will continue to take food nutrition applications and process them as normal. Once the federal government is back open, the benefits for November will be retroed back. Clients can continue to use their EBT cards if they have benefits on those cards. Information has been posted on the county website, social media and our website to see how you can check your balance on the EBT card. Food pantries are also listed on our website. DSS and other departments are doing a food drive. Mr. Polinski also shared he will be retiring with 35 %2 years of service at the end of December. He thanked the commissioners for their support and the Social Services employees. The DSS Board selected Kelly Kelly, current Deputy Director, to serve as interim director effective January 1'. The DSS Board will work with Human Resources and the County Manager to have interviews to choose the new director of Social Services. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to approve the budget amendments as requested by the Finance Officer. The motion was seconded by Chairman Nicol and carried unanimously. (Attachment 2) Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign contract amendments exceeding the manager's signature threshold for McKim & Creed. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Morris and carried unanimously. Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 4 of 5 Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the renewals of the Fire Protection Services Agreements for the following: i. Angier Black River Fire Department ii. Flatwoods/Lillington Fire Department iii. Boone Trail Emergency Services iv. Anderson Creek Emergency Services V. Coats Grove Fire & Rescue, Inc. vi. Spout Springs Fire Department vii. West Area Volunteer Fire Dept. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McKoy and carried unanimously. Mr. Trout provided the Commissioners with a copy of the FY26 Quarter 1 Performance Management Update. Tommy Burns, Harnett Regional Water Director, reviewed a request to approve a contract with Weston and Sampson of North Carolina to begin engineering and design work on the Northeast Water Treatment Plant. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to approve the contract with Weston and Sampson of North Carolina to begin engineering and design work on the Northeast Water Treatment Plant. the motion was seconded by Commissioner Matthews and carried unanimously. Vice Chairman Morris made a motion to have Harnett Regional water put a water and sewer line from St. Matthews Road in Erwin to the Dunn city limits about 450 linear feet in the interest of economic development. Commissioner Jaggers seconded the motion. Chairman Nicol asked Mr. Burns if he was tracking and if all was good. Mr. Burns stated yes sir. Chairman Nicol called for a vote. The motion carried unanimously. Chairman Nicol asked Mr. Burns to provide an update on Anderson Creek capacity issues. Mr. Burns stated they currently have a sewer capacity study underway. We do have a project planned on Hwy 87 that will redirect some of that flow. We have just approved two additional phases for Anderson Creek and have sufficient capacity to accommodate those phases. I think the best course would be to wait until that sewer capacity study is completed. It should be completed in December. Staff will come back once the report has been completed. Commissioner Jaggers made a motion to adjourn at 10:03 am. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Moms and carried unanimously. Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman MeliAa Capps, Clerk Harnett County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes November 3, 2025 Page 5 of 5 K1;JULU 11U1V lNkJ. GVLJ-1rt ZAI llvlLiI . . Harnett C O U N T Y NOR1H CAROLINA RESOLUTION BY THE HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTING THE NAMING OF A UNITED STATES NAVY SHIP AS USS HARNETT COUNTY WHEREAS, LST-821, renamed USS Harnett County, was commissioned in November 1944 and served honorably in the Pacific during WWII and later as AGP-821 supporting the Mobile Riverine Force in Vietnam; and WHEREAS, USS Harnett County was decommissioned in 1970 and currently rests as BRP Sierra Madre for the Philippine Navy, deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in South China Sea where it has been used both as a defensive outpost and target practice platform; and WHEREAS, Cornelius Harnett was an American revolutionary statesman and signer of the Articles of Confederation; and WHEREAS, Harnett County is the only county in the United States named after Cornelius Harnett and the naming of USS Harnett County was a source of great pride for the residents of the County; and WHEREAS, Navy amphibious vessels and LSTs are traditionally named after U.S. counties; and WHEREAS, large portions of Fort Bragg extend into Harnett County and is home to a substantial number of active -duty military personnel and veterans and serves as a strategic and residential hub for those who serve our nation; and WHEREAS; Harnett County supports the mission of U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC), and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC); and WHEREAS, restoring the name USS Harnett County honors both the historic legacy of the original vessel and the patriot spirit of the citizens of Harnett County; and WHEREAS, Leadership Harnett, a civic leadership cohort comprised of local government officials, veterans, educators, business leaders, and community stakeholders, have formally petitioned the designation of USS Harnett County as the name of a future amphibious warship and have requested the support of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners and General Assembly Representatives and United States Congress Members who serve Harnett County; and WHEREAS, the Harnett County Board of Commissioners strongly supports the restoration of the name USS Harnett County to reflect the County's deep roots and connection to the military, its strong civic pride, and ongoing national defense contributions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Harnett County Board of Commissioners respectfully urges the Secretary of the Navy to designate USS Harnett County as the name of a future amphibious warfare ship, ideally an LPD-class, LHA, or LST-successor platform, during upcoming ship - naming cycles for Fiscal Years 2027-2030 as part of the Navy's ongoing commitment to honoring the legacy of American counties and those who serve from them; and Harnett COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be forwarded to those General Assembly Representatives and United States Congress Members who serve Harnett County and respectfully request their official support for the designation of USS Harnett County for a future amphibious warfare ship. Adopted this the P day of November 2025 by the Harnett County Board of Commissioners. HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Matthew B. Nicol, Chairman ATTEST: MMliss*Ca�pps,lerk to �theo�ard COUNTY OF HA"ETT BUDGET ORDINANCE REVISION ATTACHMENT 2 BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Board of the County of Harnett, North Carolina, that the following amendment be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year endingJune 30, 2026. SLrtion 1. 1 o amend the EMERGENCY MEDICAL, SERVICES department of the EMERGENCY SERVICES fund. 1 he appropriations are to be changed as follows: 1• \PENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE ORG 013.11 ( I PRO.11.1t I 1 ksk It- I V1, JOB DESCRIPTION OFCODF IZ445u 124450 i5'nllU 55'71,00 ETRFP ECREP CAPITAL OUTLAY - VEHICLES CAPITAL OUTLAY - VEHICLES $140,000 S132.300 REVEN I F. A.M01 "ST ORG—JOKIECTI PROJEC1 1':1tiK X113-11tih IOg I)1a("RIP1-10NOFCODE INCRF:ISF: DI:CREASF. 5123900 390990 fl% I)RALA%i I APPR0)PR(AIt1) E!CPI.%," a'^"' a4.4: . TO MOVE MONEI FROM FUND BALANCE FOR ll HL ( IP APPROVED I £IHCLES FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR. IPPROF'AI,S: r�f7z,�4/0�6/z S Mpartment Iead D )A Ftnancc)Klcer Dal;: /a - 3b -zs— Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment sh.,lI be furnished to the Clerk to the Board, and to the Budget Ot7icer and the l inafxc Officer for their direction. Adopted thi-s _�YCY dad of NCYgylb .,( t� Melissa Capp" Clerk to the Board ,'nrmcd In Awl Matthew Nicol. Chaimtan Board of Commissioners Dare Ocroba 10.:o_' COUNTY OF HARNETT BUDGET ORDINANCE REVISION BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Board of the County of Hameu. North Carolina, that the follo%k ing amendment be made to the annual budge ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Section I. To amend the Emergency Services Grants department of the The appropriations are to be changed as follows: General Fund ill Mill SCRIPTION OF CODE IN( III SL III kii REVE.NI.TE AMOUNT ORG (1B.lE('7 PRO.IF;('1 7 ASK St B-f %51� IOfl I)FSCRIPIION OFCODE INCREASF, DE( RE 1104411 �30210 KI'SII:I( fl I}-I11}IR-\I 5li1_(I(11) - L % PI % V 41111\ • RECOGNITION OF THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 01NIEP) FISCAL TEAR 202.3 GRANT AWARD # 693JK32240027HMEP IMOA p 2460008}. PERIOD OF PERFORMA`C'E: OCTOBER 1. 2024 TO FEBRUARV 28, 2026. APPROVALS: . nAajl-- co 31 z� flit vel Di Co0r, I Jair A) Ls— Count% Manager I)ate Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board, and to the Budget Officer and the Finance Officer for their direction. %&ptrd thk _'rd dal l�f�Jff Melissa ( app,; ('lerk to the Baird Prepred b) Aull \Iatthc%% Nicol, Chairman Board of Commission s U1414 ckon« 15.2o2! I -I G J COUNTY OF HARNETT BUDGET ORDINANCE REVISION BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Board of the County of Harnett, North Carolina, that the following amendment be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Section 1. To amend the Main Library department of the General fund. The appropriations are to be changed as follows: ORG OBJECT PROJECT TASK SUB -TASK JOB DESCRIPTION OF CODE INCREASE DECREASE 1106170 584000 I BAND NON -CAP ASSET -.INFO TECHNO $7 500 REVENUE AMOUNT ORG I OBJECT PROJECT TASK SUB -TASK JOB DESCRIPTION OF CODE INCREASE DECREASE 1106170 330310 BAND RESTRICTED - STATE $7,500 CYDi ANAIrInN• Mid -Carolina Grant Award for Digital Literacy for use on Lending Chromebooks and Digital Literacy courses. APPROVALS: r 4`jBu get Director Date County Manager Date Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board, and to the Budget Officer and the Finance Officer for their direction.t a R1SS� + � <. Adopted this Y day of �IOVe mil_ fi�• �•t Ii r_"-1. Melissa Capps V T = ' ^'° Matthew Nicol, Chairman Clerk to the Board V_ • Board of Commissioners vr1a1 ) L7 COUNTY OF HARNETT BUDGET ORDINANCE REVISION BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Board of the County of Harnett, North Carolina, that the following amendment be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Section 1. To amend the HEALTH department of the The appropriations are to be changed as follows: ORG I OBJECT I PROJECT I TASK I SUB -TASK I JOB 1105118 1 519090 1105118 1 502010 GENERAL fund. DESCRIPTION OF CODE I INCREASE DECREASE OTHER $7,200 & WAGES - REGULAR S7 REVENUE AMOUNT ORG OBJECT PROJECT TASK SUB -TASK JOB DESCRIPTION OF CODE INCREASE DECREASE LAYLAINA 1Ul\. I move funds in the Lab program for MedLab contract to provide technical lab consulting services. APPROVALS: ID -11- Depattment Head Date ' 1D24-25 Fina f .cer Date B e Director to County Manager Date Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board, and to the Budget Officer and the Finance Officer for their direction. Adopted this � day of + 20 iy1A9l� * !'- Matthew Nicol, Chairman Melissa Ca ps j Clerk to the Board — Board of Commissioners Date: Prepared by ghobbs COUt1 `. V �' ` J Q October 16, 2025