November 4, 2024 - 10:00 AM - Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 1500 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners November 4 , 2024 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , November 4 , 2024 at 10 00 am in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , Ted G Godwin , Fred J Smith , Jr , April Stephens and Bill Stovall Absent None Also Present County Manager Rick J Hester , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb , County Attorney Jennifer J Slusser , Clerk to the Board Dana G Cuddington , and Executive Assistant Deputy Clerk to the Board Susie Reeves Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr called the meeting to order at 10 00 am Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris opened the meeting with an invocation American Legion Post 71 Clayton led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Chairman Lawter reminded everyone of the Board’s six priorities including Public Safety , Infrastructure , County Employees , Financial Stewardship , Educational Funding , and Land Use and the Board’s continuing efforts to keep these priorities in mind when working through the agenda 1 Veterans Services Office – Proclamation for Veterans Day 2024 Veterans Services Director Robert Boyette requested the Board to adopt a proclamation for Veteran’s Day 2024 He expressed his appreciation to the Board for their support to the Veterans Commissioner Ted G Godwin reminded everyone of the Operation Green Light initiative Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr recognized Commissioners April Stephens , Ted G Godwin , and Fred J Smith , Jr who are all Veterans on the Board He also thanked all County employees that have served Commissioner April Stephens read the following proclamation aloud and moved for its adoption , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION VETERANS DAY - 2024 th WHEREAS , for decades America has paused on the 11 of November , the anniversary of the armistice that concluded World War I , to remember and to honor our veterans of military service in proud and grateful recognition of the hardships and sacrifices by the millions of men and women who have defended our land in war and in peace ; and WHEREAS , the freedoms we enjoy have been purchased and maintained at a high price , as Americans have been willing , throughout our history , to fight and die to preserve their individual rights as guaranteed in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights ; and WHEREAS , Americans owe a great debt to all those who have served in defense of this nation throughout the generations ; for their sacrifices , often resulting in permanent injury or death , which have preserved our unique form of government dedicated to human rights and respect for the individual , and preserved our freedoms and promise of liberty as an example for oppressed persons of the world ; and WHEREAS , in honor of these dedicated men and women , we pledge our continued defense of our nation so that their sacrifice will stand before the entire world as a tribute to the spirit and determination of a people dedicated to the principle of freedom and democracy NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim November 11 , 2024 , as “ Veterans Day ” in Johnston County , and urge our citizens to commend its observance th Proclaimed this the 4 day of November , 2024 Page1501 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued 2 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 3 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – October 7 , 2024 - 10 00 am and 6 00 pm B Department of Transportation – Additions to the System The Board concurred with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Royelma Lane , Tobacco Barn Drive , Looping Horse Circle , W Sand Luggs Court , E Sand Luggs Court – Langdon Ridge – Pleasant Grove Township C Celebrate Cleveland Committee – Request for Temporary Road Closure The Board approved a request by the Celebrate Cleveland Committee to temporarily close Cleveland Road on December 3 , 2024 from 7 00 pm until approximately 7 45 pm for the annual Cleveland Christmas Parade route , subject to the Celebrate Cleveland Committee working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation , the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office , and the North Carolina Highway Patrol and obtaining all required permits and a liability insurance policy for the event D Budget Revisions , approved as follows Finance REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 81 77240406 Technical Services 286,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 286,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 81 772437925 Transfer from Other Funds 286,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 286,00000 Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59550200 Salaries & Wages 73,34600 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 73,34600 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 595534155 State Grant 73,34600 TOTAL NET REVENUE 73,34600 Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59150200 Salaries & Wages 10,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 10,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE Page1502 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued 10 591534155 State Grant 10,00000 10,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE Library REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 18 44501500 Building & Grounds 44,00000 18 44503305 Main Books 14200 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 44,14200 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 18 445033099 Misc Revenue 14200 18 445033990 Fund Balance Appropriated 44,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 44,14200 Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51001700 Vehicles 3,06000 10 51003100 Fuels 6,00000 10 51004300 Special Services 17500 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 9,23500 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 6,17500 10 510035104 Sheriff Fees 3,06000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 9,23500 E Tax Releases & Refunds – 09 16 2024 – 10 15 2024 Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 9 16 2024 1 02 26 PM dwoodward2 2024 - 124031 2000260366 MASSENGILL , GAIL STRICKLAND 2,84483 10 4 2024 10 29 47 AM cfutch 2024 - 80784 2000257250 P & S JAVA ENTERPRISES INC 4,73595 10 10 2024 8 50 38 AM ALassiter 2024 - 27460 2000220906 CRANE , JAMES M 18946 10 10 2024 11 42 35 AM ALassiter 2024 - 32004 2000142923 DEVEREAUX , MISHELLE 39787 10 10 2024 12 09 19 PM ALassiter 2024 - 52949 2000139001 HUGEL , BOHDAN A 12029 10 10 2024 12 28 58 PM ALassiter 2024 - 129322 2000261836 N7210W CORP 14969 10 11 2024 8 39 06 AM ALassiter 2024 - 131128 2000264595 BIII ENTERPRISE LLC 17423 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 9 16 2024 9 36 46 AM awstancil 2023 - 65665 2000221831 MELVINTAYLOR ENTERPRISES , 28727 LLC 9 19 2024 2 43 15 PM LOCKBOX 2024 - 12925 2000240692 BRISTOW , STEPHEN W 1,01542 9 20 2024 11 29 39 AM tmeacomes 2024 - 81092 2000266020 HUDGENS , JOEL A 21715 9 23 2024 3 16 40 PM awstancil 2024 - 200562 2000145232 MMMC MCGRATH RENTCORP 36365 9 25 2024 4 30 19 PM ajsoutherland 2024 - 400025 2000273647 BAUMGART , ROBIN LAUGHON 25670 9 26 2024 2 35 21 PM LOCKBOX 2024 - 35530 2000210121 SOUTHERN TIDE HOMES , LLC 58668 9 27 2024 2 10 37 PM awstancil 2024 - 99436 2000180657 VALMAR HOLDINGS LLC 17334 9 30 2024 1 06 17 PM awstancil 2024 - 9771 2000243077 MONKS , CHARLES DALE 10000 9 30 2024 2 39 21 PM LOCKBOX 2024 - 133300 2000210233 HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK 1,69635 10 3 2024 2 11 12 PM tmeacomes 2024 - 76416 70070040 PHILLIPS , DOUGLAS D 51549 10 15 2024 2 39 34 PM LOCKBOX 2024 - 119826 2000231466 RICHARDSON , REBECCA 1,30507 LOUERENPage1503 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – August 2024 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction Refund Total Change # Reason BARBOUR , 0060602169 213286870 Adjustment 21114 DAVID 3213 MICHAEL 24327 HARRIS , 0080186832 320617524 Change of 17738 RICHARD County 14654 ALLEN 4885 37277 HOTCHKISS , 0080237722 428273972 Situs error 000 CYNTHIA 18320 ANN 3053 6107 21374 MINK , 0080054741 426573312 Situs error 000 TERESA 17619 FERGUSON 4327 5873 19165 PLATE , 0074855727 213347810 Military 16877 AIDAN 3527 MURPHY 20404 4 Public Comments A Recognition of Retiring County Employees Human Resources Director Paulette Williams thanked the Board of Commissioners for the recent recognition of Employee Appreciation Week during October 21 - 25 , 2024 She also thanked the County Administration team for supporting employees Ms Williams recognized the following recently retired employees Michael Carson - Sheriff’s Office Chadwick Allen - Sheriff’s Office Melissa Ward – Health Department Alfred Price – Public Utilities Reecie Williams – Buildings & Grounds Christopher Shambaugh - EMS Employees in attendance took a photo with the Board of Commissioners There were no further public comments 5 Proclamation for Office of The American Legion Dept of NC – Department Commander Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked Retired Sargent Major Devell “ Bo ” Durham , Jr to come forward for the reading of the proclamation Commissioner Godwin read the following proclamation aloud and moved for its adoption , seconded by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , and carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION For Johnston County Resident For Office of The American Legion Department of North Carolina , Department Commander WHEREAS , The American Legion Department of North Carolina will conduct an election in June of 2025 for the office Department Commander at its Annual Convention ; and WHEREAS , Johnston County has a resident and member of Leonard Moore Post 71 , in Clayton , North Carolina , who meets the qualifications for that office ; andPagePage pageNumber51504 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , Devell “ Bo ” Durham , Jr earned his eligibility for membership in The American Legion by serving honorably on active duty in the United States Marine Corps from June 1980 until October 2010 ; and WHEREAS , Devell “ Bo ” Durham , Jr has served as a member of Johnston County Veterans Services Advisory Board to the Commissioners from 2016 - 2023 and he has served on the Johnston County Hospice team since 2016 ; and WHEREAS , Devell “ Bo ” Durham , Jr is a National American Legion College Graduate and has been a member of the American Legion for 14 years , he has served as Post 71 Scholarship Committee Chairman , Post st Oratorical Committee Chairman , Post 1 Vice - Commander , Post Honor & Color Guard 2011 - 2018 , and has served as Post 71 Commander 2014 - 2016 ; and WHEREAS , Devell “ Bo ” Durham , Jr has also served as District 11 Vice Commander 2018 - 2019 and Commander 2019 - 2021 for Johnston and Wake County and also Division III Department Vice Commander 2022 - 2023 ; and WHEREAS , Devell “ Bo ” Durham , Jr has served as Chairman for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission , Chairman of the Children and Youth Commission , Chairman of the War on Terror Committee , Chairman of Internal Affairs Commission , the Constitution and By - Laws Committee ; and is currently serving as Chairman of the Americanism Commission ; and WHEREAS , Devell “ Bo ” Durham , Jr is the recipient of the 2020 Johnston County NOW Veteran of the year , National District Commander Race - To - The - Top Category III Winner 2020 , 2024 NC Daughters of The American Revolution Veteran of the year ; he currently serves on the National Security Commission & Security Council , National Veterans Education , Other Benefits & Homeless Committee , National Foreign and Relation Committee , and National Resolutions Screening Committee NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby endorse Devell “ Bo ” Durham , Jr , member of Leonard Moore Post 71 in Clayton , for the high office of Department of NC Commander for the year 2025 - 2026 th Proclaimed this the 4 day of November , 2024 Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr recalled that he first met Sgt Major Durham when he was a Clayton Town Council member Chairman Lawter stated Mr Durham is proud of his Country , faith , family , and his community and he has served each of those in a distinguished manner Chairman Lawter further stated Mr Durham is the perfect individual to represent the Veterans in this capacity Chairman Lawter thanked Mr Durham for his friendship and advice that he has given over the years and commended him for his service Commissioner Godwin reminded everyone of the upcoming Veterans Day events and asked Veterans Services Director Robert Boyette to announce the dates Mr Boyette stated this will be the eighteenth year for the Smithfield Selma High School Veterans Day event on November 11 , 2024 at 11 00 am in the school gymnasium He stated there would be a documentary screening called the “ Veterans Battlefield ” on November 12 , at 5 30 pm at Johnston Community College in the auditorium Mr Boyette stated this is about calling attention to the trials and tribulations of Veterans when they return from service and the resources that are available to them Chairman Lawter acknowledged the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners for putting the video together with the assistance of the County’s Public Information Office providing a supplement 6 Cooperative Extension – Resolution for Farm City Week Johnston County Cooperative Extension Director Bryant Spivey acknowledged the Commissioners that have served their country in the military Mr Spivey indicated that Farm City Week has been a tradition in th Johnston County and this marks the 19 event that he has participated in during his career in Johnston County He stated Farm City Week is all about celebrating the conjunction of farmers , consumers , and everyone in between to ensure a safe and reliable food supply in the United States of America , State of North Carolina and Johnston County He stated there will be a banquet on Tuesday , November 26 , 2024 at the Agricultural Center Auditorium and the guest speaker will be General Counsel Ray Starling from the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Mr Spivey introduced Nicole Youngblood to speak about JoCo Grows Agriculture in JohnstonPagePage pageNumber61505 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued County He presented a resolution to the Board for consideration of November 21 – 28 , 2024 as Farm City Week Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr commented that Mr Spivey has a team of good people Ms Youngblood stated her position exemplifies the commitment that Johnston County has in promoting and preserving agriculture She stated JoCo Grows recently worked with J Roland Wood Farms who is in the sweet potato industry She stated they have allowed JoCo Grows to paint a sweet potato mural on the side of their barn Ms Youngblood stated the November issue of Our State Magazine highlights North Carolina sweet potatoes and the farm highlighted in the issue is located in Four Oaks She stated JoCo Grows is excited about celebrating agriculture and she thanked the Board of Commissioners for their support Commissioner Ted G Godwin noted that the Our State Magazine also highlighted Linwood “ Sonny ” Scott , Jr from Kenly who grows sweet potatoes Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr spoke on the need for farms to be sustainable stating this consists of three components for agriculture , a sustainable environment ; economic sustainability ; and farmers receiving permission from the customer to grow the crop He stated taking care of the soil , water , and resources keeps the environment productive and farmers must make a profit to stay in business in addition to the customer being willing to buy the product He stated all three are necessary to have sustainable agriculture Commissioner Smith read the following resolution aloud and moved for its adoption , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote NATIONAL FARM - CITY WEEK RESOLUTION NOVEMBER 21 - 28 , 2024 WHEREAS , agriculture has always been a cornerstone of Johnston County’s way of life , we acknowledge that dedicated farmers improve our wellbeing by working to ensure a healthy and abundant agriculture supply To succeed in this important enterprise , our farmers rely on essential partnerships with non - rural communities to supply , sell , and deliver finished products across the country and around the world During National Farm - City Week , we recognize the importance of this cooperative network to the success of the agriculture industry ; and WHEREAS , farming was America’s first industry and continues today to provide us with many of the necessities of life such as food , clothing , and fuel for our energy needs Agriculture employs a substantial number of workers in Johnston County including farmers , shippers , processors , marketers , retailers , truck drivers , inspectors , and others who annually contribute more than 723 million in value - added income in Johnston County ; and WHEREAS , we welcome new opportunities for trade , hard work , and successful cooperation between farmers and city workers to continue to play a vital role in our country’s success and be a critical resource for countless people here and around the nation ; and WHEREAS , Farm - City collaborations help maintain and improve our nation’s food and fiber supply and contribute to a better quality of life for countless citizens We commend the many Johnstonians whose hard work and ingenuity reflect the true spirit of America and help to ensure a prosperous future for all ; and WHEREAS , we gather with family and friends around the Thanksgiving table , it is fitting that we count among our blessings the vital farm - city partnerships that have done so much to improve the quality of our lives Rural and non - rural communities working together have made the most of our rich agricultural resources , and they continue to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our people and to the strength of our economy NOW , THEREFORE , we the Commissioners of Johnston County do hereby proclaim November 21 - 28 , 2024 , as Farm - City Week We call upon citizens in rural and city areas to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of all those who , working together , produce an abundance of agriculture products that strengthen and enrich our community and nation th Proclaimed this the 4 day of November , 2024 Chairman Lawter noted that Johnston County’s new logo highlights Johnston County’s commitment to agriculture with representations of earth , water , and growth PagePage pageNumber71506 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued 7 Johnston Regional Airport – Request for Approval of Capital Project Budgets Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager J Chad McLamb explained that the Johnston Regional Airport was awarded grant funds from the State Transportation Reserve Funds in the amount of 19,000,00000 He stated these grant funds are being used for the following projects Public Safety Hanger Complex , Eastside Roadway Access and Air Traffic Control Tower Siting Study Mr McLamb stated the Airport respectfully requests the Board’s approval of the capital project budgets for these projects Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if there is a time limit on the grants Mr McLamb stated the Airport’s Board Chair indicated the funds need to be encumbered within the next year Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris asked Mr McLamb to explain the connection of the Johnston County Airport Authority and the Board of Commissioner’s approval Mr McLamb stated when projects are submitted outside the ordinary budget , the Board of Commissioners is the final authority because the Board sets the original budget Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the capital project budgets , as follows PagePage pageNumber81507 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am ContinuedPagePage pageNumber91508 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued 8 District Attorney’s Office – Request to Continue Temporary Funding for Staff Positions Johnston County District Attorney Susan Doyle requested the County to continue temporarily funding positions for an Assistant District Attorney and a Legal Assistant for an additional six months to work in the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office She explained the funding for these temporary positions will expire December 31 , 2024 and have been funded by the Administrative Office of the Courts She stated she originally received the positions because Johnston County was a pilot county for the Odyssey E - Courts system along with Wake , Harnett , and Lee Counties that began in February 2023 Ms Doyle stated the Odyssey E - Courts system has had some issues and challenges for prosecutors , local law enforcement , and clerks and she has been working closely with the Clerk of Court on those issues She reported that even though Odyssey E - courts is a paperless system with online capabilities , the software is not as efficient as hoped and the manpower is more than previously expected Ms Doyle continued that before Odyssey E - courts she was able to send one Assistant District Attorney into court to work each day ; however , since the implementation of Odyssey E - courts , it takes at least two prosecutors to attempt to resolve the same number of cases prior to the system being rolled out in the County She stated this is why the Administrative Office of the Courts realized more positions were needed She stated as counties have gone live with Odyssey E - courts , the Administrative Office of the Courts have been generous to grant the districts the temporary positions She stated the two positions will be expiring at the end of this year with no continued funding and her request is to continue that funding for the two positions Ms Doyle stated a Workload Study has been performed for all the District Attorneys across the State of North Carolina and the results of the study shows that her office is 35 positions short of what is needed to operate efficiently and effectively She stated the primary goal of the Conference of District Attorneys in the next Legislative Session is to ask for additional positions She stated legal positions are of the most need and the request to the Legislators will be to fund those positions in the next Legislative Session At the inquiry of Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Ms Doyle stated she is asking that the positions be funded until June 30 , 2025 Commissioner Bill Stovall asked if the funding was requested in the short session at the State level to continue these positions Ms Doyle responded they were requested in the short session , but later they found out there may be additional funding sources for positions She stated the legislative request was revised and the request was for additional positions She stated the Administrative Office of the Courts has been generous in funding the positions through the end of this year for the pilot counties Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked if other District Attorney offices are experiencing the same issues Ms Doyle stated since funding has not been available for positions , courts have had to look at other funding sources to efficiently run the offices with the needed staff She stated there are nine other prosecutorial districts across the State that have County funded Assistant District Attorney positions She stated NewPage01509 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued Hanover , Cumberland , Durham , Alamance , Mecklenburg , Rowan , Union , Buncombe , and Henderson Counties have County funded Assistant District Attorney positions She indicated that Union County was most similar to Johnston County with two County funded Assistant District Attorney positions She stated there are eleven prosecutorial Districts across the State that have grant funded Assistant District Attorney and Legal Assistant positions She noted some funding is from their counties and other funding is from grants from the Governor’s Highway Safety program or the Governor’s Crime Commission funding Commissioner Stovall stated the Administrative Office of the Courts has acknowledged there is not enough manpower and he asked whether the Office of State Budget and Management has been contacted as a funding source for these positions Ms Doyle stated the Administrative Office of the Courts has funded the positions since February 13 , 2023 She stated the funding was resumed for the pilot county positions and will expire at the end of this year She explained that the Administrative Office of the Courts views these positions as temporary in nature because there are other counties that still must be brought online across the State She stated this is a continued rollout for Odyssey E - Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts has indicated there will not be continued funding for these positions Commissioner Stovall asked if the Administrative Office of the Courts is working to resolve the issues that exist with the challenges of the new system Ms Doyle stated they have been working diligently to resolve the issues and the slowness of the system is recognized by Tyler Technologies which manages the system , but she is not sure there is a solution to the Odyssey E - Courts program She stated this is why two Assistant District Attorneys and sometimes a Legal Assistant are necessary for the courtroom Commissioner Stovall stated he understands the need , but his concern is that the State should be funding these positions He stated the Workload Study indicates a deficit of positions and asked is there a plan to address that situation Ms Doyle stated the need is for more State funded positions She further stated District Attorneys have found themselves in this situation across the State and the Legislature cannot deal with the issue as quickly as the counties can She stated the Legislature has asked for the issue to be presented and the hope is that they will be granting more positions in the long session At the inquiry of Chairman Lawter , Ms Doyle stated this is the second request before the Board She stated the first request was for positions funded by the Governor’s Crime Commission that had funding cuts and she was going to lose those positions Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris commended Ms Doyle and her staff He stated part of serving the citizens of the County is to expeditiously move them through the judicial process He noted these are citizens that have taken off work to be in court and there needs to be ways that can help this situation Vice Chairman Harris stated he agrees that this is a State responsibility , but the County has stepped in before Upon a motion by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , seconded by Commissioner Bill Stovall , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the continued funding for the temporary staff positions as requested by District Attorney Susan Doyle Commissioner Godwin stated Board members need to work together to provide the legislative delegation with this the information because the County does not need to bear the burden of the State’s responsibility Commissioner Stovall stated the Odyssey E - courts program is designed to improve the efficiency of the court system , but that seems to be the opposite He stated he has heard this from many sources within the judicial system and the State needs to put their efforts into resolving these issues Vice Chairman Harris commented that there is a history when a new software system is introduced it is sometimes not the way it was originally presented He noted this was the case with the NCFAST and NCTRACKS programs when they came online He stated it is a massive undertaking when a Statewide software system is implemented and he hopes all the problems can be resolved Page11510 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued 9 Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization CAMPO – Blueprint for Safety Presentation CAMPO Senior Transportation Planner Kenneth Withrow provided CAMPO’s Regional Transportation Safety Action Plan Blueprint for Safety to the Board He thanked all the Veterans on the Board for their service Mr Withrow shared the following information with the Board Page21511 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage31512 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage41513 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage51514 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am ContinuedPage61515 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked when CAMPO finishes the plan will the North Carolina Department of Transportation implement the steps Page71516 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued Mr Withrow stated the Department of Transportation is part of the funding process He stated a plan is created that is part of CAMPO in conjunction with other surrounding MPOs He stated once the plan is adopted , the jurisdiction that the project resides in will submit to the Department of Transportation as a future project so that it can be implemented He stated the timing of that will depend on the scope of the project and the funding Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr noted Johnston County is in the process of updating the County’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan and he asked how that would work as far as developing a scoring system to decide which projects merit funding Mr Withrow stated the Comprehensive Transportation Plan is a vision plan and once the Metropolitan Transportation Plan is created and adopted , it will include the financial constraint He stated those projects will be scored and adopted depending on funding and scoring against projects throughout the region in order for funding to be applied Commissioner Godwin stated he has worked with the Upper Coastal Plain RPO and he is certain that when this is adopted the format and structure will be shared with them Chairman Lawter stated there may be opportunities for the two planning organizations to work on projects He commended Mr Withrow for the update and welcomed future updates as they become available 10 Delinquent Tax Collection Report Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews reported on the collection of delinquent taxes for the month of September 2024 , as follows Enforced Collections September 2024 YTD 24 25 Wage Garnishments 0 1 Bank Attachments 0 12 Levies 0 0 Foreclosures Complaints Filed September 2024 0 Pending 0 Dollars Collected September 2024 0 Sale Date No sale scheduled at this time Levy Amount and Collections to Date 2024 Real and Personal Levy 2023 Real and Personal Levy As of September 30 , 2024 As of September 30 , 2023 171,364,61471 Levy 169,428,04406 Levy 20,565,51667 Payments 21,571,20202 Payments 150,799,09804 Balance 147,856,84204 Balance 1200 Collected 1273 Collected - 073 RMV – NCVTS Collections September 2024 September 2023 1,834,80513 1,741,23982 YTD 23 24 - 5,978,54869 YTD 22 23 - 5,644,29206 Ms Andrews reported that Johnston County is nearing the revaluation process and the vendor is working diligently so those notices can be mailed the beginning of the year She stated the Board and the public will be receiving additional information about the process within the next 60 days 11 Voting Delegate for the 2024 NCACC Legislative Goals Conference Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated Commissioner Ted G Godwin plans to attend the Legislative Goals Conference and if there were no objections , he is appointing Commissioner Godwin to serve as the voting delegate and he as the alternate There were no objections Page81517 November 4 , 2024 – 10 00 am Continued 12 Manager Reports and Comments None 13 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Ted G Godwin noted that tomorrow is Election Day and he encouraged everyone to vote Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated the process for filling the Commissioner District 3 vacancy is underway and it has been narrowed down to four candidates that will be interviewed this Thursday Chairman Lawter stated after the interviews , the Board will vote on the person to fill that vacancy at its November 18 , 2024 6 00 pm meeting with that person being sworn in on December 2 , 2024 14 Closed Session – NCGS 14331811 a 3 – Attorney - Client Privilege and NCGS 14331811 a 4 Economic Development Upon a motion by Commissioner Fred J Smith , Jr , seconded by Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board recessed regular session to sit in closed session for the purposes of consulting with an attorney employed by the Board in order to preserve the attorney - client privilege pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 143 - 31811 a 3 to include the Estate of Cruz v JCSO , et al EDNC File 5 22 - ct - 03207 - D and to discuss matters relating to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area , pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 14331811 a 4 No action was taken Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Vice Chairman Patrick E Harris seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote There being no further business , Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn Commissioner April Stephens seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 12 17 pm RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage