Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes - March 2, 2026 10:00 AM

10 83 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners March 2 , 2026 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , March 2 , 2026 , at 10 00 am in the Commissioners Meeting Room , Johnston County Courthouse Annex , Smithfield , North Carolina The following members were present Present Chairman Patrick E Harris , Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Ted G Godwin , Bill Stovall , Michelle Pace Davis and Mike Rose Absent April Stephens 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 Patrick E Harris called the meeting to order at 10 00 am Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis opened the meeting with an invocation American Legion Post 141 of Selma led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag The Chairman thanked the American Legion Post 141 for their service to the Country The Chairman announced that Commissioner April Stephens will not be in attendance this morning but will attend the evening meeting 1 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , seconded by Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda as presented 2 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Mike Rose , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows A Approval of Minutes – January 20 , 2026 – 6 00 pm B Department of Transportation – Additions to System The Board concurred with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s recommendation to add the following roads to the State Maintained System Hewitt Woods Drive – Hewitt Woods – Clayton Township C Order to Advertise Tax Liens , adopted as follows Pursuant to NCGS § 105 - 369 a and b1 , the total amount of unpaid real estate taxes for 2025 is 8,773,17549 as of January 31 , 2026 To satisfy the requirement of NCGS § 105 - 369 b1 , notices of unpaid delinquent taxes were sent via US mail to the owners of record as of February 1 , 2026 At the request of Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews , the Board adopted an order to authorize the Tax Department to advertise the liens for the delinquent 2025 tax bills D Buildings & Grounds – Request to Declare Trailer as Surplus Per the request of the Buildings & Grounds Department , the Board declared the following trailer surplus and approved for it to be sold at the next public auction to be scheduled by the Sheriff’s Office Dump Trailer VIN 4yzDT122X31007234 Asset Number 08197 E Sheriff’s Office – Request to Surplus Vehicles and Equipment and Schedule Public Auction Per the request of Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell , the Board declared the following vehicles and equipment surplus and approved for them to be auctioned online to the public by Wester Auction Company Page84 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued Wester Auction Company has agreed to conduct this live online auction beginning at 6 00 pm on Sunday , May 3 , 2026 Year Make Model VIN Mileage 1 2015 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXAT2FH875348 130,129 2 2016 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXAT6GH146934 130,416 3 2020 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXKTXLH175328 130,243 4 2020 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXKT5LH171624 131,272 5 2020 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXKT8LH168040 132,041 6 2020 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXKT9LH171626 131,547 7 2020 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXKT2LH171628 126,120 8 2020 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXKT0LH171630 131,230 9 2021 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXAT6MH527999 132,778 10 2023 DODGE CHARGER 2C3CDXAT3PH595150 138,005 11 2022 FORD MUSTANG 1FA6P8CF1N5118353 85,102 12 2010 CHEVROLET TAHOE 1GNUKAE02AR115259 163,619 13 2020 PJ GOOSENECK TRAILER 4P5T82221L3044503 NOTES Item # 12 was purchased with federal forfeiture funds , and proceeds from the sale of this vehicle must be credited back to the appropriate revenue line item in the Sheriff’s Office budget 1051007418 Item # 13 was purchased with funds received from the NC Department of Revenue and proceeds from the sale of this item must be credited back to the appropriate revenue line item in the Sheriff’s Office budget 1051007414 F Appointments , approved as follows Livestock Arena Management Board – Michelle McLaughlin and Brent Jennings were reappointed for two year terms to expire on March 31 , 2028 G Budget Revisions , approved as follows Jail REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 52003205 Food & Provisions 44944 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 44944 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 520033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 44944 TOTAL NET REVENUE 44944 Sheriff REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 51001700 Vehicles 10,19120 10 51003350 Supplies – Special - Sheriff 3,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 13,19120 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 510033099 Miscellaneous Revenue 13,19120 TOTAL NET REVENUE 13,19120Page85 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued H Tax Releases & Refunds – 1 16 2026 – 02 15 2026 Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 2 12 2026 2 58 16 PM ALassiter 2025 - 100964 2000189798 RRT INVESTMENTS LLC 71339 2 13 2026 11 09 24 AM dwoodward2 2025 - 55175 2000271788 HAYNES , LEVI 69933 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 1 16 2026 12 46 08 PM LOCKBOX 2025 - 98248 2000217432 RILEY & WALKER 8,35914 DEVELOPMENT , LLC 1 20 2026 4 11 47 PM cfutch 2025 - 43457 2000197307 GIANATIEMPO , VICKI L 1,68434 1 20 2026 4 12 44 PM cfutch 2025 - 43456 2000197307 GIANATIEMPO , VICKI L 1,98806 1 20 2026 4 13 30 PM cfutch 2025 - 43455 2000197307 GIANATIEMPO , VICKI L 75228 1 21 2026 2 51 02 PM tmeacomes 2025 - 202373 2000055424 WILSON MILLS FARM LLC 28567 1 22 2026 2 41 54 PM tmeacomes 2025 - 126879 2000258815 TLE HOMES , LLC 2,76154 1 23 2026 8 12 29 AM awstancil 2025 - 134753 2000251604 DR HORTON , INC 73775 1 23 2026 8 13 55 AM awstancil 2025 - 134752 2000251604 DR HORTON , INC 73775 1 23 2026 8 16 24 AM awstancil 2025 - 29565 2000251604 DR HORTON , INC 57785 1 23 2026 8 17 58 AM awstancil 2025 - 134527 2000191315 DR HORTON , INC 2,11678 1 23 2026 8 19 35 AM awstancil 2025 - 134484 2000251604 DR HORTON , INC 35240 1 27 2026 10 05 38 AM LOCKBOX 2025 - 34874 2000272953 SDH RALEIGH LLC 1,34525 2 9 2026 11 47 15 AM astraley 2025 - 54264 2000181363 HOPKINS , GARY W 12033 2 9 2026 2 56 44 PM LOCKBOX 2025 - 129969 2000267933 WOODARD , PAULETTE 1,77463 2 9 2026 3 29 47 PM astraley 2025 - 48954 2000214651 HARR , RALPH 22933 2 10 2026 2 03 05 PM awstancil 2025 - 110955 2000169981 STEPHENS ENTERPRISES LLC 49534 2 12 2026 3 50 05 PM ajsoutherland 2025 - 35669 2000137504 EASTFIELD ASSOCIATES LLC 27,62816 North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report – January 2026 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction # Refund Total Change Reason CASHWELL , 0088408058 480604340 Situs error 000 STEPHEN 10055 JAMES 2570 3575 11060 CRUZ , 0088604344 480183808 Situs error 000 CRYSTAL 18449 4715 6560 20294 DUNN , 0088893421 480626332 Situs error 000 CHARLES 44383 DANNIE 11342 15781 48822 JELLIG , 0089039459 361262793 Military 19473 AMANDA JANE 16566 5522 41561 KB’S HAULING 0085787806 480604564 Situs error 000 LLC 69731 17821 24794 76704 LEAKE , AUSTIN 0088791195 481341940 Military 15519 Page86 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued TAYLOR 14624 3432 3000 36575 NEWBORN , 0088124751 482336388 Situs error 000 BRITTANY 15931 NICHOLE MORGAN 4071 5664 17524 3 Public Comments A Recognition of Retiring County Employees Human Resources Director Paulette Williams recognized retiring County employees for March and April 2026 as follows Rodney Langdon Sheriff’s Office 25 plus years Milton “ Earl ” Bailey Public Utilities 20 plus years Wendy Langdon Moore Public Health 20 plus years Holly Amaon 911 Communications 10 plus years Employees were presented with plaques for their service to Johnston County Photos were taken of the retirees , and they were presented with a County Challenge Coin by the Commissioners Chairman Patrick E Harris thanked the employees for their service to the citizens of Johnston County B Introductions by the County Manager County Manager Rick Hester introduced new Benson Town Manager Dane Rideout and Archer Lodge Town Manager David Bone that were present at the meeting Mr Hester stated he looks forward to working with these managers Mr Bone stated he is looking forward to working with Johnston County and finding new ways to collaborate on what is best for everyone Mr Rideout thanked Board members for what they have done for the Town of Benson stating the strategic foresight , planning , and vision of bringing Vulcan Elements to the area is huge He stated being a veteran , he understands the importance of the decisions being made especially for the economic development of the communities C Citizen Comments – Edwin Boyette Edwin Boyette , Rock Pillar Road , stated he would like to provide an update on early voting Mr Boyette noted there were 12,386 early voters and the busiest site was in Clayton with 3,725 voters He stated Johnston County will have a large impact on votes and the second busiest precinct statewide was in Flowers Plantation with 1,620 voters He noted turnout rose by 97 compared to the 2022 midterms Mr Boyette commended Johnston County Elections Director Leigh Anne Price , along with Mr John Shallcross and Ms Annette Murphy , as well as all the staff for their professionalism and smooth operations 4 Veterans Service Office – State Grant Budget Revision Veterans Service Officer Robert Boyette presented a request for a budget revision to include a recently approved 20,000 State grant for the Veterans Service Office He explained these funds will be used for technical assistance including software for remote signatures and telehealth , staff training and accreditation , monthly veterans ’ workshops , improving office accessibility , and community outreach efforts PagePage pageNumber587 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Mr Boyette confirmed that all expenditures must remain within specified categories Commissioner Godwin commended Mr Boyette for bringing this funding to Johnston County Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the following budget revision accepting the grant funds REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 62007050 Non - Major Capital Assets 3,00000 10 62001400 Travel 5,00000 10 62005305 Dues and Subscriptions 50000 10 62001200 Printing 1,50000 10 62003300 Departmental Supplies 10,00000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 20,00000 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 620034155 State VSO Grant 20,00000 20,00000 TOTAL NET REVENUE 5 Partnership for Children Proclamation Week of the Young Child and Annual Report Partnership for Children Family Support Specialist Maria Aleman reported the Week of the Young th th Child takes place from April 11 to April 17 and is designed to highlight various activities and providers throughout the County and Statewide She stated during this week , the Partnership will conduct extensive social media outreach to celebrate and acknowledge providers She stated additionally , providers will receive suggestions for themed activities for each day of the week , covering areas such as music , nutrition , art , collaboration , and family engagement Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr read the following proclamation aloud and moved for its adoption Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion which carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD APRIL 2026 Whereas , the Partnership for Children of Johnston County , Inc , along with other local organizations , in conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children are celebrating the Week of the TM Young Child a time to promote the needs of young children , their families , and the early childhood programs that serve them because the first years of a child’s life are the period of most rapid brain development and lay the foundation for all future learning and success ; Whereas , children’s cognitive , physical , social and emotional , and language and literacy development are built on a foundation of children’s positive interactions with adults , peers , and their environment ; and Whereas , public policies that support early learning for all young children are crucial to young children’s futures and to the prosperity of our society , as participation in high - quality early childhood education saves taxpayer dollars , makes working families more economically secure , and prepares children to succeed in school , earn higher wages , and live healthier lives ; Whereas , high – quality early childhood education depends on high – quality early childhood educators who ensure that children , supported by families , have the early experiences they need for a strong foundation ; Whereas , the majority of these costs , which often exceed the cost of a year of college tuition , are borne by parents , who often can’t afford it ;PagePage pageNumber688 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued Whereas , young children need skilled , educated , competent , consistent , and compensated early childhood educators ; Whereas , working families need robust subsidies , scholarships , and tax credits for families at all income levels that support the true cost of quality early childhood education ; Whereas , early childhood educators need the ability to earn wages that is comparable with the required education and skills they bring to the complex and valuable work they do Therefore , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim April 11 - 17 , 2026 , as the Week of the Young Child and hereby encourages all citizens to work to support and invest in early childhood in Johnston County nd Adopted this the 2 day of March , 2026 Annual Report Partnership for Children Impact Director Myra Burrell presented the Annual Report to the Board She introduced Quality Support Manager Lorena Esparza and Early Education Manager Melissa Johnson accompanying her to the meeting Ms Burrell thanked the Board of Commissioners for their support to the Partnership for Children of Johnston County Ms Burrell stated third grade marks a pivotal transition whereby children progress from learning to read to reading to learn and grow She stated Johnston County recognizes the importance of third grade reading proficiency in that children currently reading proficiently are more likely to graduate and enter the workforce successfully She noted in some regions , third grade reading data is even used to inform infrastructure planning , underscoring the critical nature of early literacy She stated the Read to Grow Action Team addresses three key areas , those being school readiness , out - of - school learning , and attendance She stated Early Literacy Coordinator Heather Machia regularly presents detailed data and impact outcomes throughout the year Ms Burrell continued that the Partnership for Children partnered with three summer initiatives to sustain childrens literacy engagement , and 88 of the participants maintained or improved their reading levels over the summer as measured by the Dibbles Assessment She noted that Paws for Reading is another initiative where children adopt a stuffed pet and commit to reading to it for 20 minutes each day She stated School Readiness includes kindergarten readiness night events held throughout March and she noted that Commissioner Mike Rose has previously volunteered at these events She stated rising kindergarteners experience activities such as walking through the lunch line , riding a school bus , touring classrooms , and participating in learning stations She stated parents receive skill kits to reinforce these abilities during the summer before their children begin kindergarten and of the 170 participants who completed surveys last year , 100 reported increased confidence in preparing their child after attending She stated overall , Read to Grow has demonstrated substantial effectiveness , driven by the County’s support Ms Burrell noted that two of the initial target schools have transitioned out of the program , while Princeton and Corinth Holders Elementary Schools have been added as new targets She indicated that as stated in the Proclamation , brain development is most rapid within the first five years , accounting for 90 of overall development during this period She stated it is crucial to lay a solid foundation for future success and thanks to the County’s funding , the Partnership for Children has been able to support school readiness She pointed out page nine of the NC Pre - K growth report that showcases the significant impact this program has had on child development and learning She stated funding also helps parents apply for this valuable program Ms Burrell noted this year , the program received over 670 applications , with around 356 children served so far She stated applications are now open for the 2027 school year and there have already been more than 220 applications received Ms Burrell stated despite the best efforts of early childhood programs , the Partnership for Children is currently facing a childcare crisis She explained that since July 1 , 2025 , 15 centers in Johnston County have closed permanently for various reasons , with a major issue being the lack of qualified staff She stated to address this , the Partnership for Children has established childcare academies , funded by grants and County support She stated the first - year results of these academies can be reviewed on page seven of the annual report She noted that participants graduate equipped to work as teacher assistants , and over half of last years graduates found jobs in licensed childcare facilities She stated this year , the Partnership for Children has operated three more th academies , the most recent one ending on February 20 with another beginning today She stated so far , thisPagePage pageNumber789 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued fiscal year , there have been 22 participants , with at least five already employed Ms Burrell stated teacher assistants play a vital role , but lead teachers are necessary to keep classrooms operating She stated when staff is not available , classrooms or even entire facilities must close She shared that in August , District Attorney Jason Waller told them how he once arrived to drop off his child only to find the classroom closed due to staffing shortages She stated luckily , he could adjust his schedule , but not all families have that flexibility Ms Burrell stated the Partnership for Children is seeking additional funding to expand these academies She noted Johnston Community College offers a teaching credential course through its continuing education program and with further funding , they could help their graduates attend the College and earn their teaching credentials , qualifying them as lead teachers and keeping classrooms open Ms Burrell thanked the Board of Commissioners for their ongoing support She stated together , everyone can create bright futures for Johnston Countys children Chairman Patrick E Harris thanked Ms Burrell for all the work that she and the Partnership for Children are doing for the County 6 Brightspeed – Update to the Board Mr Steve Brewer , Director of State Government Affairs at Brightspeed , provided an update to the Board He stated Brightspeed is working across the County with several projects and he shared the following information and a map of fiber builds • CAB 2 Grant Nearly 1,500 locations scheduled for delivery by year - end • GREAT Grant Over 3,500 locations , now delayed past 2025 ; about 700 are open for sale • Private investment More than 20,000 fiber passings open for sale Countywide Mr Brewer reported that the delay in the GREAT Grant Program stems from make - ready work on utility poles , which affects timelines nationally , not just locally He noted while pole owners often lack the staffing toPagePage pageNumber890 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued expedite this process , Brightspeed has strong relationships with them both in Johnston County and across North Carolina and recently has seen significant progress He stated many of the pole owners have secured extra contractors to help complete the projects and he is very optimistic that Brightspeed will resolve everything soon He offered to answer any questions from the Board Chairman Ted G Godwin asked if the term pole owner refers to companies like ElectriCities Mr Brewer responded it includes ElectriCities , EMCs , and private companies like Duke Energy He stated Brightspeed does own some poles , but it is minimal compared to what the electric providers own He stated they usually occupy the lowest space on the pole because their product does not carry much electricity , making it the safest and most cost - effective position Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr commented that Mr Brewer mentioned the pole attachments have contributed to some of the delays and asked if he could elaborate on what other factors are involved Mr Brewer explained the delays associated with obtaining permission to use utility poles represent a significant portion of the overall timeline He stated in cases where Brightspeed has encountered prolonged wait times for pole access , they have , on occasion redesigned projects to place infrastructure underground , thereby bypassing certain sections of poles He noted the permitting process for pole attachments is the primary cause of delay , especially in Johnston County ; however , this challenge is not unique to Johnston County or even North Carolina as it is occurring at a national level He noted this is due to the demands placed by federally funded programs such as ARPA and BEAD , all of which require extensive resources for pole attachments He stated securing a pole attachment is more complex than simply affixing equipment and it involves detailed engineering assessments and inspections by the pole owners , whose approval is necessary He stated frequently , there is a need for make - ready work , which is industry terminology describing adjustments to existing facilities on the pole , such as raising or shifting equipment , to accommodate new fiber installations He stated this has been the most substantial source of delay ; however , they have observed considerable recent progress among pole - owning companies He stated many have brought on additional contractors , which they believe will expedite the process moving forward Vice Chairman Lawter asked about the project timeline for completeness Mr Brewer stated for project completion , approximately 20 of the original GREAT Grant projects are currently operational , meaning households in those areas can now subscribe to service He stated according to the initial schedule , the program should be fully delivered by now He stated once pole attachment authorization is secured , the final construction phase progresses quickly He reiterated that this issue is not unique to Johnston County and is a nationwide concern driven by high demand for resources and labor He stated pole owners typically are not staffed for rapid attachment needs , so contractors play a major role He stated meetings with stakeholders , including providers and the Governors office , are ongoing to ensure projects stay on schedule and sufficient resources are allocated He stated the aim is to complete these initiatives by year - end , with additional personnel already brought on board Vice Chairman Lawter asked what is considered “ on time ” Mr Brewer responded as it relates to the definition of “ on time ” , the GREAT Grant and CAB grants , as well as the contract with NCDIT , have all been extended through 2026 He stated service activation will not occur simultaneously for all recipients , and currently nearly 700 original GREAT Grant consumers are eligible to subscribe today He stated as service areas are reached and users come online , activation will proceed incrementally , rather than being delivered at the year end Vice Chairman Lawter asked Mr Brewer if he is confident about meeting the deadline Mr Brewer stated at this stage , Brightspeed is confident in meeting these targets , considering the Boards decisions , and the allocation of the 500,000 that remains to be addressed He stated based on recent progress , he is optimistic about Brightspeed’s direction and he noted they are scheduled to meet with DIT this week , and all providers are engaging with both DIT and the relevant pole owners He stated these collaborative meetings , which include participation from the Governor’s Office , are designed to ensure the project receives necessary focus and attention Commissioner Godwin inquired about the subscription rate PagePage pageNumber991 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued Mr Brewer stated he is uncertain about the current subscription rates for Johnston County in the specific grant locations ; however , he can research that information He stated the demand they see for fiber is quite significant , especially in the areas covered by grants He noted typically , the subscription rate there is higher because , in most cases , the grant applicant is the primary provider in the region , where in contrast , cities or towns often have multiple providers to choose from He stated he could look into that data and share it with Commissioners Commissioner Bill Stovall asked about the height of pole - mounted cables above driveways or fields , and whether there are industry standards to ensure proper clearance Mr Brewer stated there are standards in place and occasionally , weather or other factors may cause wires to sag over time , but those issues are handled promptly when notified He stated make - ready work during deployment can require shifting attachments higher on the pole He explained that the industry typically occupies the lowest position , and sometimes all parties need to move up to accommodate new connections He stated if anyone notices a clearance problem , to please report it so it can be resolved quickly Commissioner Mike Rose stated he experienced low - hanging wires with Brightspeed in Princeton , where a truck brought down a low wire , resulting in several days without repair He stated to build on Vice Chairman Lawter’s earlier comments about the funding , it is important to utilize these resources efficiently He stated given the extended project timeline , costs can often increase with delays and he asked if the County can be assured that the same number of homes would be served as originally planned Mr Brewer responded that Brightspeed is under contract and generally , there has not been an increase in expenses unless they opt to move lines underground rather than using aerial poles He stated Brightspeed has occasionally made this adjustment to maintain project progress , but underground installation is more costly than aerial deployment ; however , this has not significantly affected the budget , and they do not anticipate requesting additional funds from the County Chairman Patrick E Harris reported that he signed up for Brightspeed thinking it was a great idea , but installation was only allowed on the ground floor of his home , while all his mechanical equipment is upstairs He stated his wife was not comfortable with the equipment being placed in the living room , so they canceled the service Chairman Harris commented that he was excited to get fiber in their neighborhood ; however , the process was more complicated than expected , so he did not become a Brightspeed customer Mr Brewer stated the goal is for everyone to have access He stated there are options like extenders or mesh products to improve coverage , and he would like to research this issue Vice Chairman Lawter asked Mr Brewer if he could return in June to provide another update Mr Brewer confirmed he would return and noted that Brightspeed gives quarterly updates to NCDIT , which are then shared with the County and grant partners County Manager Rick Hester thanked Mr Brewer for updating the Board today and commented that in - person updates are preferable He reminded the Commissioners that the County committed 500,000 in Federal ARPA funds , payable at project completion and unless extended , these funds expire at the end of 2026 He stated if the County waits until the end , other funding will need to be found , so keeping it with ARPA is preferred He stated the CAB Grant required no match 7 Buildings and Grounds – DA Renovation Project Building and Grounds Director Daniel Clifton presented a request to the Board to award the DA Renovation Project to low bidder Talon Construction , Inc in the amount of 524,90000 The project has been bid and eight bids were received with Talon Construction submitting the lowest bid He stated the County has worked with Talon Construction in the past with favorable results Mr Clifton offered to answer any questions Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr asked if Mr Clifton could provide a summary of the renovations project Page092 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued Mr Clifton reported this renovation project would be the District Attorneys area on the third floor of the Courthouse He stated the project includes eight new offices , a dedicated lobby with informational screens , a 36 - person training conference room , improved workflow , and a secured victims ’ lounge Chairman Patrick E Harris stated these upgrades will provide much - needed space while enhancing security for witnesses Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis asked about the project’s timeline Mr Clifton stated the project should take four to six months Commissioner Mike Rose noted the funding for this project was already budgeted this year Upon a motion by Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , seconded by Commissioner Mike Rose , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board awarded the DA Renovation Project to Talon Construction , Inc in the amount of 524,90000 and approved for the work to begin 8 Johnston County Fire Commission Presentation – Fire Service Minimum Staffing Strategic Plan Fire Marshal Travis Johnson and Fire Commission Chairman and Cleveland Fire Department Chief Chris Ellington shared information regarding the Fire Service Minimum Staffing Strategic Plan with the Board Mr Johnson stated the Needs and Compensation Committee along with Deputy Fire Marshal Jordan Piper have made significant contributions , diligently compiling extensive data for this presentation He noted that Chief Ellington is available to address any questions pertaining to the topic He introduced Emergency Services Director Ryan Parker , Deputy Fire Marshal Jordan Piper , and Fire Commission Vice Chairman and Four Oaks Fire Chief Barry Stanley Chief Ellington stated like many places nationwide , Johnston County faces a decline in volunteers for organizations such as fire departments due to increased demands on people’s time He stated early in the project , it was recognized that staffing would be the largest and most costly challenge He reported that two years ago , they projected the need for 70 new firefighters over the next two to three years ; however , they are currently losing members to other counties and departments He stated the primary objective is to retain local talent developed through the local school system and Community College Fire Program , keeping Johnston County firefighters employed here He stated to guide staffing efforts , the committee has analyzed historical data from departments with 24 - hour staffing , focusing on implementation timelines , call volume , and community impact He stated the initial goal to place one part - time paid staff member in each County fire station has been achieved Since then , staff has addressed compensation issues and conducted a pay study with Human Resources , comparing rates with neighboring counties He stated recruitment now involves competing for employees within a wide geographic range , sometimes up to two hours away He noted the Fire Commission has formed a subcommittee composed of Fire Chiefs from all over the County , not just the Fire Commission , to develop this plan based on historical data He stated last month , they presented it to the Fire Commission for approval , which was granted He stated the Fire Commission is not seeking further approval today because they have additional th elements to integrate , but they wanted to update the Board that all fire service budgets are due by March 15 and they will begin reviewing those budgets soon Chief Ellington continued that to make staffing decisions supported by data , the Fire Commission surveyed the Chiefs about their current staffing levels and preferred data points and then created a metric similar to the cost - share approach , applying it across departments He stated when budget reviews begin around March th 19 , they will use this strategic plan as a guide to allocate funds for staffing He noted the objectives include ensuring at least two personnel are available Monday through Friday , either part - time or hours chosen by each department He pointed out that while the Fire Commission is recommending this approach , it is not a mandate He stated it is also important to have a full - time supervisor overseeing staff , especially since integrating paid staff into mostly volunteer departments adds responsibilities to the Chief He stated they believe a dedicated supervisor can manage this transition effectively Chief Ellington stated the Fire Commission has outlined goals and timelines , including moving towards 24 - hour staffing , often meeting targets ahead of schedule He stated establishing a clear plan and vision for progress is beneficial and another objective was to set a minimum wage for part - time employees , and they are now working to do the same for full - time staff He stated this helps prevent departments within the County from competing for the same employees He stated Johnston County does not want to lose staff to other counties , norPage193 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued does it want to simply trade among departments He stated the plan is considering compensation and benefits , including a common package across the County He stated the third objective involves 24 - hour staffing , with a metric set between 800 and 1,200 calls , and he emphasized that this is only a recommendation and contingent on available funding He stated Fire Departments can use this plan as a tool , not as a mandate , especially if cost sharing does not make it feasible Chief Ellington stated the accompanying information given to the Commissioners provide call data used to shape the plan and determine departmental needs He stated this update is for transparency before budgeting and the Fire Commission is not seeking approval at this time Chief Ellington offered to answer any questions Page294 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis asked if the plan addresses station renovations for staff Chief Ellington stated fire department renovations to accommodate full - time or part - time staff are being addressed in the Fire Station Study , which should conclude soon He stated Finance is assessing necessary debt service for equipment and renovations , with some stations already undergoing changes as they transition from volunteer to paid services He stated increased paid staff is beneficial for communities At the inquiry of Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr , Chief Ellington reported that call volumes , such as Clevelands 50 rise in five years , are climbing Countywide while volunteerism declines He stated keeping fire trucks operational is critical , but new equipment alone is not useful without adequate personnel Chairman Patrick E Harris acknowledged the thoughtful planning behind this long - term effort stating nationwide volunteer shortage is a significant issue , and not just in Johnston County He stated over the past decade , the complexity of emergency calls has increased and the volunteer fire service has changed dramatically He stated for example , when he started , they responded to about 350 calls a year , but by the time he retired , it was over 5,000 Chairman Harris stated he is proud of the progress made by the Fire Commission , Fire Chiefs , Emergency Services Staff , County Attorney’s Office , and everyone involved He thanked everyone involved for their hard work Commissioner Bill Stovall noted that the demand for the fire service will continue to increase as the Countys population grows Chief Ellington agreed stating not only does population growth contribute to these demands , but evolving standards also play a significant role He stated it has become increasingly challenging for individuals to maintain a traditional 40 - hour workweek , keep up with new mandates , and remain effective in their full - time roles Commissioner Stovall commented that the current societal structure no longer supports the traditional model of volunteerism as it once did Vice Chairman Lawter recognized the flexibility highlighted in the information stating the County has 23 departments , and he appreciates the approach taken Vice Chairman Lawter stated at his workplace , they emphasize processes being “ fit for purpose ” He stated not every department must operate identically and instead , the Fire Commission provided clear guidelines and parameters that allow each Fire Chief to make decisions best suited to their department’s needs He stated this aspect has been essential in securing buy - ins from all 23 departments Vice Chairman Lawter commended all the Fire Chiefs , Emergency Services personnel , and staff involved for their collaboration Page395 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued Chief Ellington stated the objective was not to impose mandates , but rather to establish a framework or roadmap for this new budgeting process encompassing the fire departments He stated they aimed to provide justification and clarity for budget development , so that each department has a clear path for resource allocation Chairman Harris stated he is impressed with the work by the Fire Commission , sub - committees , and staff as it is now a model for North Carolina He stated other counties are interested because the traditional approach was not always working , so this new method is drawing attention At the inquiry of the Chairman , Chief Ellington reported that in May the Fire Commission will present their progress to the North Carolina Chiefs Association He noted this may prompt questions from other counties He stated presenting to the Chiefs , as they did for the County Commissioners Association , should help improve cooperation Commissioner Davis highlighted how impressive the annual call volumes are for each department , as well as the rapid response times She stated these reflect highly on the Public Safety personnel , both volunteers and paid staff She thanked everyone for their dedication to serving the community Chief Ellington stated while volunteer numbers are decreasing , current volunteers continue to excel in their roles Chairman Harris noted the plan is not intended to replace the volunteers , but rather to supplement and support areas needing assistance Chief Ellington stated volunteer retention and recruitment remain priorities Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board agreed to take the matter under advisement 9 Delinquent Tax Collection Report Tax Administrator Jocelyn Andrews reported on the collection of delinquent taxes for the month of January 2026 , as follows Enforced Collections January 2026 YTD 25 26 Wage Garnishments 1 120 Bank Attachments 13 68 Levies 0 0 Foreclosures Complaints Filed January 2026 0 Pending 0 Dollars Collected January 2026 0 Sale Date No sale scheduled at this time Levy Amount and Collections to Date 2025 Real and Personal Levy 2024 Real and Personal Levy As of January 31 , 2026 As of January 31 , 2025 214,196,68592 Levy 171,391,58893 Levy 204,694,57132 Payments 166,206,37203 Payments 9,502,11460 Balance 5,185,21690 Balance 9556 Collected 9697 Collected - 141 RMV – NCVTS Collections January 2026 January 2025 1,680,13606 2,010,11626 YTD 25 26 - 12,568,35776 YTD 24 25 - 13,352,00992Page496 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb reported that one cent on the tax rate equals 45 million 10 Manager Reports and Comments County Manager Rick Hester reported that the budget process has begun , and he will provide a formal update at the mid - month meeting He also commended the Public Safety team , noting that his experience riding in an ambulance last year gave him a greater appreciation for their dedication beyond just seeing the budget numbers Mr Hester extended his appreciation to Finance Director and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb for his diligent work on the budget 11 Board Reports and Comments Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr stated one topic that has received considerable attention over the past month is the Unified Development Ordinance UDO update He noted the Board had a significant th turnout at the meeting on January 20 , where many community members shared their concerns , which he believes the Board has duly noted He stated additionally , three of the Commissioners attended a community meeting at the Broadslab Distillery , organized not by the County but by concerned citizens in the farming industry He stated a recurring theme from that discussion , which resonated with him more upon reflection , was the issue of overregulation Vice Chairman Lawter continued that having served on this Board for nearly eight years , with Commissioner Ted G Godwin serving even longer , the Board has only received one complaint related to what might be termed as backyard animals He stated this sole case further emphasizes the importance of balancing individual property rights with their effects on neighboring properties He stated the UDO process requires careful consideration to ensure orderly development within the County without infringing on personal or neighboring property rights He stated in reviewing certain provisions , particularly those concerning the number of animals and associated regulations , he feels the Board may have exceeded what is necessary ; therefore , he recommends the Board and staff evaluate ways to remove these specific regulations He stated the County does have mechanisms such as nuisance ordinances and animal protection ordinances already in place He stated the County may have created an issue that was not previously a problem He stated the large turnout at the recent meetings show that many people are concerned , so the Board should address this differently rather than restricting what people can have in their backyards Commissioner Mike Rose stated he also attended the meeting at Broadslab and noted everyone was passionate but respectful He stated this is important as changes to the UDO are considered and it should be clear that the UDO was meant to protect farmland and promote smart growth , not simply regulate animal counts He stated buffers were included to prevent residential encroachment on farmland He noted that overall , the original intention remains good , despite some setbacks , and the Board is working to address any issues He stated the past few weeks have been busy , and he has enjoyed connecting with many people who had questions Commissioner Rose stated it has been an honor to participate in numerous events recently and he reminded everyone that tomorrow is election day Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis reported that last week’s groundbreaking at Clayton High School was both exciting and emotional She stated seeing her old parking space transformed highlighted the changes happening Commissioner Davis stated the event brought the community together and showed the strength of the partnership with the Board of Education She thanked everyone involved stating she is looking forward to seeing the project come to life Commissioner Bill Stovall reported last Friday evening , the 4 - H Achievement Awards Program was held at the Cooperative Extension Office Commissioner Stovall stated he attended along with his family and was pleased with the strong turnout He stated hundreds of kids participate in various activities through 4 - H , which is supported by the County’s Extension Office and run by volunteers He stated the event recognized clubs , members , and volunteers involved in everything from animal care to crafts , baking , and shooting sports Commissioner Stovall stated he appreciates the Extension Offices efforts and support for the 4 - H program Chairman Patrick E Harris noted that Commissioner Stovall received the 4 - H Legacy Award at that event , and Commissioner Stovall’s son Jonathan was honored for Excellence in Volunteerism Chairman Harris thanked them both for their contributions to this valuable community program Page597 March 2 , 2026 – 10 00 am Continued Commissioner Ted G Godwin stated he has always valued public engagement during his time on this Board and the UDO process has highlighted both positive involvement and increased cynicism toward government Commissioner Godwin stated some have accused the Commissioners of encouraging subdivisions simply to increase the tax base , but ongoing cost studies show that residential growth actually costs more in services than it brings in revenue , making that an unwise goal He stated the Board is committed to improving the quality of life for all , though it is challenging when everyone wants different things at once He asked for everyone’s patience and continued constructive participation Chairman Patrick E Harris stated he would like to address a couple of items , one of which pertains to the UDO process Chairman Harris stated in his view , this has been an evolutionary undertaking , requiring careful progression from initial steps toward completion He stated reaching the end stage has been particularly rewarding due to substantial community engagement , which he believes is essential He stated government functions most effectively when public participation is prioritized and it is not solely about Board members making decisions without constituent input He stated all Board members welcome feedback and actively seek perspectives from citizens , whether by phone , email , or at public events Chairman Harris continued that the recent public hearing held in this room was exceptional , with standing room only , illustrating the communitys commitment and enthusiasm He stated such engagement enables the Board to advance positive change for Johnston County He stated with a population of 265,000 , it is unlikely that any single initiative will satisfy everyone ; however , the goal should be meaningful progress that empowers local residents and balances varied interests regarding growth He stated a total moratorium on new residents is unrealistic and unsupported by law ; and individuals must retain the freedom to relocate as they see fit He stated nonetheless , the Board must pursue responsible land use policies to protect the agricultural sector and preserve the distinctive way of life valued in Johnston County He stated while the path forward may present challenges , he is confident that ongoing discussions , especially collaboration between developers and farmers , will lead to effective solutions He stated the County is positioned well , and he is optimistic about reaching a satisfactory conclusion The Chairman stated with no need for a closed session , the Board will attend a luncheon at the Johnston County Agriculture Center with the Cooperative Extension Office for informational purposes , where a presentation will be provided There being no further business , Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn Vice Chairman RS “ Butch ” Lawter , Jr seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 11 11 am Patrick E Harris , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage