May 4, 2026 - 10:00 AM - Board of Commissioners Meeting Minutes

10 316 Meeting of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners May 4 , 2026 10 00 am The Johnston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session Monday , May 4 , 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 , Ted G Godwin , April Stephens , Bill Stovall , Michelle Pace Davis and Mike Rose Absent Vice Chairman RS " Butch " Lawter , Jr 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 Ted G Godwin opened the meeting with a prayer American Legion Post 270 of Smithfield led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag Chairman Harris announced that Vice Chairman RS " Butch " Lawter , Jr is unwell today and would not be in attendance Chairman Harris acknowledged the passing of former Johnston County Commissioner Chairman and North Carolina House Representative James H Langdon Jr , affectionally known to most as JH Chairman Harris stated Mr Langdon served as a Johnston County Commissioner from December 2 , 1996 to December 6 , 2004 and also served as Chairman for six of those years He announced that Mr Langdon will be laid to rest this afternoon in Benson He stated Mr Langdon was a dedicated individual with over 30 years as an agriculture educator , an accomplished photographer , and a master woodworker , among other talents Chairman Harris stated after Mr Langdon's service on the Board of Commissioners , he continued his commitment to public service by representing District 28 in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 2005 to 2016 He stated those who knew Mr Langdon regarded him as an exemplary individual , a valued friend , and a mentor who will be deeply missed Chairman Harris noted he was personally thankful for the recent opportunity to share lunch with him and he cherishes that experience Chairman Harris stated on behalf of the Board of Commissioners , he would like to thank Mr Langdon's family for their dedication to Johnston County and the State of North Carolina by sharing him with the community throughout his many years of service Chairman Harris stated Mr Langdon was truly an outstanding man 1 Veterans Services Office - Memorial Day Proclamation Veterans Services Officer Robert Boyette requested the Board to adopt a Proclamation for Memorial Day 2026 Mr Boyette invited everyone to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony being held on May 25 , 2026 at the Johnston County Courthouse at 11 00 am Chairman Patrick E Harris acknowledged Mr Boyette's contributions as well as those of the veterans present today and all veterans for their service to our Country Commissioner Ted G Godwin read aloud the following Memorial Day Proclamation and moved for its adoption Commissioner Bill Stovall seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote Memorial Day Proclamation Johnston County Board of Commissioners May 25 , 2026 WHEREAS , on Memorial Day , America undertakes its solemn duty to remember the brave Americans who sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and the security of our nation ; and WHEREAS , we are constantly reminded that there are those in the world who would attempt to deprive us of our freedom and undermine our nation's very foundation ; and WHEREAS , military men and women from Johnston County have served our nation throughout American history with 248 Johnston County service members losing their lives in action in WWI , WWII , the Korean War , the Vietnam War , the Gulf War , and the War in Iraq and Afghanistan ; andPage317 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued WHEREAS , by honoring these proud Soldiers , Sailors , Airmen , Marines and Coast Guardsmen lost throughout our country's history , we renew our commitment to upholding the democratic ideals they fought and died to preserve ; and WHEREAS , the citizens of Johnston County must never take for granted our privileges and freedom or forget to give thanks and honor to those who risk their lives so that we may enjoy our many blessings NOW , THEREFORE , the Johnston County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 25 , 2026 as Memorial Day in Johnston County and urges citizens to remember the bravery of those who gave their lives , so that their sacrifices serve as a reminder of the cost of our freedom th Adopted this the 4 day of May , 2026 2 Approval Discussion of Agenda Upon a motion by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the agenda with the addition of a presentation on urgent care by Willow Health Alliance Behavioral Health to be heard after the Johnston County Fire Commission Apparatus Replacement item , the addition of a proclamation recognizing Clerk's Week following Public Comments , and moving the consent agenda item regarding the office space lease for the former Tucker Furniture Store to the regular agenda items 3 Consent Agenda Items Upon a motion by Commissioner April Stephens , seconded by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , and carried by unanimous vote , the Board approved the consent agenda items as follows Commissioner Godwin took a moment to remind the public there would be opportunities for public comment on the proposed budget on the following dates May 18 , 2026 at 6 00 pm ; June 1 , 2026 at 10 00 am and 6 00 pm ; and June 15 , 2026 at 6 00 pm A Approval of Minutes - April 6 , 2026 10 00 am and 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 N Goodling Park Drive , and S Goodling Park Drive - Goodling Road SD - Micro Township Abingdon Farm Drive - Abingdon - O'Neals Township Jackson Pond Drive - Jackson Pond - Boon Hill Township Stickleback Drive and Kingfish Trail - Wyncliffe Pond - Pleasant Grove Township Painted Horse Drive - Percy Place - Elevation Township C Call for Public Hearing - Proposed County Budget for FY 2026 - 2027 The Board scheduled a public hearing for the June 1 , 2026 10 00 am meeting on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 Note Additional budget discussions will be held on May 18 , 2026 at 6pm , June 1 , 2026 at 6pm and June 15 , 2026 at 6pm D HAPP - Approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 Annual Plan The Board approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 Annual Plan as presented in the agenda packet No changes were proposed from last year's plan and the required public hearing was held on April 16 , 2026 by HAPP with no comments received Page318 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued E Juvenile Crime Prevention Council - Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 Per the request of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council , the Board approved the following JCPC proposed budget for FY 2026 - 2027 , including the local match in the amount of 112,000 Page319 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued F Budget Revisions , approved as follows Health REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 59157050 Non - Major Capital Assets 1,53121 10 59207050 Non - Major Capital Assets 8,33999 10 59257050 Non - Major Capital Assets 9,65780 10 59457050 Non - Major Capital Assets 26,58200 10 59607050 Non - Major Capital Assets 7,71000 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 53,82100 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE 10 591534154 Medicaid 1,53121 10 592034154 Medicaid 8,33999 10 592534154 Medicaid 9,65780 10 594534154 Medicaid 26,58200 10 596034154 Medicaid 7,71000 53,82100 TOTAL NET REVENUE Social Services REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION EXPENDITURE INCREASE DECREASE 10 61001400 Travel 39098 10 61001410 Employee Training 20000 10 61004515 Program Expense 9636 10 61101909 Crisis 34145 10 61101917 LIEAP 7,54209 10 61401902 State County General Assistance 15,19400 10 61401905 IV - E Foster Care 1986 10 61451905 IV - E Foster Care 10314 10 61401906 State Foster Care 10191 10 61451906 State Foster Care 10191 TOTAL NET EXPENDITURES 24,09170 REQUESTED CHANGE FUND BUDGET CODE LINE ITEM CLASSIFICATION REVENUE INCREASE DECREASE PagePage pageNumber5320 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued 10 610034123 Social Services Administration 24,09170 TOTAL NET REVENUE 24,09170 G Appointment , approved as follows McLemore Firefighters Relief Fund Board of Trustees - Appointed Art Watkins for a two year term to expire on April 30 , 2028 H Tax Releases & Refunds - 03 16 2026 - 04 15 2026 Real Personal Property Releases TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 3 5 2026 11 41 38 AM astraley 2025 - 83551 2000231497 NGUYEN , THOMAS NI VAN 22036 3 20 2026 4 21 09 PM ALassiter 2025 - 201864 2000283244 WINSLOW , FRANCIS E III 1,96977 3 27 2026 8 36 09 AM dwoodward2 2026 - 200096 2000224044 WALTON , ROBBIE KENT 14036 3 27 2026 8 36 46 AM dwoodward2 2026 - 200097 2000224044 WALTON , ROBBIE KENT 14483 3 27 2026 8 37 32 AM dwoodward2 2026 - 200098 2000224044 WALTON , ROBBIE KENT 27724 Real Personal Property Refunds TRANS DATE TIME USER YR BILL # ACCT # TAXPAYER NAME AMOUNT 3 2 2026 1 08 25 PM awstancil 2025 - 34011 2000076787 DRIVER , LISA YELVERTON 31516 3 3 2026 2 47 21 PM LOCKBOX 2025 - 61496 2000105446 JONES , JEFFREY L 2,29439 3 4 2026 10 34 14 AM awstancil 2025 - 43856 2000268277 GIRARD , JENNIFER 1,96235 3 5 2026 2 31 40 PM LOCKBOX 2025 - 92139 2000113929 POOLE , CHARLES P 4,41319 3 5 2026 3 12 17 PM awstancil 2025 - 17558 2000211839 BUFFALO ROAD , LLC 58390 3 9 2026 8 17 46 AM awstancil 2025 - 23463 2000232527 CHURCH , BRUCE EUGENE 35131 3 9 2026 11 10 30 AM awstancil 2025 - 24118 2000229360 CLEMENTS , BRITTANY DIANE 50804 3 10 2026 12 24 03 PM awstancil 2025 - 67882 2000001744 LEE , BONNIE N 1,42589 3 10 2026 12 46 12 PM awstancil 2025 - 800291 2000195286 DYNAMIC LOGISTICS LLC 21,74997 3 10 2026 3 48 50 PM awstancil 2025 - 23133 2000255737 CHERRY , ROGER 31516 3 10 2026 4 00 12 PM LOCKBOX 2025 - 86177 2000115995 OVERBY , CARLTON 1,16020 3 11 2026 12 28 31 PM awstancil 2025 - 55551 2000051675 HUMPHRIES , SUSAN H 1,90378 3 12 2026 1 02 11 PM awstancil 2025 - 49865 2000018940 HAYES , J C JR 16996 3 13 2026 12 48 55 PM awstancil 2025 - 34234 26143000 DUGGER , ARLEY JOHNNY JR 3,96707 3 16 2026 9 31 42 AM awstancil 2025 - 25395 2000107568 COLON , VICTOR 50899 3 16 2026 1 40 28 PM awstancil 2025 - 123130 2000200030 WATSON , ALONZO 11991 3 19 2026 12 05 21 PM awstancil 2025 - 95150 2000180410 RADFORD , JOSEPH BRYANT 21716 3 23 2026 9 43 50 AM awstancil 2025 - 9153 2000147049 BAREFOOT , STEPHEN E 3,80426 3 23 2026 1 00 46 PM awstancil 2025 - 119966 2000216860 VARGAS , JOSE FELIX PEREZ 1,14003 3 23 2026 2 14 32 PM LOCKBOX 2025 - 126285 2000258650 CARUSO BUILDER BRANT 71771 STATION LLC 3 23 2026 2 14 32 PM LOCKBOX 2025 - 96294 2000247380 RBV 40 , LLC 71771 3 24 2026 10 49 00 AM awstancil 2025 - 37677 2000133950 ESTEP , EARL 14550 3 25 2026 12 01 43 PM awstancil 2025 - 62062 2000234071 JORDAN , ELIZABETH ANN 51216 3 26 2026 1 09 09 PM awstancil 2025 - 98506 2000252502 RIVERA , HELTON STEWART 14703 MARROQUIN 3 27 2026 2 14 58 PM awstancil 2025 - 123130 2000200030 WATSON , ALONZO 22019 3 27 2026 2 18 07 PM awstancil 2025 - 129507 2000185198 WOOD , ROBBIE O 38285 3 27 2026 2 28 16 PM awstancil 2025 - 85605 2000200221 ONETO - ESTEVES , DARIO 2,67231 RICARDO 3 27 2026 2 33 18 PM awstancil 2025 - 14438 2000243191 BOWERS , PATRICK F 11606 3 30 2026 1 23 29 PM awstancil 2025 - 97967 2000271472 RICHARDSON , MAURICE 1,98140 3 31 2026 12 51 52 PM awstancil 2025 - 21134 2000258650 CARUSO BUILDER BRANT 72095 STATION LLC North Carolina Vehicle Tax System - Pending Refund Report - March 2026 100 + Payee Name Bill # Transaction Refund Total Change # ReasonPagePage pageNumber6321 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued CLARKE , 0089108683 365432640 Change of 24496 TRACEY County 21199 TERRIEL 7537 53232 JOHNSON , 0088072824 486226280 Situs error 001 AARON LEROY 12569 3087 4190 13671 STEWART , 0089476198 486079748 Situs error 000 GEORGE 17910 ALLAN 4577 6368 19701 WILLIFORD , 0088584512 486680028 Situs error 000 VICKIE MARIE 12655 3234 4500 13921 ZHANG , PEIGE 0087862654 244595930 Military 10847 2399 13246 4 Public Comments A Recognition of Public Utilities Staff Member Charles Pender Chairman Patrick E Harris called on Public Utilities Director Chandra Farmer for a special recognition of Public Utilities Staff Member Charles Pender for receiving the Most Valuable Person Award in Erosion and Sedimentation Control from the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission Ms Farmer reported that in April the North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality hosted its annual local program workshop for Sedimentation and Erosion Control across North Carolina She stated during this event , Mr Pender was honored with the Most Valuable Person in Erosion and Sedimentation Control from the Sedimentation Control Commission She stated the recognition included remarks from State staff , who highlighted Mr Pender's value to the County She stated Mr Pender is respected by his colleagues , the Division of Environmental Quality , and the development community for his fairness and professionalism She stated he has established strong connections with neighboring programs , State and Federal agencies , and partners that all value his expertise Ms Farmer noted that Mr Pender's dedication to Johnston County and the Public Utilities Department is clear every day , and she appreciates all he does for both his colleagues and the residents Ms Farmer stated Johnston County is fortunate to have Mr Pender's service Chairman Harris commented that there are many outstanding individuals making valuable contributions for the citizens of Johnston County and Mr Pender's dedication does not go unnoticed Mr Pender addressed the Board and stated there is a team of highly committed professionals continually working to improve the County and he is thankful to work alongside such an exceptional group of colleagues A photo was taken of Mr Pender and the Board of Commissioners along with the plaque he received for this honor B Reminder of Public Service Week from May 3 - 9 , 2026 proclamation previously adopted by the Board Chairman Patrick E Harris reminded everyone that May 3 - 9 , 2026 marks Public Service Recognition Week in Johnston County He noted a Proclamation honoring this week was adopted by the Board last month PagePage pageNumber7322 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued C Recognition of Retiring County Employees Human Resources Director Paulette Williams stated she would like to join the Board in recognizing Public Service Recognition Week and she thanked the Board for adopting the Proclamation that acknowledges County employees for their dedication and contributions She stated throughout this week , the County will be honoring employees nominated for their exemplary qualities of empowerment , compassion , responsiveness , and vision She stated these nominees will receive a token of appreciation to recognize their outstanding service Ms Williams recognized Deputy Jason Guseman who will be retiring in June from the Sheriff's Office She stated Deputy Guseman has served with the Sheriffs Office for over 25 years Deputy Guseman received a plaque of appreciation along with a County Challenge Coin followed by photos with the Board and the County Manager The Board wished Deputy Guseman well on his retirement and thanked him for his service 5 Proclamation - Professional Clerks to the Boards of County Commissioners Week Chairman Patrick E Harris announced that the Board has a special proclamation to present Chairman Harris stated Johnston County is truly fortunate to have two outstanding Clerks that diligently oversee Board records and operations , consistently ensuring that matters progress efficiently He stated their dedication is deeply appreciated He further stated that as a lighthearted note , the inclusion of this proclamation was intentionally kept confidential , since the Clerks prepare the Board's agendas and the intention was to surprise them , which was achieved successfully Commissioner Ted G Godwin commented that the County Attorney ensures the County avoids pitfalls , while the Clerks keep the Board on the right path He stated they are truly exceptional professionals Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis stated it was her distinct honor to formally recognize May 3 - 9 , 2026 as Professional Clerks to the Boards of County Commissioners Week Commissioner Davis read aloud the following Proclamation and moved for its adoption Commissioner Ted G Godwin seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 3 - 9 , 2026 , AS " PROFESSIONAL CLERKS TO THE BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ' WEEK " WHEREAS , it is imperative to the democratic process that a well - informed citizenry participates in the operation of their local government ; and WHEREAS , the role of the clerk to the board of county commissioners is crucial for maintaining an informed community and facilitating effective local governance through communication among citizens , governing bodies , and administrative departments ; and WHEREAS , the position of clerk , one of the oldest in local government , continues to be essential as the official recordkeepers of their counties , with responsibilities that are deeply rooted in history ; and WHEREAS , North Carolina General Statute 153A - 111 requires every board of county commissioners to appoint or designate a clerk to the board to perform any duties that may be required by law or the board of commissioners including , but not limited to , the preparation , filing , and protection of local government records , which are vital for accountability and transparency ; and WHEREAS , clerks enhance their professional skills through active participation in the North Carolina Association of County Clerks to Boards of Commissioners , which , in partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks , offers nationally recognized certification programs and continuous professional education ; and WHEREAS , clerks , through their dedication to professional development , not only improve the efficacy of their offices but also bring positive recognition to their counties by participating in advanced education and obtaining profession related certifications PagePage pageNumber8323 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued NOW , THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Johnston County Board of Commissioners that May 3 through May 9 , 2026 , will be recognized as " PROFESSIONAL CLERKS TO THE BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ' WEEK " in Johnston County and extends its appreciation to Clerk to the Board Dana G Cuddington and Deputy Clerk to the Board Susie Love Reeves , and to all county clerks and deputy clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the county they represent th ADOPTED this the 4 day of May , 2026 A photo was taken of Clerk to the Board Dana Cuddington and Deputy Clerk to the Board Susie Reeves with the Board of Commissioners 6 Office Space Lease - Former Tucker Furniture Store County Manager Rick Hester recalled discussion from the last meeting of the Board regarding a potential office space lease of the former Tucker Furniture Store that could be considered to house various divisions from the Public Utilities Department and Technology Services Mr Hester stated the current proposal is 12 per square foot and noted that it is a large building downtown Mr Hester stated that Commissioner Mike Rose visited the space and given the cost and size of the structure , for full transparency , he welcomes th postponing a decision on the lease until the May 18 regular meeting to allow more Board members to visit the property Commissioner Mike Rose noted the space is in good condition and it appears that not much work would be required to make it suitable Chairman Patrick E Harris stated additional space is urgently needed across the County and it has been years since new County buildings were constructed , aside from the Agriculture Center and schools He noted this solution would be temporary and intended to address immediate needs until the County can tackle long - term building projects He further noted that the Department of Social Services remains the Board's top priority , followed by judicial needs at the Courthouse He stated other projects will be addressed in due course , though not immediately ; therefore , this plan provides necessary relief with minimal financial investment until a more suitable and permanent remedy is available Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis stated she has reviewed Facilities Director Daniel Clifton's floor plan ideas and they efficiently utilize this space to support citizens and customer service by keeping everything downtown and conveniently connected for staff and departments Commissioner Ted G Godwin inquired about the terms of the lease Mr Hester stated the proposed lease is four years at 12 per square foot for approximately 17,900 square feet , offering a cost - effective solution Chairman Harris stated the County's priority remains providing convenient access to services for the public Commissioner Bill Stovall stated he understands and supports the point that increased service demand across the County requires more space He added that robust population growth over the past 15 years has driven higher demand , which means the County will also have additional staff and facilities He noted that forecasts expect another 100,000 residents in under a decade Mr Hester stated Tech Services supports internal operations such as maintaining devices and assisting employees , while Public Utilities handles external needs like stormwater and engineering He stated renovation costs would be split with the portion for Public Utilities coming from Enterprise Funds water and wastewater revenues , and Tech Services expenses from the General Fund He stated the division depends on exact square footage and he could provide more details or show estimates to Commissioners that have questions Commissioner Godwin commented that waiting will not make this move any cheaper , and he can agree that it is necessary Commissioner April Stephens stated while she is not a supporter of leasing , everyone knows this is a short - term solution until more permanent facilities are available She stated the space , plan , and location all make the price reasonable PagePage pageNumber9324 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens and carried by unanimous vote , the Board agreed to move forward with the proposal to lease the former Tucker Furniture building for office space as presented by the County Manager 7 Johnston County Fire Commission Apparatus Replacement - Tanker Procurement Chairman Patrick E Harris stated this item concerns the Johnston County Fire Commission's apparatus replacement tanker procurement He introduced those present including Cleveland Fire Chief and Fire Commission Chairman Chris Ellington , Johnston County Fire Marshal Travis Johnson , Four Oaks Fire Chief and Fire Commission Vice Chairman Barry Stanley and Antioch Fire Chief and Fire Commission Member Kendall Hocutt as well as several other representatives from the fire service Mr Johnson addressed the Board and expressed gratitude for the recent rainfall while noting that the fire services across the County have performed admirably during this dry spell maintaining effective control of local incidents Mr Johnson introduced additional representatives present including 50 - 210 Fire Chief Brian Newborn along with Assistant Chief Mark Nelms and Micro Fire Chief Joey Creech Mr Johnson stated the purpose of this request is to reiterate the need for replacement tankers and trucks , previously discussed in January , with updated figures to be provided by Chief Ellington and Emergency Services Director Ryan Parker Chief Ellington provided an update regarding the tanker purchase stating following approval in January , a committee assembled technical specifications to establish a County - wide standard and solicited bids from five vendors , receiving four proposals He stated the lowest bid not only met but exceeded expectations for quality and value He stated notably , pursuing group purchasing resulted in savings of 11,316 per truck , totaling approximately 67,900 overall He stated this marks the first effort in group apparatus procurement , and they anticipate continuing this strategy to maximize taxpayer savings He stated an additional discount of 17,700 per apparatus , amounting to 106,200 in total , is available if payment for the chassis is made upon delivery to the manufacturer Chief Ellington stated the request is that the Fire Protection Service District cover the cost of four apparatus units , out of six being purchased He stated Bethany Fire Department and 50 - 210 Fire Department will fund their own chassis acquisitions independently He stated accordingly , 469,828 is needed to pay for these trucks upon arrival , noting this is not for contract signing as delivery may take several weeks He invited questions from the Board before proceeding further Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked when the group purchase leveraged collective numbers for efficiency , does subsequent financing remain consistent with prior practices Chief Ellington responded yes stating guidance has been provided regarding loan terms suitable for the Fire Protection Service District to accommodate these costs Commissioner Godwin noted they are currently under review by Finance Officer and Deputy County Manager Chad McLamb Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis asked about the timeline for the tankers Chief Ellington stated at this stage , the Finance Department has not solicited any financing quotes nor entered into contractual agreements He stated the estimated turnaround time for the tankers is approximately 700 to 750 days , or about 24 months , which is shorter than the timeframe for engines Commissioner Davis commented that in the context of fire truck procurement , this is considered swift Chief Ellington stated to address cost - sharing , the committee reached a consensus that because these tankers primarily serve rural districts rather than benefiting town departments significantly , the recommendation is to waive cost - sharing with the municipalities of Micro , Princeton , and Four Oaks Chairman Harris stated the committee has demonstrated exceptional diligence in evaluating actions based on the best interests of the community He stated the focus has consistently been on identifying strategies to optimize taxpayer funds through group purchasing and cost reduction while ensuring necessary equipment is available for emergency responses Chairman Harris stated after thorough review and discussion , he fullyPage0325 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued supports this approach Chairman Harris thanked everyone present today for their exemplary service to the citizens of Johnston County Upon a motion by Commissioner Michelle Pace Davis , seconded by Commissioner April Stephens and carried by unanimous vote , the Board agreed to approve the request to procure the six tankers apparatus from 4 Guys Fire Trucks as submitted in their bid and further approve the funding structure as outlined by Chief Ellington 8 Willow Health Alliance Behavioral Health Urgent Care Presentation Alliance Health Chief Operating Officer Sean Schreiber explained that they serve the Local Managed Care Entity overseeing services for individuals with significant behavioral health challenges , intellectual disabilities , and substance use disorders He stated they will provide an update on a proposal developed in collaboration with the County and he extended his appreciation to Health Director Dr Marilyn Pearson and Assistant Health Director Steve Strickland for their contributions to this effort He noted the focus has been on establishing a behavioral health urgent care center , which would serve as a diversion point for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis and seeking timely intervention without requiring hospital admission He stated Alliance Health has researched various models to enhance access to care in the community , aiming for solutions that are both innovative and cost - effective compared to traditional approaches He stated Alliance Health believes they have identified a promising hybrid model Mr Schreiber introduced Lauren Morrell , Founder and CEO of Willow Health stating Willow Health offers virtual behavioral health urgent care services and currently operates in both urban and rural areas of New York He stated over the past six months , Alliance Health has engaged with their team to learn more about their program He turned the presentation over to Ms Morrell to provide an overview of how Willow Health proposes to implement this unique service within Johnston County Ms Morrell stated she is honored to work and speak with Johnston County and the Alliance Health team She noted at Willow Health , they address the gap between outpatient mental health care and emergency room intervention , serving individuals that need urgent , intensive support but are not suited for standard outpatient care or the Emergency Department She stated Willow Health offers prompt access to comprehensive assessments for behavioral health crises , both virtually and in - person , connecting patients with therapists and psychiatrists to triage needs efficiently She stated they provide ongoing stabilization beyond urgent care , including personalized intensive outpatient support with 24 7 wraparound care Page1326 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued Ms Morrell shared an example of a patient named Olivia who received immediate help through their program instead of going to the Emergency Room ER , allowing her to stay in school and commit to long - term care She stated Willow Health has 24 7 support preventing multiple ER visits and improving outcomes She stated Willow Health personalizes treatment , offering medication management , individual and group therapy based on evidence , and peer coaching by those with lived experience She stated Willow Health's 24 7 support ensures crisis help at any time Page2327 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued Ms Morrell continued that Willow Health has managed over 15,000 patient appointments with outstanding results She stated virtual appointments have minimal wait times and 75 complete the program compared to 50 in standard intensive care , and within up to 12 weeks , over 80 improve from severe to mild moderate symptoms She stated there is also a 90 reduction in ER returns noting that nationally , one in four patients return within 90 days , while with Willow Health it is just 2 Ms Morrell stated Willow Health has strong patient satisfaction scores because they offer timely support when it is needed most She stated Willow Health takes pride in meeting high quality standards , including joint commission accreditation Ms Morrell stated the work in Johnston County focuses on three phases ; launching behavioral health urgent care , increasing awareness over the next year , and ongoing delivery She stated Willow Health is preparing to start caring for patients in June , initially through virtual - only care , with plans for a physical site for those needing in - person support or lacking internet access She stated the approach includes ongoing care and stabilization beyond the first appointment , and are already in network with several insurance plans , allowing County funds to benefit uninsured or underinsured patients Page3328 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued Ms Morrell stated Willow Health is expanding awareness and partnerships , aiming to reach every patient in crisis , about 5,000 ER visits for behavioral health annually , and over 20,000 experiencing crisis events in Johnston County She stated the goal is to provide accessible , cost - free care to those who need it most She stated Willow Health is working to increase awareness of behavioral health services throughout the County , including hospitals , 988 crisis lines , EMTs , and in the community with efforts aimed to prevent emergency visits and ensure patients feel comfortable seeking care before crises escalate She stated Willow Health plans to launch virtual patient services in June , following site completion and accreditation , with in - person support beginning around 120 days later She noted that currently , Willow Health serves adults 18 and older but intends to expand to adolescent services by December due to strong community demand for pediatric behavioral health support Page4329 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued Ms Morrell stated transparency is important to Willow Health , so they regularly report on key metrics such as access improvement and referral sources She stated to ensure ongoing referrals and engagement , it is important to keep everyone informed about their services She noted Willow Health also tracks patient engagement by monitoring care completion rates and clinical outcomes , evaluating both patient experience and improvement She offered to answer questions from the Board Commissioner Bill Stovall noted that a 75 completion rate exceeds the 50 typical of conventional programs and asked what drives the higher success Ms Morrell stated Willow Health attributes their success to two main factors She stated they personalize programs for each patient and offer flexible care options She noted that while standard intensive programs require 9 - 10 hours of group therapy weekly , not everyone wants or can commit to that She stated Willow Health has seen positive outcomes by providing one - on - one care three times a week , allowing patientsPage5330 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued to maintain work or school schedules She stated virtual sessions also reduce travel time and support extended care Commissioner Stovall noted that , according to State data , 89 of the population experiences some sort of behavioral urgent care need annually which is an eye - opening statistic Commissioner Ted G Godwin asked where Olivia would be served after June instead of the emergency room Ms Morrell explained that Olivia would call 988 and be connected by phone , then receive care through video She stated once the physical site opens later this year , in - person visits will be possible , but for now , Willow Health coordinates with the emergency room if escalation is needed ; however , most support is through video Commissioner Stovall observed that telemedicine has traditionally centered on physical health , but virtual mental health care became vital during the pandemic He asked what are the disadvantages to having a virtual type of mental health care where there may not be a developed human interaction with a therapist Commissioner Stovall also asked if there is any difference in outcomes between adults and adolescents who participate in the virtual care scenario Ms Morrell stated prior to 2020 , the belief across the field was that intensive support could not be achieved virtually ; however , during the Covid 19 Pandemic there was no choice and fortunately they learned that the clinical outcomes can be the same with virtual care She noted it is not ideal for everyone , so Willow Health also works within the broader health system for those needing face - to - face interaction She stated overall , virtual care delivers comparable results and can reach more people Ms Morrell stated Willow Health currently works with adults 18 and older so she does not have that specific information for their population ; however , she looks forward to researching that data as they build their program At the inquiry of Commissioner Stovall , Mr Schreiber stated there is a child mobile outreach program called Moors , which currently provides telephonic and live support to families in crisis He stated the team can assess youths in need and work with their families for up to 12 weeks until stability is achieved or they are connected with long - term care providers He stated this service is available locally Commissioner Mike Rose stated that regarding video platforms , everyone recognizes the frustration many face with downloading apps and remembering passwords He asked if there is an alternative to provide an in - person option for those that cannot take advantage of the virtual care Ms Morrell explained that to simplify access , Willow Health uses a secure system that sends a direct link through text and email with no downloads or logins required She stated if someone is uncomfortable with technology , staff can transition them to in - person assistance as needed She noted that one of Willow Health's main objectives is to be connected with all community resources so referrals can go both ways She stated for example , if someone visits the ER but does not actually need urgent medical care , Willow Health can quickly transition them into their support services She stated conversely , if someone starts with Willow Health and needs higher - level care , they can direct them to the ER She stated the ideal approach is that there should never be a " wrong door " and anyone should be able to access help wherever they first seek it during a crisis She stated Willow Health will not discourage people from going where they feel comfortable and instead , they guide people to the appropriate next set of services She stated if their program is not the right fit for a person's needs , assessment and triage , along with partnerships in the community , help ensure people get proper care Commissioner Stovall stated the pandemic also revealed that there is lack of connectivity necessary within the general population to be truly effective He stated for instance , distance learning was used as a solution to keep schools open , but it does not work without reliable internet access He stated this same issue applies to virtual healthcare and he asked whether there are alternative options for those without internet connectivity Ms Morrell stated to address connectivity challenges , Willow Health offers a physical site where care can still be delivered without limitations Chairman Patrick E Harris stated that in recognizing a mental health crisis often leads to inefficient responses , a collaboration began about three years ago to develop solutions , including the idea of behavioral health urgent care He stated the aim was to create a centrally located facility near the hospital for urgentPage6331 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued behavioral health needs He noted Willow Health was later considered as a flexible option for those unable to reach a central location , offering help wherever people are Chairman Harris stated the plan is to launch with a brick - and - mortar site staffed in person , while also providing virtual visits through Willow Health He stated the plan is to eventually offer providers onsite , similar to urgent care , and the virtual care would be an additional option He stated virtual visits are common in mental health , especially after a patient connects with a psychiatrist or therapist and these ongoing appointments can be handled easily online Chairman Harris stated this step moves the County toward the goals and brings help quickly to those in need He noted it is a valuable addition to the effort , but he still believes maintaining a traditional , brick - and - mortar urgent care location is important Chairman Harris stated a blended approach works best He recognized Health Director Dr Marilyn Pearson for any comments she may want to add Dr Pearson stated staff has recognized this need for many years and she appreciates the County putting funding into something that allows citizens to begin receiving some type of service She stated this solution may be temporary but it is necessary and will allow for services to begin Commissioner Godwin asked what is needed from the County at this time Mr Schreiber inquired what is the Countys definition of success as to what it would like to see a year from now Commissioner Godwin replied that he would like to see mental health patients receiving services without having to go to the ER Chairman Harris stated success to him means supporting mental health patients without relying on emergency rooms and preventing situations from escalating to law enforcement involvement He stated mental health is a national issue , and people just need access to care like any other medical condition He stated the County needs to offer opportunities for treatment , which this initiative supports Chairman Harris continued that this initiative represents a behavioral health urgent care service , as indicated by its name and the implementation of this program allows the County to respond swiftly and provide immediate assistance to individuals in need He stated ideally , the County will observe a reduction in hospital emergency room visits , EMS calls , and interactions with law enforcement , including incarceration rates He stated these issues remain significant concerns across the State and as a member of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Sub - Steering Committee , he has seen firsthand how incarceration related to behavioral health is a major topic of discussion Chairman Harris stated this development marks a substantial and long overdue step forward and he thanked Ms Morrell and Mr Schreiber for their time , participation , and informative presentations He asked the County Attorney for guidance on the next steps Ms Slusser reported there are plans for site visits and further engagement , along with some logistical details regarding the identified physical space that require resolution She stated funding has already been allocated through the budget to support uninsured and underinsured services , so at this point , a consensus or approval from the Board to proceed would be beneficial She advised that any necessary formal documents , such as Memorandums of Understanding or lease agreements , will be submitted for review by the Board as appropriate Ms Slusser stated staff's aim today is to present an overview of progress thus far , facilitate site visits and in - person meetings with the Willow Health team in collaboration with Alliance , and subsequently provide additional updates once plans are fully developed She stated one of Johnston County's primary responsibilities in this process is to ensure widespread public awareness of the available services She stated with the support of Alliance and the Health Department , as well as the County's Public Information Office , staff will coordinate efforts to inform the community She stated staff is encouraged by the progress made , particularly as this initiative was identified as the top priority in the assessment of behavioral health services for Johnston County Ms Slusser stated it is gratifying to move towards providing comprehensive services for adults and expanding adolescent offerings in one location under a single provider , which will greatly benefit citizens of Johnston County Commissioner Rose asked about outreach by Willow Health and how they handle marketing to raise awareness about available resources Ms Morrell stated Willow Health aims to connect patients in crisis by partnering with hospitals , EMS , outpatient groups , and being on hand at community event opportunities for even greater visibility Page7332 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued Mr Schreiber stated Alliance Health follows a similar approach , emphasizing that ongoing promotion is necessary even after centers open He stated the plan is to collaborate continuously to ensure information remains accessible Chairman Harris stated the responsibility of spreading awareness is shared among County agencies , Alliance Health , the Health Department , and law enforcement He stated it will require a group effort to keep these resources front and center for the public He stated the County values this partnership and looks forward to continued progress It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with discussions with Willow Health 9 Delinquent Tax Collection Report Tax Administrator and Deputy County Manager Jocelyn Andrews reported on the collection of delinquent taxes for the month of March 2026 , as follows Enforced Collections March 2026 YTD 25 26 Wage Garnishments 133 379 Bank Attachments 365 548 Levies 0 0 Foreclosures Complaints Filed March 2026 0 Pending 0 Dollars Collected March 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 March 31 , 2026 As of March 31 , 2025 214,142,23198 Levy 171,389,63995 Levy 211,271,96801 Payments 169,725,53495 Payments 2,870,26397 Balance 1,664,10500 Balance 9866 percent Collected 9903 percent Collected - 037 percent RMV - NCVTS Collections March 2026 March 2025 1,940,62722 2,303,85226 YTD 25 26 - 16,084,40774 YTD 24 25 - 17,443,47521 Ms Andrews stated at the end of March , the County levy for the 2025 tax year was collected at a rate of 9866 and based on mid - month figures , the Tax Office has now exceeded the 99 collection rate , indicating continued progress She stated typically , this time of year presents greater challenges in collections , but the team remains diligent and committed to achieving their goals She noted that the Board of Equalization & Review has held two meetings thus far and plans two more as they consider appeals for 2026 tax values She stated the appeal window , which was open for over four and a half months , has now closed , and staff is working to finalize the numbers for 2026 At the inquiry of Commissioner Ted G Godwin , Ms Andrews reported that the Board of Equalization & Review is fully staffed , comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds that contribute significantly to the collective success Commissioner Godwin asked about the in - house foreclosure process Ms Andrews stated staff is actively looking into this process She stated most recently she reviewed the relevant policy and met with the Legal Department to discuss potential policy adjustments and revisions moving forward Page8333 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued 10 Manager Reports and Comments County Manager Rick Hester updated the Board on the bond ratings stating last week , staff received bond ratings for several upcoming sales scheduled for May He stated the rating agencies affirmed the County's AAA bond rating for the general obligation bonds from the 2022 - 2024 referendums He stated the County also has non - voter approved financings , such as those for the Detention Center and Public Safety Center projects , which were rated AA + Mr Hester stated these typically receive a lower rating than general obligation bonds because the latter are backed by the Countys pledged taxing authority , while projects like the Clayton High School are secured by the property itself He stated the County's AA + rating was reaffirmed for the non - voter approved financing of Clayton High School , which is positive news overall Mr Hester stated he is pleased about the AAA rating and looks forward to seeing how rates develop when the bonds are sold later this month He noted that international events may affect rates , but the County always opts for fixed rates , which has proven beneficial over the past 25 years of public project borrowing He congratulated the Board on the ratings and thanked everyone that participated in the sessions with the rating agencies Mr Hester continued that at the last Board meeting he informed the Board that the proposed budget will th be presented at the May 18 regular meeting Mr Hester stated it is his statutory responsibility to submit a balanced budget to the Commissioners , after which the Board can make decisions regarding tax rates or any th modifications by June 30 Mr Hester stated the proposed budget he will present will maintain the current tax rate of 52 cents He noted that this year , with assistance from the Public Information Office team , there will be a short video to discuss the proposed budget , making information more accessible to the public He stated by next th Monday afternoon , the Board should have the proposed budget , a week before the May 18 regular Board meeting 11 Board Reports and Comments Commissioner Mike Rose noted the Board will receive an update from staff on the Unified Development Ordinance process at tonight's meeting He stated the public is encouraged to attend or watch the livestream ; however , he wanted to reassure everyone that there will be no votes on the UDO tonight He stated tonight is solely to receive an update on the progress Commissioner Ted G Godwin reported that on Friday evening , he attended the Selma Founders Day event at the Selma Civic Center , which was well attended He stated the program highlighted the towns history , with local students portraying some of the founders He stated notable attendees included Mr Noble , Mr Massey , and several others whose names are reflected in the street names within Selma Commissioner Godwin stated the event also featured historical photographs from Main Street dating back to 1925 He stated the presentation was informative and engaging Commissioner Godwin continued that citizens may have seen recent news regarding proposed State legislation that would shift certain governing powers , such as decisions about budgets and tax rates , from local communities to the State level Commissioner Godwin stated he believes it is important for citizens to understand that these decisions are best made locally He requested the Tax Administrator to share a summary of the pending bills she prepared with the entire Board , so everyone is kept informed of current legislative developments Chairman Patrick E Harris provided an update on Vice Chairman RS " Butch " Lawter , Jr and noted he is currently in the hospital but doing well this morning after treatment for AFib Chairman Harris stated Vice Chairman Lawter expects to be discharged later today and he asked everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers 12 Closed Session - NCGS 14331811 a 3 - Attorney - Client Privilege Upon a motion by Commissioner Ted G Godwin , seconded by Commissioner Mike Rose , 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 No action was taken by the Board Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn closed session and resume regular session Commissioner Mike Rose seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote Page9334 May 4 , 2026 - 10 00 am Continued There being no further business , Commissioner Ted G Godwin moved the Board adjourn Commissioner Mike Rose seconded the motion , which carried by unanimous vote The meeting adjourned at 11 39 am Patrick E Harris , Chairman Dana G Cuddington , Clerk to the BoardPage