FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the May 8, 2025, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Agenda Session, which was held at 1 p.m. in Room 564 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. To view the agenda and supporting materials for this meeting, go to www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.
The Board extended their heartfelt condolences to Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones following the recent loss of a loved one, offering their thoughts and support.
The Board also recognized May 4 - 10, 2025, as County Clerks Week, honoring the vital role county clerks play in the effective operation of local government. Special thanks were given to Clerk to the Board Andrea Tebbe and Deputy Clerk Iva Clark for their dedication, professionalism, and continued service to the residents of Cumberland County.
Commissioner Jeannette Council gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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The Board unanimously approved the AGENDA.
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The Board voted unanimously to move the following items to May 19, 2025, Regular Meeting for approval as part of the CONSENT AGENDA, unless otherwise noted.
A. Short-term Solution for Sheltering: Assistant County Manager Heather Skeens presented a short-term plan to address the immediate need for emergency shelter following the April 15, 2025, closure of the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope Emergency Shelter due to lack of funding. The shelter served up to 60 individuals and families. With its closure, Cumberland County is now limited to two emergency options: Manna Men’s Shelter (capacity 20 – 22) and the CARE Domestic Violence Shelter for women and children. To temporarily expand shelter capacity, Skeens proposed using a combination of unused White Flag funds ($92,265), County Homeless Initiative Funding ($28,000), and Community Development General Funding ($15,000). The proposed solution includes operating the Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center for two months and utilizing hotel stays for three months. The estimated total cost is $400,000, with an additional $264,735 requested from the ARP General Fund Assigned balance. This plan would provide 90-days of sheltering services. The Board unanimously approved moving the Short-Term Sheltering Solution to the May 19, 2025, Consent Agenda.
“In response to the sudden closure of the Salvation Army of the Sandhills shelter, a key emergency shelter in our community, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners is actively working to provide immediate housing solutions for our most vulnerable residents,” said Chairman Kirk deViere. “We are committed to a short-term plan that leverages existing funds to reopen shelter capacity through trusted community partners. This 90-day solution is just the beginning as we work toward an intermediate solution and eventual long-term center for stability and care for those in need. Our community thrives when we care for one another.”
B. Potential Purchase of Lillian Black Elementary School: County Manager Clarence Grier provided an update on the potential acquisition of Lillian Black Elementary School in Spring Lake. On April 28, 2025, Cumberland County Schools requested the County reconsider purchasing the property, following the Board’s previous decision in October 2024 to decline the offer. The school was appraised at $750,000 at the time. Originally closed by the Cumberland County Board of Education in 2022, the property (now valued at $1.5 million) has been identified as suitable for multi-family development. The Board voted unanimously to direct the County Manager to engage in discussions with Cumberland County Schools, in coordination with the Town of Spring Lake, to explore the potential purchase.
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There were no OTHER ITEMS of discussion.
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Commissioners received the following MONTHLY REPORTS in their agenda packet.
A. Financial Report
B. ARPA Quarterly Project and Expenditure Report as of March 31, 2025
C. Health Insurance Update
D. Wellpath, LLC Quarterly Statistical Report on Inmate Health Care
E. Grants Update
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The Board discussed the following COMMISSIONER REQUESTS:
A. Demolition of Improvements on the property located at and known as the Coliseum Inn, 2507 Gillespie Street: Commissioner Henry Tyson presented a request from Sheriff Ennis Wright. A motion to Enforce Order of the Court was filed on April 8, 2025, alleging the buildings on the property are in disrepair and not secure and that the structure constitutes a public nuisance. The Board directed the County Attorney to provide updates to the Board.
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There was no CLOSED SESSION.
The Board adjourned the meeting at 1:44 p.m.
Board of Commissioners regular meetings and agenda sessions are live streamed through the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. All documents associated with this meeting can be found on the Cumberland County website to include meeting agendas, minutes and links to the videos under the Board of Commissioners tab.
Cumberland County can be found on social media by searching @CCNCGov.