FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the Cumberland County Board of Agenda Session Meeting held at 1 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2025, in Room 564 the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. Agendas and supporting materials are available at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.
Commissioners Henry Tyson led the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
1. AGENDA
The Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Board unanimously approved prior meeting minutes.
3. PRESENTATIONS
A. Gray’s Creek Infrastructure Update – Stopgap Measures for Gray’s Creek and Alderman Elementary Schools
Amanda Lee, General Manager for Natural Resources, presented. The Public Utilities Department provided the following updates:
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Point of Use (POU) Systems: Pilot testing for point of use filters at Gray’s Creek Elementary is complete and filters have been purchased. The current focus is school water fountains and food preparation areas. Any future treatment scope may depend on plumbing conditions.
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Point of Entry (POE) Systems: A bid package for a small package plant is being prepared.
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Test Well Program: Field testing is underway in the Upper Cape Fear Aquifer and yields projected at 50–75 GPM. Water quality results are expected in 5–6 weeks. Bedrock well construction is not anticipated as a sandy layer was discovered. The project should be complete in October, 2025. Alderman Elementary well construction is planned for fall 2025.
B. Rhodes Pond Improvement and Renovation Project
Amanda Lee, General Manager for Natural Resources presented. The County received a $500,000 grant from the NC Office of State Budget and Management for park improvements, including expanded parking with ADA-compliant spaces, restroom renovations, and trail rehabilitation. Next steps include exploring a long-term lease with the Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) for potential park expansion and discussing adjacent property acquisition with the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT).
C. Flood Monitoring and Public Alerting Capabilities
Garry Crumpler, Interim Emergency Services Director, along with Amanda Scheck and Chini Gault, Emergency Management Coordinators, presented. The presentation reviewed the County’s flood monitoring network and alerting systems in light of recent flooding events. The overview highlighted current capabilities, areas for improvement, and the importance of continued investment in real-time data systems to support emergency response.
D. Voice Dispatch Update
Garry Crumpler, Interim Emergency Services Director, presented an update on the Voice Dispatch Project, including cost forecasts, recent actions, and progress since the last report.
E. Cumberland County Local Reentry Council
Courtney McCullum, Justice Services Director, presented. The County received $150,000 from the NC Department of Public Safety to serve as the Intermediary Agency for reentry services. Funding supports two full-time positions and client services such as transportation, training, and housing assistance.
F. Health Department Update
Dr. Jennifer Green, Public Health Director, provided updates on program implementation, including Family Child Care Rules and the Substance Use Strategic Alignment initiative.
4. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS
The Board moved the following items to the August 25, 2025, Consent Agenda unless otherwise noted.
A. 2025 Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction
Lisa Childers, Cooperative Extension Director, presented. The Agricultural Hall of Fame Committee selected Ms. Betty A. Green as the 2025 inductee.
B. Membership to Local Chamber of Commerce
Andrea Tebbe, Clerk to the Board, presented a request to join the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce. The Board requested information about joining the Greater Sandhills Chamber of Commerce (Spring Lake) be added to the August 25, 2025 agenda as an item of business.
C. Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) Funding Allocations
Heather Skeens, Assistant County Manager, presented the revised FY2025–2026 funding plan following delays in contract execution.
D. Professional Auditing Services Contract
Robin Koonce, Finance Director and CFO, presented. Cherry Bekaert, LLP was the highest-scoring proposer for the County’s FY2025–2027 auditing contract.
E. Homeless Prevention and Stabilization Voucher Program
Tye Vaught, Chief of Staff, presented a proposed $250,000 pilot program, drawn from dollars previously approved for supportive housing initiatives within the ARP Freed-Up General Fund capacity, providing short-term rental, utility, and transportation assistance.
F. Continuum of Care (CoC) Positions
Heather Skeens, Assistant County Manager, presented a request to fund three CoC staff positions using previously allocated freed-up capacity funds.
G. Lease for Communicare: This items was removed from the agenda.
Proposed lease renewal for 109 Bradford Avenue.
H. Maintenance & Repair Project Capacity Assessment
Deborah Shaw, Budget and Performance Director, presented findings from a review of FY2024–2026 projects.
I. Technology Project Capacity Assessment
Deborah Shaw, Budget and Performance Director, presented a review of in-progress technology projects.
J. Capital Improvement Project Assessment
Deborah Shaw, Budget and Performance Director, and Amanda Lee, General Manager of Natural Resources and Interim Engineering Director, presented an update on delayed CIP projects.
K. Fast Track Sewer System Extension – Godwin Subdivision
Amy Hall, Public Utilities Manager, presented the request to approve and authorize execution of the application for sewer connection to the NORCRESS system.
L. Crown Theatre and Arena Request for Qualifications/Proposals: This item was pulled from the agenda and will be moved to the September Infrastructure Committee meeting for consideration.
Clarence Grier, County Manager, requested Board input on project scope, budget, and timeline prior to issuing the RFQ/RFP.
M. County Courthouse Parking Lot – Future Use: The Board Directed the County Manager to bring more information on this item to the September Infrastructure Committee meeting for consideration.
Clarence Grier, County Manager, requested Board direction on next steps for the vacant site, with options including parking improvements, open space, or economic development.
5. OTHER ITEMS
There were no other items.
6. MONTHLY REPORTS
A. Finance Report
B. Health Insurance Update
C. ARPA Quarterly Project and Expenditure Report as of June 30, 2025
D. 2025 ARPA Annual Recovery Plan
E. Wellpath, LLC Quarterly Statistical Report on Inmate Health Care
F. Grants Update
7. CLOSED SESSION
The Board entered Closed Session to discuss:
The Board adjourned the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
The next Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting will be Monday, Aug. 25, at 6:45 p.m.
Board of Commissioners regular meetings and agenda sessions are livestreamed 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.