BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON — The Chowan County Board of Commissioners convened Monday evening at the Chowan County Public Safety Building to address a variety of issues ranging from progress reports from local services and the Fiscal Year 2025-26 proposed budget.

The Commissioners approved a contract gifting the state of the old county jail and jail keeper’s house, pending the county attorney’s approval. For information, visit a companion story by clicking here.

Proposed budget

The board will meet May 12 and May 14 to review and revise the proposed budget for 2025-26 fiscal year.

The proposed budget amounted to $24,690,125 and includes:

• $7,549,183 (34% of the budget) for public safety (sheriff’s office, EMS, jail, animal shelter)
• $6,825,207 (31% of the budget) for public education (ECPS, COA, library)
• $4,057,066 (18% of the budget) government (elections, tax, administration)
• $3,145,127 (14% of the budget) human services (rec, health and mental health, ag, senior citizens)
• $508,289 (3% of the budget) other services (planning, forestry)

The budget does not include a raise in taxes. County Manager Kevin Howard said the figure does not include estimated revenue from the Timbermill project, as he wasn’t sure how to calculate those number at the time the budget was prepared.

Tri-County Animal Shelter

Dana DeMasters, director of the Tri-County Animal Shelter, shared the shelter’s recent accomplishments and challenges. Thanks to donations and strategic budgeting, the shelter completed several upgrades including a new metal garage, fresh exterior paint, sealed sidewalks, and a pavilion. New cat cages are also on the way, replacing outdated infrastructure.

The shelter’s partnership with Petco helped expand adoption visibility, while social media and website enhancements have improved community outreach. One of the most notable initiatives is a new on-site pet food pantry, supported by Eastern Pet Supply, which aims to improve access for families in need in Chowan and neighboring counties.

Despite their progress, the shelter faces ongoing staffing issues due to pay disparities with surrounding counties, forcing more reliance on volunteers and limiting operational hours.

DeMasters also noted the shelter did well during a state inspection held in January. Despite the unexpected timing, the facility passed with flying colors.

“We are doing everything we can, but we need your continued support to keep moving forward,” DeMasters said.

Animal Control also gave its report for 2024 in written form. It picked up a total of 244 animals — 97 in Edenton and 147 in the county.

Rec Department Changes

Commissioners approved changes in the Edenton-Chowan Recreation Department organizational structure. With the recent departure of co-director Shannon Ray, County Manager Kevin Howard proposed the elimination of her position and the creation of an assistant director. The operations director’s salary will increase $519.70 to $55,039.40 per year. The new, to-be-filled position will pay $46,000 a year.

The change will not impact the Chowan County Senior Center, Howard said. However, he did note that some changes to the senior center operations will be reflected in the 2025-26 budget.

Approved resolutions

The Commissioners approved two proclamations submitted by the Albemarle Commission Area Agency on Aging. The proclamation for Older Americans Month 2025 was approved with one objection, by Larry McLaughlin, who has objected to the proclamation every year that he has been a commissioner.

The board also approved a proclamation recognizing June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The Area Agency on Aging will host the 10th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 5 in Elizabeth City, starting at the Pasquotank County Courthouse, 206 E. Main St..

Registration must by made by May 9 and can be done by contacting Ashley Lamb at 252-404-7090.