BY MILES LAYTON

SWAN QUARTER — The Hyde County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday, July 7 at the Hyde County Government Center and Ocracoke Community Center, with a packed agenda that pays tribute to the movement to defeat HB442, finalizes fee increases for solid waste removal and authorizes contracts related to infrastructure and lawn maintenance. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public both in person and online.

The meeting will begin with a special proclamation celebrating the defeat of House Bill 442, a proposed law that would have banned all inshore shrimp trawling in the Pamlico Sound. County leaders credit a groundswell of local activism and political advocacy with halting the controversial measure, which had sparked widespread opposition across the commercial fishing community.

“This wasn’t just about fish; it was about Hyde County’s whole economy and many families’ livelihoods,” the proclamation reads.

The proclamation thanks citizens, industry groups, and legislators—especially Senator Bobby Hanig and Representative Keith Kidwell—for their efforts to protect the county’s maritime heritage and economic stability. The House ultimately declined to take up the amended version of the bill after strong pushback from coastal districts.

Remember back in June — Shrimpage — when the Commission unanimously approved a resolution signed by Chairman Randal Mathews opposing HB4442, citing its potential to devastate Hyde County’s commercial fishing industry and broader economy. Board is poised to formally ratify the resolution on Monday.

Monday’s meeting provides insight into how Hyde County is managing critical issues such as environmental policy, economic resilience, school infrastructure, and community engagement. From opposing burdensome state legislation to making local development decisions, commissioners will tackle both high-profile and behind-the-scenes governance.

Public Hearing on Ocracoke Sign Regulations

A public hearing will be held Monday evening to discuss proposed amendments to Chapter 36 of Hyde County’s subdivision ordinance. These changes would specifically impact the village of Ocracoke, where county officials aim to clarify and tighten regulations on commercial signage.

The proposed changes would define “commercial,” “freestanding,” and “permanent” signs, and require permits for all permanent commercial signage. New rules would also limit the size and height of signs and set minimum spacing and setback requirements. Non-government signs would be banned from water bodies, except for on-premises signs at permitted docks.

School Facility Funding Request

Hyde County Schools Superintendent Dr. Melanie Shaver will present a Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (NBPSCF) distribution request and grant agreement. The funding, supported by lottery revenues, is designed to improve critical infrastructure at local schools. The money will help cover continued renovations at the Mattamuskeet Campus, which has already received substantial investment through earlier grant cycles.

Other Business: Appointments and Contracts

Several items are listed under Items of Consideration, including:

• Reappointment of Loren Gibbs to the Board of Health. Gibbs, a registered nurse, is seeking a third and final term.
• Appointment of Michael Adams to the Hyde County Jury Commission, replacing Goldie Topping.
• A 3-year lease agreement with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction for 100-square feet of office space for $1 per year.
• Contract awards for $1.2 million to AC Schultes of Carolinas for the Hyde County Utilities Booster Station Project, along with maintenance, cleaning, and fire inspection services.
• A contract with Michael Adams for grounds, lawn maintenance, and cleaning services at the Hyde Davis Center from July 1, 2025, to June 30, will pay $4,580 annually, with monthly payments of $381. The Contractor will provide lawn equipment, while the County supplies cleaning and pest control materials. Ad hoc work under $50 does not require approval; work over $50 must be authorized.
• Authorization for the sale of surplus vehicles from the Sheriff’s Office — a totaled 2019 Dodge Ram as surplus for insurance processing purposes.
• Consideration of a permit application for the 2025 Ocracoke Fireworks display.
• Updates to the Master Fee Schedule for FY 2025–26 — All rates were approved and incorporated within the Hyde County 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance — which includes fee updates in serveral areas including the new trash/solid waste fees:
  • RESIDENTIAL: Billed annually per household/account on improved $180.00 residential structures and includes a residential availability fee for convenience site usage.
  • DOES NOT include residential curbside pickup/hauling services.
  • COMMERCIAL: Billed annually per commercial account on improved commercial structures and includes a commercial availability fee for convenience site usage.
  • DOES NOT include commercial curbside pickup/hauling services. $400.00
  • ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD COLLECTOR’S PRIVILEGE FEE $ 50.00
• Moreover, Hyde County Emergency Services’ fee schedule — All rates were approved and incorporated within the Hyde County 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance — has changed with a billing effective 07/01:
  • Fee Schedule Current 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
    • ALS non-emergent $355 to $485.67
    • ALS emergent $563 to $768.99
    • BLS non-emergent $295.4 to $404.73
    • BLS emergent $472.64 to $647.57
    • ALS 2 $812.36 to $1,113.00
    • Mileage $10 to $14.03
• Beginning the process for revising the Solid Waste Ordinance. This is the first reading of the ordinance with the intention of adopting the changes in the regular August Board of Commissioners meeting after a Solid Waste Ordinance workshop and Public Hearing.
• New job descriptions — Through the budgetary process for the FY 2025-2026 budget, funding for new positions were added. Some positions have existing job descriptions and some require new job descriptions. Below is a comprehensive list of new positions and attached please find job descriptions for those positions for which one does not yet exist:
  • County Manager Admin Assistant
  • Planning and Economic Development Director
  • Deputy Tax Assessor
  • Tax Collector

Budget and Tax Report

Tax Administrator Donnie Shumate will present the June 2025 collections report, which includes updates on property tax payments and collection efforts.