BY MILES LAYTON

PLYMOUTH — The Washington County Board of Commissioners tackled a robust agenda during their regular meeting Monday, July 7, approving resolutions, receiving department updates, and moving forward with planning decisions that touch nearly every corner of county life—from public libraries to emergency services to school infrastructure.

And there was a little bit of drama over a Roper couple seeking a variance for carport to cover their boat — more on that in a minute.

Key Actions Taken:

• Denied a variance for residential property in Roper
• Adopted revised library bylaws
• Authorized sale of county-owned property located at 716 Washington St. in Plymouth
• Approved budget transfers for infrastructure and operations
• Received updates on school planning, ambulance purchase, and park construction

Quasi-Judicial Hearing: Residential Variance Denied 

Board held a quasi-judicial hearing to consider a variance request for a residential property at 192 Emerald Lane in Roper. Planning and Inspections Director Allen Pittman presented the case, explaining that the property owner requested relief from lot minimum setback requirements – side yard setback at 8 feet from the property line – in order to maintain a small non-conforming structure built on the lot within the last year. 

That structure was an A-frame metal carport, an open shelter with no foundation, that was primarily used to cover a boat. Moving the carport over a couple of feet or so was not an option because of the front yard’s septic system. Pine trees bordering the carport are on the other side of the property line.  

The applicants seeking the variance were James and Helen Garris, who presented evidence and testimony for granting the variance, the same as neighboring property owner, Cindy Furlough, who wanted the Board to deny the variance at the hearing.  

Rather than regurgitate some of the eye-opening things said in this war of words between neighbors during the hearing as some mainstream media outlets might do, that’s not how we roll at the Albemarle Observer, folks are free to watch — the hearing starts around 18 minute mark — see the link.  

Long-story-short — citing the law, the Board unanimously voted to deny the variance for failure to meet the applicable legal standards.

Library Department Update

In a heartfelt and ambitious update to the Washington County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Jaclyn Respess, who was recently hired as County Librarian, outlined a bold vision for expanding the role of the public library in the lives of county residents.

Respess, who has worked in the Beaufort County School System for the past decade and is now pursuing a master’s degree in library science from East Carolina University, described her new role as both a professional calling and a personal passion. Welcome to Washington County!

“I’m really excited about this new career as a librarian and supporting the Washington County community,” she told commissioners. “So far its been open arms, smiles and I’m really enjoying it.”

Respess reported that the library’s summer programming is in full swing, with strong attendance at both children’s and adult events. Youth-focused activities have drawn families into the library, while adult literacy and education programs are gaining momentum through new partnerships with local colleges.

“We’ve had a great turnout so far,” she said. “Word is getting out, and I’m hopeful that this momentum will carry into our future programs.”

Included in the county’s consent agenda was the recent approval of updated library bylaws. Respess noted that the changes reflect the library’s evolving role and a renewed emphasis on community engagement and equitable access to services.

Looking ahead, Respess highlighted a full calendar of events and initiatives that aim to meet the diverse needs of Washington County residents.

Among the highlights:

• Book Signing on August 12: The library will host a young adult author, KA Martin of London, for a special summer event.
• Genealogy Interest Meeting on August 14: Responding to community requests, the library will explore forming a genealogy group.
• Resume Workshop with NC Works on July 28
• East Carolina Injury Prevention Program in October: This includes three workshops focusing on suicide prevention and adult wellness.

The library is also in talks with the Washington County Arts Council to potentially host art classes and creative programs.

Respess emphasized her long-term goal of transforming the library into a hub for community outreach and digital inclusion.

Thanks to a recent grant, the library is exploring the possibility of lending laptops and offering tech training classes. Plans are already in motion for digital literacy workshops in partnership with ECU, and an online form on the library’s website now allows patrons to suggest programs they’d like to see offered.

“We’ve heard from people who need help with digital skills, job applications, or even just printing documents,” she said. “The library can help bridge that gap.”

She’s also exploring the idea of reviving a Friends of the Library group, which she said had been active in the past and could once again be an important source of volunteer and fundraising support.

Among Respess’ most passionate priorities is restoring in-person storytime starting in September for preschool-aged children—a program that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want to bring the kids back into the library,” she said. 

To coordinate with local childcare providers, she’s working with Sherry Gill to determine the best days and times to schedule these sessions.

She’s also exploring options for free after-school tutoring, possibly twice a week, for students who may not be able to afford private academic support.

Throughout her remarks, Respess emphasized that libraries in rural counties like Washington must adapt to meet modern needs.

“In the future, what they are saying, is that libraries are becoming centers for community outreach — building partnerships with other people in the community,” she said

While circulation remains steady, Respass said she’s seeing more people use the library for printing documents, using computers, or simply seeking a safe and welcoming environment.

Respess stressed that she wants the library’s programming to reach everyone—kids, adults, seniors, people who may not have internet or support at home. 

Sale of Surplus Property Approved

Commissioners also unanimously approved Resolution 2025-016, authorizing the sale of county-owned real estate located at 716 Washington Street in Plymouth.

According to Potter, the structure had formerly housed administrative offices for a nonprofit healthcare provider which recently quit its lease with the County. Potter stated that due in part to acquiring additional abandoned school facilities, this specific parcel was no longer needed by the county, and staff wanted to try to auction it for a reasonably acceptable price which the Board will still have to approve before a final sale can take place. 

Potter suggested proceeds from the sale could be directed toward economic development projects or other budgeted priorities, pending a future board decision.

NACo and NCACC Voting Delegate Named

In a procedural matter, the board designated Commissioner Tracey Johnson as Washington County’s voting delegate for upcoming policy and governance meetings hosted by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Commissioner Ann Keyes as Washington County’s voting delegate for the upcoming Annual Conference of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC). An alternate delegate was also appointed.

These meetings serve as critical opportunities for local governments to advocate on state and federal policy issues affecting rural counties.

Finance Officer’s Report and Budget Transfers

Finance Officer Missy Dixon presented a financial status report that included budget amendments and transfers required to balance accounts at the close of the fiscal year.

Dixon answered questions from the Board including the status of reimbursements through the end of last fiscal year from the School System and Plymouth Police Department for various law enforcement services provided by the Sheriff.

Another notable transfer supported a cost overrun in fleet services related to ambulance maintenance.

School, Recreation, and EMS Infrastructure

Assistant County Manager Jason Squires delivered an update on the county’s long-term plans for a new middle school site. The board previously committed to studying property options and funding models to replace or renovate aging school facilities. Squires reported the Elections Department was now operating from the middle school and Beaufort Community College had requested space at that location which was being reviewed. 

In another infrastructure development, Potter briefed the board on progress at the Pea Ridge Water Main Expansion Project. 

Potter also provided an update on the purchase of two used ambulances, which the board authorized at staff’s request. 

Key Resolutions and Appointments

The board also adopted Resolution 2025-015, proclaiming July as Parks and Recreation Month in Washington County. This symbolic gesture honors the work of county staff and volunteers who maintain recreational spaces and programming throughout the area, including anticipated improvements to the Roper Middle School and Pea Ridge Park, which were discussed later in the meeting.

In a move to correct the public record, commissioners also re-approved the December 2, 2024 meeting minutes to include the full documentation of a handout from the Skinnersville Civic Center, ensuring transparency and accuracy in county archives.

Tax Office Updates and Settlement Report

As part of the regular meeting, Potter presented a Keystone System implementation update on behalf of Tax Administrator Sherri Wilkins 

The Keystone update focused on the transition to the new tax administration software system, designed to streamline property tax assessments, collections, and reporting. According to Potter the system rollout is a bit behind schedule, but staff are confident in meeting the revised go-live date of November 12. 

The board also approved refunds and releases for insolvent accounts, a standard housekeeping measure to remove uncollectible debts from the books.

The next regular Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, August 4, at the Washington County Courthouse.