BY MILES LAYTON
EDENTON — The Chowan County Board of Commissioners will hold a pair of meetings Monday, August 4, including a closed session at 4:30 p.m. and its regularly scheduled public meeting at 6 p.m. Both will take place at the Chowan County Public Safety Center located at 305 West Freemason Street in Edenton.
During the special meeting, which will be closed to the public, commissioners are expected to discuss attorney-client matters involving two lawsuits.
One of the lawsuits on the agenda is a civil case regarding the future of everyone’s favorite statue that was filed by Rev. Dr. John Shannon, Sherrone Battle, Stella Brothers, Debra Miller, and Rod Phillips against the Town of Edenton, Edenton Town Council, Chowan County, and its Board of Commissioners. Our readers know there’s been a few developments regarding the Confederate Memorial.
The opioid litigation settlement will also be part of the closed session discussion.
When the regular meeting begins at 6 p.m., commissioners will move into a busy agenda that touches on everything from regional hazard planning and opioid funds to EMS support and financial housekeeping.
Highlight: Youth Delegate Recognition
A special presentation will be made to recognize Jadin Welch, who has been selected as Chowan County’s 2025 “Youth Voice” delegate to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Annual Conference. Elizabeth Mitchell, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, will introduce Welch, and commissioners plan to take a group photo to mark the occasion.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
The board will consider adopting an updated Albemarle Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan to maintain eligibility for federal disaster assistance. Although the plan technically expired in June, FEMA is allowing communities to proceed with adoption under expedited conditions to remain compliant.
Sentara EMS Support Agreement
With Sentara Albemarle Medical Center set to move operations to its new facility on August 8, Chowan County is expected to vote on an agreement allowing its EMS personnel to assist with patient transfers. Neighboring counties are also involved in the regional effort, and the agreed rate is $250 per transport.
Water Line Relocation
The Town of Edenton is requesting landowner consent from the county to relocate a water line across property at 100 West Freemason Circle, which is owned by Chowan County. Commissioners will review the consent agreement and are expected to vote on whether to allow the application to move forward.
Opioid Settlement Agreements
Commissioners will consider approving several opioid-related settlements, including those involving Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family, and nine other defendants. The settlements, once finalized, will allow the county to receive funds designated for combating the opioid crisis over several years. The board will authorize the county manager and attorney to execute all necessary documents.
Other Agenda Items
- Surplus Property: The board will vote on declaring a 2011 Chevy EMS vehicle and outdated computer equipment as surplus and approve disposal methods.
- Tax Refunds: Refunds for overpayments will be issued to three residents totaling $741.52.
- Meal Reimbursement Rate: The county is expected to approve aligning its employee meal reimbursement rates with the updated state rates.
- Coastal Fisheries Coalition: Chowan County is being asked to appoint a representative to the new North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition. The first meeting is scheduled for August 5 in Morehead City.
- Advisory Committee Change: Commissioners will vote on accepting the resignation of Tonya Edwards from the Joint Community Advisory Committee due to changes in her work schedule. The county continues to advertise vacancies on this board.
- Budget Amendments: Finance Officer Cathy Smith will present end-of-year budget cleanup amendments for FY 2024–25 and adjustments for the current fiscal year.
The meeting will close with external board reports from commissioners and a reminder that the next board meeting on August 18 will take place at the Northern Chowan Community Center in Tyner.