County to apply for grant on Edenton Fire Department’s behalf

BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

EDENTON — Two Chowan County residents spoke before the Board of Commissioners regarding the Confederate Monument during Monday’s board meeting at the Public Safety Center on West Freemason Street.

A scheduled closed session regarding a lawsuit against the Town of Edenton and the county over the statue’s planned relocation to Veterans Park, located behind the Chowan County Courthouse on Broad Street, was canceled prior to the regular meeting.

Public Comment on Confederate Monument

During the weekend, the monument was moved from South Broad Street to a secure location. The Town of Edenton and Chowan County have a Memorandum of Understanding that will transfer ownership of the edifice to the county and move it, along with all the landscaping, to the grassy area between the Chowan County Jail and Veterans Memorial along Court Street.

The meeting’s public comment period focused primarily on the relocation, with two speakers presenting opposing viewpoints.

Vicki Sherbs spoke against placing the Confederate statue beside the monument designed to honor American soldiers who served in other wars. Citing her family’s military history spanning the Revolutionary War through World War II, Sherbs argued that positioning a monument to soldiers “who fought against the United States of America” in an area commemorating those who defended the nation would be “a dubious and ill thought through plan and a genuine affront to American soldiers, black or white, and their families.”

Michael Dean, a Navy veteran and Chowan County resident, thanked the commissioners for their service and indicated support for moving forward with whatever decision the board makes regarding the monument.

Veterans Services Report Shows Community Need

Veterans Service Officer Wayne Bray presented his annual report, revealing significant demand for services in the region. Over the past year, his office served 632 veterans and surviving spouses, including 68 new veterans. The office filed 72 disability and benefit claims with the Veterans Affairs, 53 appeals, and processed various other services, including property tax exemptions and military records requests.

Bray noted that his office serves multiple counties due to the limited availability of veteran services in neighboring areas. Washington County lacks a veteran service officer entirely, while Chowan County’s officer works only eight hours weekly.

When asked about homeless veterans, Bray estimated that he knew of about 15 veterans in the county who are homeless, emphasizing that assistance is available but veterans must actively seek help.

County Manager Kevin Howard noted that Chowan County is one of the few counties in the area with an employee who serves solely as a veterans service officer. Many counties have people who work in other capacities or work only a few hours a week.

Commissioner inquiries revealed that Chowan County’s veteran vocational rehabilitation numbers lag behind some neighboring counties, which Bray attributed partly to insufficient marketing and awareness of available programs.

Personnel Policy Amendment Approved

The board approved an amendment to the county’s personnel policy, allowing Howard to authorize employee transfers between departments during the standard nine-month probationary period. Howard explained the change addresses a current need to transfer an employee within the finance office while maintaining the employee’s probationary status.

Insurance Settlement for Storm Damage

Howard presented an unexpected insurance settlement opportunity stemming from a hail storm several years ago. After a downtown bank successfully claimed slate roof damage, the county investigated similar damage to county buildings with slate roofs.

The insurance company offered $90,000 for painting the ceiling in the E.A. Swain auditorium, though Howard noted the building’s roof itself showed no damage. The board can accept the funds without necessarily using them for the specified project, though failing to complete the work would forfeit additional settlement money beyond the initial $90,000 payment.

Emergency Response Grant Application

Emergency Management Director Cord Palmer presented a $20,000 federal grant opportunity to purchase a personal watercraft for water rescue operations on behalf of the Edenton Fire Department. The grant was originally awarded to Pasquotank/Camden County Emergency Management, which declined it for undisclosed reasons, making it available to other counties in the 13-county northeastern region.

During a previous Edenton Town Council meeting, Fire Chief Billy Bass received approval to pursue the grant for water rescue equipment, specifically a jet ski-type watercraft for emergency response. The grant would cost the town approximately $1,400 for titling and related expenses.

Edenton had not completed paperwork to apply for the federal grant and was concerned they wouldn’t be able to finish it before the application deadline. Town officials asked the county to apply for the grant on its behalf, Palmer said.

If Chowan County receives the grant, it will transfer ownership to the Edenton Fire Department so the watercraft can be used to conduct rescue activities, which the department currently lacks. The equipment would provide quick access to water for emergencies during events such as the Fourth of July celebration.

While the fire department already has staff trained to use the watercraft, Bass said they hope to provide additional training. The grant also covers the cost of equipment and some training. The watercraft comes with a trailer and will be available for use by other counties in the Albemarle Sound region if needed.

Chowan County is competing against Dare County for the grant, with the county having already completed the necessary federal grant paperwork requirements.

Budget Amendments and John A. Holmes High School Update

Finance Officer Kathy Smith presented several budget amendments totaling over $174,000, including discretionary revenue, salary adjustments, and funds for the D.F. Walker Elementary School gutter system replacement.

The ongoing John A. Holmes High School construction project has expended $48.7 million through July, with grant reimbursements at $46.2 million. Smith noted that as of August, all $50 million in grant funds have been used, requiring the project to begin using loan proceeds. Total contingency funds remain at approximately $3.4 million.

Upcoming Events and Regional Health Concerns

During discussion of outside committees, Commissioner Tony Shaffer provided updates regarding ECU Health and Albemarle Regional Health Services. Both agencies are expecting regional healthcare challenges, with cuts to Medicare and Medicaid expected to impact local medical facilities, though the extent remains unclear. A $10 billion federal rural medical fund offers potential relief, but guidance on accessing these funds has not been provided.

In other matters, Howard told commissioners:

• A representative of the United States Department of Agriculture will visit the John A. Holmes High School construction site September 18.
• The county is in the midst of property revaluation with schedule of values to be presented at the next meeting for October approval.

The next regularly scheduled commissioners meeting will be held in October, with the opioid settlement funds committee meeting on Sept. 17 to finalize funding recommendations for board consideration.