EDENTON – The Chowan County Board of Commissioners will hold its organizational meeting on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, with the election of a new chairman and vice chairman topping the agenda.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Chowan County Public Safety Center, 305 West Freemason Street. A public comment period will allow residents to address the board, with speakers limited to three minutes each.
In accordance with state law, the board must select its leadership at the first regular meeting in December of each odd-numbered year. Board Clerk Susanne Stallings will moderate the organizational portion of the meeting as commissioners choose a chairman and vice chairman for the coming year.
Meeting Schedule and Holiday Considerations
Commissioners will also approve the proposed 2026 meeting schedule, which includes some notable adjustments. Most meetings will be held on the first and third Mondays at 6 p.m., though several exceptions are planned:
- January 20 meeting falls on a Tuesday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
- July will feature only one meeting on the 13th, with the regular first and third meetings cancelled
- One August meeting will be held at the Northern Chowan Community Center in Tyner
- September 8 is scheduled for Tuesday due to Labor Day
The board will also discuss whether to cancel its December 15, 2025 meeting, which has historically been cancelled for the holidays if no pressing business requires attention.
Employee Recognition and Board Appointments
While formal recognition will take place at a December luncheon, the board will acknowledge employees marking significant service milestones. Six employees are retiring, including staff from Administration, Inspections and Planning, DSS, the Sheriff’s Office, and Water departments. Others will be recognized for service ranging from 5 to 25 years.
Commissioners will consider several appointments, including the reappointment of Joseph Goodwin and JC Forehand to the Voluntary Agricultural District Board. The board will also review and approve the 2026 membership roster for the Local Emergency Planning Committee, a joint effort with Perquimans County that includes representatives from law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, healthcare, and other specialties.
Commissioners will review their current committee and external board assignments ahead of new appointments scheduled for the January 2026 meeting. Commissioners serve on numerous boards such as the Tourism Development Authority, Albemarle Commission, Health Department Board, and various county advisory committees.
Financial Matters
Finance Officer Cathy Smith will present six budget amendments totaling over $375,000 for various projects and grants, including:
- A change order for the JAHHS (John A. Holmes High School) replacement project involving window film and generator work
- A $20,000 Homeland Security grant for Emergency Management
- EMS building roof repairs using insurance proceeds
- Senior Center general purpose funding from the Albemarle Commission
- Discretionary income allocations across multiple departments
- Scrap tire and white goods tax distributions for Solid Waste
Smith will also present the October 2025 financial report.
In other business, the board will receive the annual report from Land Records Director Chris Elsbree and hear updates from commissioners on the activities of external boards to which they’ve been appointed. County Manager Kevin Howard will provide his regular report, and the board will consider routine consent agenda items including tax refunds and releases.
4 responses to “Chowan County Commissioners to Elect Leadership, Set 2026 Schedule at December Meeting”
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