EDENTON – The Chowan County Board of Commissioners will convene Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at the Public Safety Center on West Freemason Street, with a special closed session beginning at 5:30 p.m. before the regular 6 p.m. meeting.
The closed session will address attorney-client matters related to a lawsuit involving Rev. John Shannon, Sherrone Battle, Stella Brothers, Debra Miller and Rod Phillips versus the Town of Edenton, Town Council, Chowan County and Board of Commissioners, as well as contract negotiations.
The regular meeting is open to the public, with a public comment period allowing up to three minutes per speaker. The meeting will be held at the Chowan County Public Safety Center, 305 West Freemason Street, Edenton.
Key Agenda Items
Library Update
Librarian Anna Kallas will provide commissioners with an update from the Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library. Kallas, who recently introduced herself to the board at the Jan. 5 meeting, has been actively working on facility improvements, staff training, and program expansion since taking the position.
According to her January report, the library has secured several grants, including support from Lowe’s for a community garden redesign scheduled for March 3, partnerships with Ravensburger Puzzle Company and Burpee Seed Company, and approval for a worm composting education program. The library has also launched new programs including Beginning Crochet, a digital Libby program, and an audiobook walking book club.
Facilities maintenance remains a concern, with the library’s wooden outdoor sign recently removed due to safety issues after high winds caused it to come loose from rotted wood. A list of pending maintenance items includes door painting, window leaks, rusty water fountains, and various interior repairs.
Water Forgiveness Policy
County Manager Kevin Howard will present findings on precedents for issuing forgiveness on water bills following leaks and repairs. The board requested this research at a previous meeting as officials consider establishing formal guidelines for handling such requests.
2026 Retreat Planning
Commissioners are asked to suggest topics for their annual retreat and confirm availability for potential dates of February 23 or 25. The planning retreat, mentioned at the January 5 meeting, will focus on long-term county priorities.
Routine Business
The consent agenda includes approval of January 5 meeting minutes, acceptance of 2026 committee appointments from the chair, and several tax refunds for overpayments ranging from $103.21 to $250.01.
The board will also consider surplus disposal items, including Eaton Whiteline console furniture and a 2014 Ford Econoline van with 326,763 miles and a bad transmission. After two failed sales on GovDeals where bidders defaulted, staff is requesting permission to take the van to a scrap yard for disposal.
Finance Officer Cathy Smith will present two budget amendments: BA2026-035 covering discretionary income totaling $59,300.34 for December 2025, and BA2026-036 for $2,170.65 in insurance proceeds for the Sheriff’s Office.