Board approves consent agenda, appointments, budget amendments and personnel actions; meeting roundup

At its Feb. 6 meeting, the Washington County Board of Commissioners completed routine business, approving a suite of consent and personnel items and recording several unanimous votes.

Consent and recognitions: The board approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from Jan. 3, 2023; approval of budget guidelines; a revised FY23 salary schedule/pay tables that included re-grades for law enforcement officer positions; RESO 2023‑005 conveying land for a new school by special warranty deed to Washington County; and RESO 2023‑007 recognizing Black History Month. Commissioner Ann C. Keyes moved to approve the consent agenda and Commissioner Carol V. Phelps seconded; the vote was unanimous.

Appointments and hires: The Planning Board recommended Thomas Patrick to fill an unexpired term through March 21, 2024; Commissioner Phelps moved to appoint him and the motion carried unanimously. The Soil & Water Conservation Board requested a part‑time Office Assistant; County Manager Curtis Potter recommended the hire and Commissioner Phelps moved to approve the hiring of an Office Assistant, which the board approved unanimously.

Budget items: Finance Officer Missy Dixon reviewed budget transfers and amendments included in the agenda packet and the late‑added BA #2023‑095 for SS Economic Support. Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson asked whether BT #2023‑080 (moving funds from contingency to professional services) related to GASB 87 or GASB 96; Dixon said it related to both. The board voted unanimously to approve the budget transfers and amendments as presented.

Employee recognition: Chair Walker recognized Sharon Pray, a facilities housekeeper, as Washington County’s 2022 Employee of the Year; she will receive a $250 check, a certificate and have her photo placed in the County Administration Building.

Closed session and adjournment: The board moved into closed session under NCGS §143‑318.11(a)(3) (attorney‑client privilege) and §143‑318.11(a)(6) (personnel). The meeting returned to open session at 7:35 PM and adjourned.

Votes at a glance (recorded outcomes at Feb. 6 meeting): consent agenda — approved (5‑0); advertise 2022 tax liens — approved (5‑0); Plymouth Network to Freedom designation — approved (5‑0); RESO 2023‑008 (opioid matching grant support) — approved (5‑0); appointment of Thomas Patrick to Planning Board — approved (5‑0); budget transfers/amendments including BA #2023‑095 — approved (5‑0); hire Office Assistant for Soil & Water — approved (5‑0); motion to enter closed session — approved (5‑0).