Washington County commissioners approve property sale, school expansion and airport change order; deny variance

The Washington County Board of Commissioners met July 7 in Plymouth and took a series of formal actions, including denying a zoning variance for a Roper property and approving multiple resolutions and appointments.

The Board denied a variance application from Mr. and Mrs. Garris for a carport at 192 Emerald Lane after staff reported the structure sits 28 inches from an adjoining lot line rather than the required 8-foot side-yard setback. County staff told the Board enforcement followed applicable statute and ordinance. Commissioner John C. Spruill moved to deny the variance; the motion carried with four ayes and one abstention from Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson.

The Board approved RESO 2025-016 authorizing the sale of county-owned property at 716 Washington Street in Plymouth. County Manager Curtis S. Potter said the tax value is $136,000 and that the county will solicit bids; the top bid will return to the Board for final action. Commissioner Julius Walker moved to approve the resolution; the motion carried (Commissioner Johnson was temporarily out of the room during the vote).

Commissioners also approved RESO 2025-017 authorizing the Pea Ridge expansion project. Assistant County Manager Jason Squires briefed the Board on middle school site work tied to that effort. The Board moved forward with the resolution by unanimous vote.

On a last-minute agenda addition, the Board authorized staff to execute a change order for an airport obstruction removal project that is grant-funded. Potter said the change order is separate from a previously approved airport timber sale and that the change order came in shortly before the meeting.

Appointments approved during the meeting included the appointment of Jeremey Oliver to the Washington County ABC Board, naming Mary Barnes and Bill Lucas as alternates to the Board of Adjustment, and assigning Commissioner Spruill to serve on the NC Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition. The Board also designated Commissioner Tracey A. Johnson as the county’s voting delegate for the NACo conference and Commissioner Ann C. Keyes as the voting delegate for the NCACC conference.

Finance Officer Missy Dixon presented budget transfers and amendments; the Board unanimously approved amendments #2025-123 and #2025-124.

The Board later entered closed session for attorney–client and personnel matters and adjourned after returning to open session.

Votes at a glance: the variance denial passed (4–0 with 1 abstention); RESO 2025-016 (sale of 716 Washington St.) approved; RESO 2025-017 (Pea Ridge expansion) approved; airport change order authorization approved; appointments and budget amendments approved.