Craven County approves EMR contract reclassification, HCCBG reallocations, sheriff equipment purchase, and $20,000 veterans grant

The Craven County Board of Commissioners approved several budget and purchase items at their April 6 meeting.

Health Department EMR: Clayton Gaskin presented a multi‑year subscription for a new electronic medical record (EMR) system. Under GASB Statement No. 96 the county must record the three‑year subscription ($65,715) as a capital outlay SBITA; Gaskin said the amendment reclassifies the contract and requires no additional funds. Commissioners approved the budget amendment, and Gaskin said the system is set to go live on June 1.

HCCBG reallocations: Staff described a net‑zero reallocation within Home Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) funds among four line items (senior center operations, care management, in‑home aid level two and three). Two line items increased and two decreased to meet client needs; staff said the changes do not affect outside providers and the board approved the request.

Sheriff equipment: A deputy representing the sheriff asked the board to transfer forfeiture funds to purchase ruggedized laptops, chargers, and radar units for the interdiction team (the amendment cited $21,675 plus $5,000 already budgeted). Staff emphasized urgency because a vendor price increase was imminent; the board approved the transfers by roll call.

Veterans grant: Jeff Futel told the board the county was awarded a $20,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to support veteran programs. The board approved the budget amendment to appropriate the funds for training, travel, advertising, capital outlay, and office supplies. Futel said part of the funds would pay for staff accreditations and attendance at national and in‑state training.

Each of the items passed by roll‑call vote; staff will complete administrative steps to execute contracts, reclassifications, and grant paperwork.