Caswell County renews economic-development consultant contract despite criticism of deliverables

The Caswell County Board of Commissioners voted on June 15 to renew its consulting agreement with Ken Bowman to provide economic-development consulting services at $125 per hour up to a maximum of 400 hours and $50,000 annually.

During public comment earlier in the meeting, Dr. Cleet criticized the contractor's performance, saying Bowman had provided limited substantive updates and had not advanced infrastructure planning, grant applications or small-business support. In the subsequent discussion, some commissioners echoed that concern and suggested the funds might be better used for code enforcement or other county priorities; one commissioner raised environmental concerns about a proposed out-of-state data center and referenced a county water-use estimate of up to 7 million gallons per day.

Commissioner Smith moved to renew the contract; Commissioner England seconded. The board approved the renewal; the transcript records the result as "Motion carries. 52." The manager had earlier summarized the contract terms and noted the agreement contains an automatic month-to-month renewal provision unless the county terminates it.

Supporters of renewal said the consultant offers ideas and connections that could help the county position itself for larger projects, while critics said the board should demand measurable deliverables and better documentation of grant applications and outreach. The board did not attach additional performance metrics to the renewal at the meeting; staff said they would continue regular reporting and re-evaluate the arrangement in approximately six months unless the board directs otherwise.

The vote authorizes continuing services under the same terms; staff will incorporate any direction from the board into future agenda materials.