Board approves contracts, grants and multiple budget amendments including $95,000 airport beacon grant

The Martin County Board of Commissioners approved several procurement and budget items during the Jan. 16 meeting.

Communications Director Jason Steward presented five bids for console furniture for the new 911 Center; the RFP review committee recommended Russ Bassett based on prior project experience, warranties and service even though it was not the lowest bid. Commissioner Elmo "Butch" Lilley moved to award the contract to Russ Bassett; Commissioner Ronnie Smith seconded and the board approved the award unanimously.

County Manager David Bone said the county received a $95,000 state grant for a beacon replacement project at the Martin County Airport; no local match was required. Commissioner Joe R. Ayers moved to adopt the related NCDOT grant agreement and Vice Chairman Dempsey Bond Jr. seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Finance Director Cindy Ange presented Budget Amendments #14–19. Key items include: #14, a $112,819 appropriation to Water District #2 for engineering services reimbursed by NCDOT related to the Prison Camp Road widening; #15, $100,000 fund balance appropriation for the two school property purchases; #16–17, $17,000 for CDBG administration related to AR Textiles and Weitron; #18, $3,600 restricted awards for the DARE program; and #19, $39,000 to cover a replacement vehicle after an insurance total loss. All amendments passed unanimously.