Greene County Commissioners celebrate achievements and plan ahead
Photo: Submitted with content.
The Greene County Board of Commissioners met on Monday, April 7, at 10:00 a.m. in the commissioners’ chambers inside the Greene County Operations Center.
Board of Equalization and Review: A Brief Recess
After approving the agenda and consent agenda, Chairman Bennie Heath recessed the commissioners’ meeting to convene the Board of Equalization and Review.
County Tax Administrator Stephanie Wiggins administered the oath and reported, “As of today, there have been no formal requests to appeal real property to the board.” Wiggins recommended recessing the Board of Equalization and Review until Monday, April 21 at 6 p.m., which the board approved. Heath then resumed the commissioners’ meeting.
Greene County Recreation Director Mike Anderson Announces Departure for Perfect Game
Recreation Director Mike Anderson Announces Departure
Greene County Recreation Director Mike Anderson, who recently announced on social media that he will join Perfect Game—a national youth baseball and softball organization—offered heartfelt thanks during his final board appearance. “I just wanted to tell the board members thank you for the opportunity, for allowing me to do what I truly love,” he said. Addressing rumors, Anderson added, “I also want to put to rest some rumors—I’m leaving the county, not because of the county. I love this county. I’ve had some issues going on for a year and a half. My problem was I cared too much.”
He continued, “I couldn’t separate the job without taking it home. Something wrong with the parents, something wrong with a child, I stayed up all night until I could figure out a way to fix it. I’m not Superman.”
Anderson also praised County Manager Kyle DeHaven: “Kyle’s in charge of every department in this county. His job is to separate the needs from the wants. The recreation department hasn’t always gotten everything we wanted, but we’ve always gotten everything that we needed Kyle, I thank you for the support you’ve given me.” He concluded, “Thank each and every one of y’all for giving me this opportunity.”
Commissioners Proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
In a move to prioritize children's healthy development and well-being, Greene County Social Services Director Amanda Smith presented a proclamation declaring April 2025 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month," which was subsequently approved. Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Smith stated, "Childhood trauma, including child abuse and neglect, is a serious problem for our state."
To raise awareness, Smith announced several upcoming events: a Color Run/Walk this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Greene County Wellness Center, and a poignant prayer/blessing ceremony on April 30th inside the hallway of the Health and Human Services building to honor the children of North Carolina lost to abuse and neglect.
Interlocal Agreement Maury Sanitary Land District - Transition Plan
Rich Moore from McDavid and Associates, Inc., presented an update on a $3 million Community Development Block Grant awarded to the county to overhaul the Maury wastewater treatment plant.
Moore stressed that the plant, handling a large volume of sewage daily, needs major updates to stay reliable. He thanked Commissioner Ray Johnson for smoothing negotiations with the Maury board, saying, “A lot of those individuals have been there from when that system was birthed. I have the utmost respect for what they have done.” Moore added that the deal “allows the transition to allow their current employees to, you know, reach the tenure of where they feel comfortable to retire,” ensuring Maury’s workers end their careers on solid ground.
Moore then laid out a four-year plan where Greene County would take over Maury's water and sewer systems. "What we have got, that has been approved by Maury sanitary land district, is an agreement that allows the county to manage the $3 million grant project... which is going to be a four-year process," he explained. For those four years, Maury keeps running things day-to-day while the county uses the grant to improve the plant. By April 7, 2029, everything-pipes, equipment, customers, even cash-shifts to the county.
Moore then highlighted a perk: The county gains 25,000 gallons per day of reserved capacity. “The county gets access to the capacity they currently have,” he noted.
“It’s a win-win,” Moore declared, framing it as a practical move that delivers a debt-free, upgraded facility to the county. “This agreement allows a nice new facility to be handed over to the county for long-term operation, ownership, and maintenance.” Moore urged approval: “We can get it fully executed and get it back to the state to meet our conditions that are required for our grant.” The commissioners agreed. The board approved the plan, setting the county on course to assume full control by 2029.
Appointments Made to Support Senior Services
Appointments were made following recommendations from the Aging Planning Committee. Linda Sewell was named the Senior Tar Heel Legislator, with David Jones as the alternate.
Arthur Jones, Judy Lee, and Chris Miller were appointed to the Senior Center Advisory Committee.
Line Worker Appreciation Day Proclaimed
The commissioners also proclaimed April 18, 2025, as Line Worker Appreciation Day.
Chairman Heath noted, “This was submitted to us by Duke Energy, but it’s for all linemen. Greene County thanks these skilled and heroic line workers who brave hurricanes, ice storms, snow storms, floods, and other natural disasters to maintain our energy grid.”
Commissioners Highlight Local Achievements
Chairman Heath recognized local successes: “Our bus drivers swept the podium at the Bus Rodeo in Lenoir County” Leslie Perkins, Raymond Lee, and Roger Monroe took first, second, and third places. “Being a bus driver is a very important task. I mean, they’re challenged to keep up the safety on the highway with our kids that are riding the buses, and they do a great job. It’s a huge responsibility.”
Heath then recognized the Greene Central High School Concert Band for earning a Superior rating—the highest possible score—at the North Carolina Bandmasters Association Music Performance Adjudication. Directed by Mr. Andrew Howell, the band achieved this distinction for the first time in the school’s history since 1987.
Before wrapping up his comments, Heath also acknowledged the FFA Junior Poultry Evaluation Team for placing first in the southeast region and 15th in the state. “We’re mighty proud of our folks,” he said.
Commissioner Burress added with a smile, “Did you forget to congratulate Commissioner Taylor on his 25-year anniversary at the racquet club?” Heath replied, “Congratulations to Commissioner Taylor on his successes out there. He’s put Greene County on the map.”
Commissioner Taylor then shared, “We recently held a reopening celebration at the Racquet Club—it was a very nice event. This coming Saturday, we’ll host our 25th anniversary celebration with food, socializing, and lmore. Everyone in the county is welcome to attend—members and non-members alike. Just come out, enjoy some good company, have a bite to eat, and a drink with us.”
Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Land Sale
After coming out of closed session, the board scheduled a public hearing for Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the commissioners’ chamber to receive public comments on the proposed sale of approximately 46 acres at 1 Capital Drive in the Interstate 587 Business Park.
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