Jones County Commissioners address broadband expansion, volunteer funding concerns at April meeting
The Jones County Board of Commissioners convened on April 7th, 2025, for their regular meeting, addressing a wide range of topics from broadband expansion to concerns about volunteer emergency services funding.
The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Public comment saw Karen Gray from the Daughters of the American Revolution announce the "2 Lights for Tomorrow" initiative on April 18th, 2025, encouraging the display of two lights to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Tamara Church, Executive Director of Coastal Coalition for Substance Awareness and Prevention, requested a proclamation for "Resilient and Thriving Communities Week" from April 27th to May 3rd, 2025.
The board recognized the Jones Senior High School Hunting Safety Team for their 3rd place finish at the district competition. A proclamation honored Miss Elizabeth Steele, the oldest living resident of Jones County at 104 years old, for her long life of service and resilience. The Resilient and Thriving Communities Week Proclamation was subsequently approved.
Updates from the Cooperative Extension Department highlighted programs such as "Locally Delicious" for preschoolers and home food preservation classes. Jacob Morgan, County Extension Director, emphasized the strong support from the Commissioners and the importance of soil sampling.
Tax Administrator Fleming Jefferies reported a 94.27% collection rate for the 2024 tax levy as of March 31st, 2025, which is higher than last year. The board approved a motion to advertise the tax year 2024 unpaid taxes that are liens on real property.
The Board of Equalization and Review was convened and then recessed until May 5th, 2025, as no citizens were scheduled to appear.
Chris Meadows provided a DSS update, acknowledging state support during recent staff vacancies and noting that key positions have been filled. Concerns and support related to Adult and Child Protective Services intake, financial stability, and the transition to E-courts were discussed. The Senior Center's activities and an upcoming community clothing drive were highlighted. Commissioner Dunn inquired about vacant positions and foster care funding. It was confirmed that DSS is not currently under any corrective action.
Samantha Propi from Carolina Senior Care of New Bern presented information about the PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program, which includes Jones County in its service area.
Adrian Smith, Chair of the Jones County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC), presented the unchanged county funding plan for fiscal year 2025-2026, requesting $92,000 with a local match of $18,400 for the Family Connections program, which was approved. Smith also announced that the Health Department was awarded the 2025 Retail Flexible Funding Model grant, which was also approved.
Emma Barnes, Executive Director of the Eastern Pregnancy Information Center (EPIC), shared information about their free services for pregnant women and families.
During discussion of the consent agenda, Commissioner Harper raised concerns about the lack of Commissioner oversight on the Veteran Advisory Board. Item 7.5 (Veteran Advisory Board Appointments) was removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion. The remaining items on the consent agenda were approved. Following this, a motion was approved to amend the bylaws to include a Commissioner on the Veteran Advisory Board, and Commissioner Harper was appointed to the board, with Commissioner Ipock-Riggs as an alternate.
Under New Business, John Benner and Ernie Pearson revisited the resolution for a loan with Jones Onslow for building in the industrial park. Concerns about the first lien were addressed, and a closed session was scheduled for further legal discussion. Chief Detention Officer Jason Jordan requested a budget amendment for inmate meals due to increased costs and inmate population, which was approved. A proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month in Jones County was approved.
Manager's comments included updates on upcoming meetings, events, and the award of a $308,000 grant to Brightspeed for broadband deployment to 79 new locations in Jones County. The County Attorney had no comments for open session.
Commissioner comments included Commissioner Ipock-Riggs reiterating strong concerns about the lack of adequate funding for volunteer rescue services. Commissioner Dunn requested further elaboration on volunteer EMS funding. Commissioner Aycock spoke about EMS funding and the importance of volunteer recruitment, noting that state regulations can hinder volunteer efforts.
The meeting concluded with a final public comment from Tamara Church, announcing an upcoming overdose reversal training. A motion was then approved to go into closed session.
Neuse News is a locally-owned small business startup in downtown Kinston. Our goal is to provide free, hyper-local news to Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties. The kind of news our grandparents read in a format fit for today's times.
We provide this by having supportive advertisers and we encourage you to click on their ads, shop with them, and eat with them. Every bit of financial support is important to help us sustain free, hyper-local news.
Please consider supporting Neuse News with as little as $5 one-time or via a monthly option. Every little bit helps us, help you.
