Highlights from the March 5 BOC Meeting

The Dare County Board of Commissioners (BOC) covered a wide range of Hatteras Island-related issues at their March 5 meeting in Manteo.

Topics which pertained to the island and / or the local community included the following.  

Coastal Storm Impacts

Chairman Woodard spoke of the high winds and flooding associated with the recent coastal storm that continues to impact Dare County, particularly Hatteras Island. He gave an update on roads that were closed due to ocean overwash. Chairman Woodard asked everyone to keep Hatteras Islanders in their thoughts and prayers and commended Emergency Medical Services and the Sheriff’s Office for continuing to provide services to residents and visitors during difficult conditions.

Hatteras Village Voter Referendum Confirmed for May 8, 2018

Commissioners approved an updated Resolution that designates May 8, 2018 as the date for the election in the Hatteras Voting Precinct to authorize the use of ad valorem taxes for multi-use pathways around Hatteras Village.  The resolution calling for the voter referendum that was previously adopted by the Board did not include the date of the election, which is required under the North Carolina General Statutes. The request for a referendum on this issue was made last year by the Hatteras Village Community Center District.

Coastal Federation Reports on the Recent Rally to Raleigh and Efforts to Oppose Offshore Drilling  

Erin Fleckenstein of The North Carolina Coastal Federation expressed appreciation to the Board for their leadership in the community’s effort to oppose offshore oil drilling. Fleckenstein provided a recap of the recent Rally to Raleigh and encouraged citizens to submit their comments by March 9, 2018 regarding the current proposal that includes opening waters along the US East Coast to oil and gas leasing and drilling.  For more information, visit www.boem.gov/National-Program-Comment/.         

Rate Filing Would Increase Homeowners’ Insurance

Willo Kelly, Government Affairs Liaison with the Outer Banks Association of Realtors and the Outer Banks Homebuilders Association, alerted Commissioners to a rate filing that, if approved, would result in a huge increase in homeowners’ insurance rates. She noted that the rate filling would have a greater impact on coastal communities than other areas of the state.

Favorable Financial Projection for County’s General Fund

Finance Director David Clawson presented a five year projection for the County’s general fund, stating that this is a best practice viewed positively by ratings agencies. The projection includes detailed information about funding sources, fund balances, and outstanding debt. If all holds as expected, the fund balance will decline from 32.8% to 31.7% at the end of the current fiscal year and modest deficits could occur in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Over the five year period, debt service (as a percentage of total expenditures) is projected to decrease from 17.11% to 11.40% and outstanding debt is scheduled to decrease from $95.6 million to $46.6 million – which are positive factors for ratings agencies.

Cooperative Extension’s Report to the People

Shannon Brooks, Extension Director for Dare County, provided an overview of the agency’s accomplishments last year. 103 volunteers provided over 7,200 hours of service – an economic value of over $174,000. Brooks reported that Extension continues to expand its programming through strong community partnerships.

Recognized for Service on the Airport Authority

As a founding member of the Dare County Airport Authority, George Henderson was recognized for the 47 years of continuous service that he has faithfully given to the people of Dare County. Because of his vast aeronautical experience, long standing commitment, and insightful leadership, general aviation in Dare County has flourished and grown in a remarkable way.

March 2018 Proclaimed American Red Cross Month

Commissioners adopted a Proclamation establishing March as American Red Cross Month in Dare County in an effort to applaud the heros in Dare County who deliver help and hope during disasters.

Next Meeting of the Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners’ next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 19  at 5:00 p.m. and will be followed by an informal Community Meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m. For more information about the Dare County Board of Commissioners, including full agenda packets and the video of entire meetings, visit darenc.com/boc.