The Local Skinny! Vance County Grapples With Employee Discontent

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A recent survey of county employees conducted by the UNC School of Government has turned up several areas of discontent, which county officials are hopeful could be eased by providing targeted training opportunities and following recommendations from the surveyor.

Three focus groups totaling 23 county employees were convened during the week of May 24 of 2021, and the Human Resources Committee comprised of Commissioners Carolyn Faines, Archie B. Taylor, Jr.  and Gordon Wilder met in July with UNC School of Government representatives to receive the results.

The three focus groups were titled Department of Social Services, Cross-organizational and Department heads. The results were shared at the August commissioners’ meeting, during which time several distinct themes emerged. The full report can be found at www.vancecounty.org and as part of the August commissioners’ meeting minutes.

The survey results captured employee sentiment, which ranged from feelings of disrespect to intimidation from supervisors. But the survey also reported that employees find their jobs interesting, they enjoy serving their community and have caring co-workers.

The recommendations, designed for the entire organization and not a specific department, include investing in supervisor training that emphasizes on effective communication, the role of supervisors as stewards and as a player in conflict resolution. Another recommendation is development of a set of values that govern and guide workplace behavior – to be developed at the employee level and involving the whole organization in the process.

Among the survey results were comments that ranged from employees enduring disrespect and intimidation from supervisors to feeling expendable or having their ideas not valued or taken seriously.

During the August meeting, county staff explained that efforts already are underway to provide additional training opportunities for supervisors, but those efforts have been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The HR committee discussed the importance of group trainings and felt that on-site workshops would be especially valuable for supervisors.

As for the suggestions for the board of commissioners, the survey results showed that employees value greatly the opinion of the commissioners, and they would like to see more commissioners attend employee events to show their interest in the county’s employees; the employees work hard to bring ideas for discussion – don’t dismiss them outright.

One idea the commissioners considered, but decided against pursuing, is taking over the responsibilities of the local Social Services board. A handful of counties in the state have made this switch, but Vance County commissioners decided not to join that group.

Commissioner Faines said the DSS board had not addressed several concerns from DSS employees, but Commissioner Taylor – who also sits on the DSS board – disputed that notion. It was reflected in the minutes that Taylor said the DSS board is focused on employee morale, employee treatment and the best operation of the department.

“When issues come up, they are addressed,” the minutes read. Taylor also said that the current structure is working properly and there is not need to change it.

Chairman Dan Brummitt said he would like to hold a work session to further discuss the matter.

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Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • Prevent weeds from going to seed. Easier to control now than controlling weed seedlings in the spring.
  • We are past the preferred planting window for tall fescue.
  • Put netting over your goldfish pond before leaves start actively falling.
  • Check NC State Extension resources before planting fruit crops of any kind to find out recommended cultivars for this area.
  • Start assembling your leaf gathering equipment. Have a plan on what to do with your leaves this year.
  • Strategic limb removal from large shade trees can allow more sunlight into your yard. Take note now of key limbs, but wait until December at the earliest to do the work.
  • Monkey Grass / Liriope maintenance – February.
  • Soil samples need to be taken now to make soil amendments!
  • Don’t waste time trying to pull bermudagrass or wiregrass out of flower beds. It’s a futile effort. Call us for more effective strategies. 438-8188.

The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for September 21, 2021. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email christa@hendersonvance.org to be included.

JOB OPENINGS IN VANCE COUNTY – Week of September 21, 2021

 

Name of the Company:  Henderson Belk

Jobs Available: Immediately hiring for full and part time employees.

Method of Contact: Visit belkcareers.com for more information or text JOBS to belk4u 235-548

 

Name of the Company: Henderson Collegiate

Jobs Available:  Middle and High School Apprentice Teachers and a Middle School Teacher.

Method of Contact:   Contact NC Works Career Center, located at 857 South Beckford Drive, Suite G in Henderson or call 252-438-6129

 

Name of the Company:  Granville-Vance Public Health Department

Jobs Available: Nutritionist

Method of Contact:  For more information you can call NC Works at 252-438-6129 or apply in person at 857 South Beckford Drive, Suite G or visit the Health Department website at https://gvph.org and click Job Opportunities under the About Tab

 

Name of the Company: Vance County Government

Jobs Available: They currently have numerous open positions

Method of Contact:  For a complete listing and more information go to the county website at www.vancecounty.org and click the tab marked JOB POSTINGS

 

Name of the Company: Penn Pallett

Jobs Available: Looking for a hardworking, reliable 1st shift employee. Starting rate is $14.00 an hr with weekly production incentive pay. Must have a valid driver’s license, experience in wood industry is helpful bur not needed and forklift experience is helpful

Method of Contact:  If interested please call or email Meloney Francis at 814-512-6109 or meloney.francisco@pennpallet.com

Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

The Local Skinny: National Opioid Settlement to Have Impacts Locally

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The proposed $26 billion settlement with drugmaker Purdue Pharma for its involvement in the national opioid crisis could have a ripple effect that would help fund future opioid crisis intervention programs locally.

In 2020, it is estimated that 70 percent of drug overdoses involved opioids. Twenty-eight states in the U.S. saw at least a 30 percent increase last year, with North Carolina coming in higher at 40.5 percent.

Some state leaders have estimated that North Carolina’s share of the settlement could be as much as $750 million over a 17-year period. Counties and municipalities, including Vance County, are adding their names to the list to receive a share of that money.

The Vance County Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Agreement at their Sept. 7 meeting, and County Manager Jordan McMillen told John C. Rose today that this positions Vance County to be a recipient of this funding stream. To date, nearly 60 of the state’s 100 counties have signed the memorandum of agreement.

“The NC MOA provides us guidance as to how funds will be distributed in North Carolina, how they can be spent, as well as audit and reporting requirements, McMillen said in a statement to WIZS News Monday. “The NC MOA is important as it provides local governments with 80-85% of the funds that come into North Carolina versus a lower standard percentage within the national settlement,” he added.

Not only does the MOA govern distribution of funds, but it gives some assurance of the local governments that would participate in the settlement, McMillen noted. It’s not final yet, but if the settlement process continues smoothly, money could start flowing in the next year or so, he estimated.

If Vance County’s share were $3 million over the next 17 years, that means more than $176,000 could be available each year. The memorandum of agreement spells out how each county and municipality must account for, report and audit the funds it receives.

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Upcoming Listening Sessions Give Residents A Chance To Give Input On Redrawing District Boundaries

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Vance County residents have the opportunity to attend several public listening sessions in the next month as the county begins the business of redrawing district boundaries for commissioner and school board seats.

The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Vance County Administration building. The second meeting will take place at the Townsville Volunteer Fire Department on Monday, Oct. 11 and the third meeting will be Monday, Oct. 18 at Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department. All meetings begin at 6 p.m., according to information from Kelly Grissom, clerk to the board of commissioners.

Every 10 years, counties use updated Census data to ensure that voting districts have essentially the same number of constituents. Changes are required after every Census to ensure the “one person, one vote” standard. To do so, an ideal population is established for each district by dividing the population by the number of elected officials to be elected from those districts.

Information on the county’s website notes the population by district, based on 2020 Census data. The ideal population for each district has been calculated at 6,083. Districts 1, 2 and 7 stand to lose some constituents and districts 3,4,5 and 6 could gain some constituents as the boundaries are redrawn.

Although there is some room for flexibility, districts must still meet federal and state guidelines. The state’s guidelines are stricter, allowing for a 5 percent deviation.

For Vance County to meet that 5 percent or better threshold, lines must be drawn so that there are no more than 304 people in any one district versus another. District 7 will get the most attention as it is 13.1% over at the present time in population. No other district is more than 2.7% worse than ideal.  Since three of the four districts that surround district 7 are in pretty good shape, minor adjustments should correct all issues related to population and district lines.

District 7 is largely what could be described as north and west Henderson, extending west between the I-85 and U.S. 158 Business corridors and including areas like the Dabney community and west as well as south of Oxford Road to Old County Home Road.

As a result of the Census data, Henderson’s fall election was rescheduled for spring 2022; municipal elections in Kittrell and Middleburg are not affected.

Home and Garden Show

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On the Home and Garden Show with Vance Co. Cooperative Ext.

  • Farmers Market
  • Getting to Know Your Land
  • Before tilling up an area of your garden, take a picture of what was growing there and record it in your garden journal so you can rotate vegetables in that area next year.
  • Sow your tall fescue seed now though mid-September. Get soil seed contact and water frequently.
  • Consider planting cover crops such as crimson clover to provide nitrogen for next year’s garden.
  • Don’t put grass clippings in the compost pile.
  • Consider constructing a greenhouse or cold frame to extend your growing season.
  • When planting trees and shrubs this fall, consider choosing native plants that produce berries to help birds get through the winter.
  • Take your soil samples now to avoid the rush !!!!!!!
  • Don’t apply lime to your lawn unless indicated by soil analysis.
  • You can plant beets, sweet peas, bulb onions, mustard, lettuce, collards, arugula.
  • Visit the Memorial Garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market to see what’s blooming late in the season.

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The Local Skinny! Jobs In Vance

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The H-V Chamber of Commerce and WIZS, Your Community Voice, present Jobs in Vance for Sept. 14, 2021. The Chamber compiles the information, and it is presented here and on the radio. Contact the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce at 438-8414 or email christa@hendersonvance.org to be included.

JOB OPENINGS IN VANCE COUNTY – Week of September 14, 2021

 

Name of the Company:  Henderson Belk

Jobs Available: Is having a HIRING EVENT! September 18 from 11:00am – 3:00pm at the Henderson Store

Method of Contact:  Applicants can apply via Belkcareers.com or TEXT JOBS to belk4u to 235-548

 

Name of the Company: Carolina Sunrock

Jobs Available:  Facilities Maintenance Technician

Method of Contact:  for more information register online at ncworks.gov or go by one of the locations

 

Name of the Company:  Select Products Holdings

Jobs Available: Supervisor, Fork Truck Operator, Maintenance Mechanic, Mechanic, Delivery Truck Driver

Method of Contact: for more information register online at ncworks.gov or go by one of the locations

 

Name of the Company: Vance County

Jobs Available: Economic Development Director and Social Work Program Administrator

Method of Contact: for more information register online at ncworks.gov or go by one of the locations

 

Name of the Company: City of Henderson

Jobs Available: Leaf Season Worker

Method of Contact: for more information register online at ncworks.gov or go by one of the locations

 

Name of the Company: Henderson Collegiate

Jobs Available:  Now hiring for the following positions: Elementary Apprentice Teacher, Elementary Assistant Dean of Students, High School Apprentice Teacher, High School Math Teacher, Middle School Apprentice Teacher, Middle School Science Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Student and Family Engagement Coordinator, Technology Support Specialist, Instructional Coach, Teacher Resume Collection, Middle School Technology Teacher

Method of Contact: If you are interested in any of these positions please reach out to recruitment@hendersoncollegiate.org/careers/ or go to hendersoncollegiate.org/careers/ to apply online

 

Some of these businesses are present or past advertisers of WIZS.  Being an ad client is not a condition of being listed or broadcast.  This is not a paid ad.

 

Perry Memorial Library

The Local Skinny: Perry Memorial Library Is Open And Ready To Serve Patrons

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In many communities the library is still an important resource. Henderson’s Perry Memorial Library also continues to be an important resource in our community. Patty McAnally, the library’s director, says that it has been a challenge to help serve their patrons through the pandemic. The library is currently open from 10am to 6pm Monday through Friday. Patrons are able to browse the stacks and use the computers. While some restrictions on seating are still ongoing, the library does still have seating available at tables in the facility. The History Room is also open by appointment for those looking to work on genealogy.

McAnally also understands that many are still not comfortable coming to the library so curbside pickup is still available and books can be reserved online. For those who need help navigating the library site and are unsure of how to place a book on hold, just give the library a call and they can help with the process.

If you do choose to go to the library, masks are required and if you forget yours they will be happy to give you one. However, McAnally says a national study has determined the risk of Covid transmission from things like books is very low. The virus does not survive very well on paper. Of course there are other items and surfaces beyond books and the staff of Perry Memorial Library continue wipe down computers, keyboards, mice, chairs and all counter tops between each patron to ensure safety. McAnally said it was a big relief to learn the books were not a concern for transmission of Covid. “We are here to help people,” McAnally said. Helping the library’s patrons was made much more difficult by Covid but things are improving now that the library is open again.

For more on Perry Memorial Library visit their Facebook page and their website. There you will find out about the many upcoming events the library has to offer.

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The Local Skinny! Evictions May Be On The Rise With Moratorium Lifted

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The moratorium on evictions has been lifted, and Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame has some advice for renters and property owners.

Although there may be some allowances for renters who live in properties that receive federal funding, ordinary renters and property owners should take note that in North Carolina, property owners who are not receiving rental income may now legally pursue eviction procedures for tenants who are in arrears.

John C. Rose talked about the moratorium on Thursday’s The Local Skinny! program on WIZS at 11:45 a.m. after speaking with Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame.

The moratorium was put in place in 2020 when COVID-19 pandemic restrictions created financial hardships because employees were out of work. That moratorium has been extended a few different times.

But Brame wants residents to be aware that the moratorium has been lifted, and he encourages renters who may be out of compliance to do their best to keep up with their rent payments and to communicate with property owners if there’s a problem.

Brame’s office has two officers – one sergeant and one deputy – who specialize in dealing with eviction notices.

Now that the moratorium has been lifted, Brame said property owners once again can begin the process of serving eviction notices for renters who are behind in payments.

Tenants should try to stay current with their rent payments and to take care of the property they are occupying, he said.

In North Carolina, it is the job of the sheriff’s office to serve eviction notices and without moratoriums in place, property owners are going to be playing catch-up from the last year. But nobody likes to be the one knocking on the door with an eviction notice in hand.

Once an eviction process has started, the tenant is really at the mercy of the property owner.

Now is the time to be in front of this and make sure everything is in place. It can take anywhere between 10 days and 90 days to complete the eviction process, and it is the sheriff’s office’s job to make sure people and belongings have been cleared out once the process is complete.

But, no doubt, there are going to be some of those knocks on doors delivering news that no tenant wants to hear.

Home and Garden Show 9-8-21

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Thank you for listening to WIZS Radio.  Your Community Voice!!

Information included in today’s show audio. Click play below.

Lunchtime Garden Tips – Proper Plant Selection and Proper Planting 9/15 at noon via Zoom

Native Tribes Corn Plot Tour 9/29 – 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Getting to Know Your Land, starting 10/21

Plan for planting strawberries.

Be on the lookout for fall armyworms.

Pull microstegium before it sets seed.

Do research for fall planting of trees and shrubs.

Hosted by Paul McKenzie with special guest Johnny Coley (Granville/Person Extension Agent)

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