Tag Archive for: #granvillecountyboardofcommissioners

Dr. Tony Cozart Receives Order Of The Long Leaf Pine

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– information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Granville County Commissioner Dr. Tony Cozart was recognized for his decades of service to his county Monday, Oct. 7 when he was presented with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

Rep. Frank Sossamon provided remarks about Cozart’s career as an educator, minister and public servant during the presentation, held during the regular monthly meeting of the Granville commissioners.

According to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood, Cozart was first elected to the Granville County Board of Commissioners in 1989 and has now served nine consecutive terms representing District 4, with his most recent term beginning in December 2020. Cozart received this distinction not just for his service on the Granville County Board of Commissioners, but also his years of service as an educator, a principal, executive director of Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, Pastor of Cooks Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Franklin Vance Warren Opportunity board of directors, Masonic Home for Children board of directors, commissioner of Central Children’s Home church basketball league, moderator of the United Shiloh Missionary Baptist Association, and many other achievements that have served this county and North Carolina.

“Being a county commissioner is one thing that has never grown old for me,” said Cozart. “Growing up, I learned hard work in the tobacco fields and working as a bag boy at 7-11. To my fellow members of the board of commissioners, you are like family to me, and I am grateful to all of you. I had wonderful parents; and God gave me a wonderful wife, wonderful children, and grandchildren that have stolen my heart. I love this county and have enjoyed all these years of service.”

Granville Adopts $87 M Budget

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners approved an $87 million budget earlier this month that calls for a 63-cent tax rate per $100 valuation.

The lone dissenter in the budget adoption vote was Commissioner Russ May.

The tax rate dropped 21 cents from 84 cents after the county’s most recent revaluation.

The Fire Protection Service District tax rate of 6 cents per $100 valuation will remain the same and is estimated to generate more than $3.39 million in revenue.

Highlights of the budget include:

  • an increase in close to $5 million in expenditures over the 2023-24 budget, mostly in the areas of public safety, education (Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College) and to support long-term capital needs across the county
  • funding merit pay will cost about $809,000 and rewards employees up to 4 percent, which County Manager Drew Cummings said in is “critical to improve retention rates and continuously encourage high performance standards…”
  • the more than $8 billion tax base will generate more than $54 million in revenue, assuming a better than 98 percent collection rate
  • no money will be taken from the county’s fund balance

The full budget document is available to view on the Granville County website: https://www.granvillecounty.org/

Granville Commissioners To Hold Public Hearing On Budget May 20

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners received a budget proposal – more than $87.2 million – from County Manager Drew Cummings earlier this month.

The new property tax rate is 63 cents per $100 property value, which is 10 cents over the revenue-neutral rate, but 20 cents lower than the previous tax rate.

Commissioners will have a public hearing before its meeting on Monday, May 20 to hear from residents about the contents and particular line items contained in the 338-page budget document.

The full budget document is available on the Granville County website at: https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/finance-department/comprehensive-annual-financial-reports-budget-documents/

A copy of the proposed budget also is available for public inspection in the Office of the Clerk to the Board and at the Richard H. Thornton Library and other library branches.

A few highlights included in the county manager’s summary:

  • Proposed budget doesn’t take any funds from fund balance
  • Includes a third year of funding from the newly formed Fire Protection & Rescue Service Tax District and maintains a tax rate of .06 per $100
  • The $8,689,224,747 tax base is projected to generate $54,309,641, assuming a 98.99 percent collection rate.

The commissioners’ meeting and the public hearing will take place in the auditorium of the Granville Convention and Expo Center, 4185 US Highway 15 South in Oxford.

Granville Youth Leadership Council Gives Teens A Voice In Decision-Making

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Youth Leadership Council provides high school students a voice in local government’s decision-making processes while promoting civic engagement and responsibility.

The Council is a platform that empowers young minds to actively participate in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to community development, according to a press statement from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood. Members are representatives of youth civic engagement, and also can bring about change by bringing new ideas and opportunities to the community.

The purpose of the council is to make sure youth in the community have a voice, but more importantly, that  their voices are heard, recognized and valued. Through participation in the council, the youth will gain leadership skills  through their service on selected county boards, outreach, initiatives and youth-led projects.

This year’s new members to the council are:

  • Ana Black, District 4;
  • Josef Black, District 4;
  • Claire Glavin, District 7;
  • Jacquelin  Jose, District 4;
  • Kaylee Overby, District 5;
  • Dylan Roseman, District 5;
  • Nathanael Royster, District 7

 

The new class joins the following members already serving on the council:

  • Jermaine Puryear, Jr., Chair, Board Liaison, District 3 
  • Elaina Eley, Vice Chair, Board Liaison, District 6
  • Amber Necessary, Secretary, Board Liaison, District 6 
  • Jaden Easow, Treasurer, Board Liaison, District 6 
  • Iesha Landis, Social Events Chair, Board Liaison, District 6 
  • Cassie Peele, Media and Public Relations Chair, Board Liaison, District 2 
  • Vashti Pearson, Social Media/Content Creator, Board Liaison, District 5 
  • Asia Abdul-Haqq, Board Liaison, District 5 
  • Joydan Johnson, Board Liaison, District 6 

The council had a strategic planning session retreat in November and worked to plan future initiatives, including launching a Teen Clothing Closet, sponsoring a Teen Night and developing a mental health proposal for teens.

Learn more about the Council and their activities, visit https://granvilleylc.weebly.com/.

Granville Committees, Advisory Board Openings

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners is looking to fill a number of vacancies on various citizen advisory boards and committees.

Most positions will be filled by citizens who reside in the district listed, but final appointment decisions are at the discretion of the board of commissioners. Additionally, some positions must be filled by residents that reside within the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction of a municipality, which is roughly a one-mile radius outside of the municipal limits. These appointees serve as county representatives on those municipal advisory boards.

The application is available here: www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Boards-and-Commissions-Application.pdf

Return completed to Debra Weary, clerk to the Board of Commissioners, by email at debra.weary@granvillecounty.org, or deliver in person to the county administration office at 104 Belle St., Oxford. Applications may be mailed to P.O. Box 906  Oxford, NC 27565 to the attention of Debra Weary.

To verify your district, please visit the N.C. State Board of Elections website: https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/

Look for the district number beside “County Commissioner” under “your jurisdictions.” If you need additional information, contact the Granville County Addressing and GIS Mapping coordinator at 919.692.1278.

Detailed information about each committee can be found on the Granville County website:  https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/other-boards-commissions/.

Vacant seats are available for the following boards and committees:

  • Adult Home Care Community Advisory Committee (two at-Large seats). New members must complete a 36-hour training course completed in three phases.
  • Butner Board of Adjustment (ETJ Alternate, should reside in District 7). The Butner Board of Adjustment meets monthly on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
  • Butner Planning Board (ETJ, should reside in District 7). The Butner Planning Board meets monthly on Thursdays at 7 p.m.
  • Granville County Planning Board (District 7). The Planning Board meets monthly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. • Human Relations Commission (Districts 6 and 7). The Human Relations Commission meets monthly on Mondays at 7 p.m.
  • Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (District 7). The Juvenile Crime Prevention Council meets monthly on Fridays at 10 a.m.
  • Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (At-Large). New members must complete a 36-hour training course completed in three phases.
  • Oxford Planning Board (ETJ – two seats). The Oxford Planning Board meets monthly on Mondays at 5:30 p.m.
  • Social Services (one appointed by Granville County and one appointed by the NC Social Services Commission). The Board of Social Services meets monthly on Tuesdays at 5 p.m.

Granville Poll Workers Get Pay Boost

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-Courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

Poll workers in Granville County will receive a pay increase beginning with the 2023 municipal elections on Nov. 7. The Granville County Board of Commissioners approved a recommendation from the Granville County Board of Elections to increase the pay rate by about 25 percent, bringing pay to $11.50/hour for poll workers and $13/hour for poll workers in charge, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

The commissioners also approved overtime pay for Poll Workers who staff the One-Stop Early Voting locations in Granville County.

“Poll workers are critical to ensuring that Election Day and One-Stop early voting runs smoothly in Granville County,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Russ May. “We listened to the feedback from the Board of Elections and their staff and understand the challenges they face in recruiting poll workers each election cycle. Hopefully, this pay increase for poll workers will help ease the burden and show our appreciation for the valuable service these individuals provide.”

Board of Elections Chair James A. Wall, Sr. thanked commissioners for their consideration in this matter. “In my view, the (board’s) decision to increase the pay for poll workers is a recognition of their dedication and hard work and an acknowledgement that poll workers are essential to the Granville County Board of Elections mission,” Wall said.

The 2023 municipal election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. For more information about becoming a poll  worker, contact the Board of Elections at 919.693.2515.

Learn more about upcoming elections in Granville County at  https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/board-of-elections/.

 

 

New Granville Company Makes Game-Changer Construction Materials That Saves Trees

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— Information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

A facility in Granville County that had been used to make cigarettes has new life making highly advanced building materials out of fast-growing perennial grass. That’s right: Grass.

Plantd Materials officially opened its new headquarters and production facility last week in the Knotts Grove Road building last occupied by Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

City and county leaders, as well as the local Chamber of Commerce were on hand Friday, May 6, to officially welcome the new business.

Plantd is an advanced production technologies company that manufactures carbon-negative building materials using natural materials, like its proprietary perennial grass.

“In Granville County, we see an unparalleled opportunity to reshape the construction industry, build a credible climate change solution, and bridge this rural region into the 21st-century economy,” said Josh Dorfman, co-founder and CEO of Plantd. “Integrating into the economic and social fabric of this area is the foundation we will build upon to drive positive impact at the local, national, and global levels.”

“We couldn’t be happier that Plantd has decided to literally Grow with Granville,” said Granville County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair Tim Karan. “A company like Plantd is such a great fit for Granville, melding our agricultural roots with a new forward-thinking production process for building materials is the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. We are thrilled that Plantd has decided to invest in Oxford and Granville County so soon after Santa Fe closed their doors.”

“When the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco decided to close its Oxford facility in 2022, Granville lost one of its anchor economic development engines,” said Granville County Economic Development Director Harry Mills. “Santa Fe was so important to Granville in providing contracts and employment for many local farmers and workers.  Plantd will provide a new opportunity for local farmers who will grow Plantd’s proprietary perennial grass, and this company will create many jobs to boost the local economy as they continue to grow. They have already made a concerted effort to hire local workers and we look forward to helping them in any way we can for years to come.”

Learn more at https://www.plantdmaterials.com.

Granville Plans May 15 Public Hearing To Review Proposed 2023-24 Budget

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The Granville County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing on May 15 to discuss the proposed 2023-24 budget.

County Manager Drew Cummings presented his first budget during the commissioners’ May 1 meeting, which calls for an extra $1 million to Granville County Public Schools, cost of living adjustments for county employees, all with no increase in the county tax rate.

A vote on the final budget draft is planned for June 5, according to information from Granville Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

Highlights of the recommended budget for the upcoming fiscal year include:

  • No increase to the current Granville County tax rate (property tax rate remains $0.84 per $100 valuation and Fire Tax District remains $0.06 per $100 valuation).
  • Major market adjustments (up to 8%) and paid meal breaks (equivalent to a 4.35% increase) for public safety employee salaries. Maintain current merit pay program (up to 4%).
  • Up to 4% cost of living adjustments for all other county employees and maintain current merit pay program (up to 4 percent).
  • Lowering employee health insurance premiums and enhancing retirement benefits.
  • Funding increase to Granville County Public Schools current expense of nearly $1 million. An increase of 4.7 percent on a per-pupil basis.
  • Continues significant recent increases to EMS funding.
  • Maintains strong support of Vance-Granville Community College funding.
  • A net increase of seven full-time positions and four new part-time positions in Administration, Finance, Tax Administration, Board of Elections, Senior Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Social Services (Social Services positions are all partially funded by the State of NC).
  • Increased funding to Kerr Area Transportation Authority.
  • Fleet management transition to leased vehicles.

To view the County Manager’s Budget presentation, visit the Granville County YouTube page: https://youtu.be/VWcL5Rn9yD0

A PowerPoint presentation of budget highlights can be viewed on the Granville County website at this link  (https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Drew-Rec-Budget-Powerpoint-5-1-23- FINAL.pdf) and the full recommended budget document can be found here

(https://www.granvillecounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FY23-24-Recommended Budget_compressed.pdf)

Those wishing to examine a hard copy of the recommended budget document can do so during business hours  at the Granville County Administration Office (104 Belle Street, Oxford) or at the Richard H. Thornton Library  (211 Main Street, Oxford).

Granville Opioid Advisory Committee Plans Community Meetings

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-information courtesy of Granville Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

The Granville County Opioid Advisory Committee will host two public meetings to educate and engage with the community on strategies to fight the opioid epidemic locally, including how best to spend the $3.8 million that the county is scheduled to receive as part of the national opioid settlement.

The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center, located at 4185 U.S. Hwy 15 South, Oxford and the second meeting is set for Thursday, May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Willow Oak Room of the Creedmoor Community Center, 116 Douglas Drive, Creedmoor.

The public will have the opportunity at both meetings to express their opinions on how the county should allocate funding to fight the opioid epidemic.  The county will get the $3.8 million over the course of the next 16 years as a result of the litigation against large manufacturers and distributors of opioids who contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis raging in the United States. The funding will  help state, county and municipal governments grow or implement proven strategies that will help prevent, treat and foster recovery from opioid addiction, according to a press release from Granville Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

In conjunction with these public meetings, the Opioid Advisory Committee has issued a short survey designed to help the committee form final funding recommendations that will be presented for approval by the Granville County Board of Commissioners. Participate in the survey by following this link: www.granvillecounty.org/opioidsurvey.

“Please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey and join us on March 8 and May 4 to help us fight the opioid epidemic here in Granville County,” said committee Chair Jimmy Gooch. “As a county government, we have an obligation to utilize these funds to help as many of our residents as possible while also being careful  stewards of the dollars we receive. Gaining a better understanding of how our community would like the county to prioritize our spending is a critical step to improving how the opioid crisis is addressed in Granville County,” Gooch explained.

The Opioid Advisory Committee was established in 2018 by the Granville County Board of Commissioners to engage in shared leadership and collective action to advance a comprehensive response to opioid and other drug use. The committee includes representatives and stakeholders from within Granville County government as well as the Granville-Vance Public Health Department, Granville Health System, Vaya Health, law enforcement, local pharmacy owners, behavioral health professionals, affected families and other concerned citizens.

For more information about the National Opioid Settlements, visit the “More Powerful NC” website:  https://www.morepowerfulnc.org/opioid-settlements/nc-memorandum-of-agreement/.

 

 

Youth Leadership Council Ensures Young People’s Voices Are Heard

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Sixteen Granville County high school students have been selected to serve on the Youth Leadership Council for 2022-23.

The council works with the Granville County Board of Commissioners and the local cooperative extension service to ensure that youth are represented as county leaders make decisions, according to Charissa Puryear, county extension director.

“The purpose of this council is to ensure that youth in the community have a voice, but most importantly, that their voices are heard, recognized and valued, “ Puryear said in a press release. The youth council members will learn leadership skills through service on selected county board, outreach activities, youth-led projects and other initiatives.

The group meets on the second Saturday of the month.

The new term began with a planning retreat and orientation in November at Camp Oak Hill, during which time they learned more about the council’s role in general and their roles as members.

They crafted a mission statement for the council, which reads: “The mission of the Granville County Youth Leadership Council is to provide representation, opportunities and direct connections for Granville County youth by support and amplifying youth voices and focusing on causes that affect our peers and us through education, resources, activities, community outreach, and partnerships.”

To learn more, contact the cooperative extension office at 919.603.1350 or email granvilleylc@gmail.com.

Following is a list of the new council members, the districts they represent and their roles on the council:

Jermaine Puryear, Jr., Chair, Board Liaison, District 3 

Elaina Eley, Vice Chair, Board Liaison, District 6 

Carissa Jackson-Rodriguez, Secretary, Board Liaison, District 3 

Jaden Easow, Treasurer, Board Liaison, District 6 

Cassie Peele, Media and Public Relations Chair, Board Liaison, District 3 

Vashti Pearson, Social Media/Content Creator, Board Liaison, District 5 

Chloe Hernandez, Social Event Chair, Board Liaison, District 1 

Asia Abdul-Haqq, Board Liaison, District 5 

Morocco Abdul-Haqq, Board Liaison, District 5 

Annie Drake, Board Liaison, District 2 

Elijah Griffin, Board Liaison, District 1 

Joydan Johnson, Board Liaison, District 6 

Iesha Landis, Board Liaison, District 6 

Amber Necessary, Board Liaison, District 6 

Cassie Peele, Board Liaison, District 3 

Brodie Winborne, Board Liaison, District 1