Tag Archive for: #granvillecountygovernment

Granville Names New Economic Development Director

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-information courtesy of Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood

A seasoned professional in the area of economic development has been selected to be Granville County’s new economic development director.

Joseph Stallings is scheduled to begin his new job on Mar. 18, bringing with him 13 years’ experience in economic development in Garner, Benson and most recently as director of economic development for the North Carolina Railroad Company in Raleigh.

“I am excited and honored to have been selected as Granville County’s next Economic Development Director,” said Stallings. “Granville is an exciting place to continue my career and take the many lessons I have learned about smart and sustainable economic development on the local and statewide level. It’s an exciting opportunity to come to Granville in this moment and build off the work that has been happening here for so long.”

In nearly two years with the N.C. Railroad, Stallings facilitated statewide and local economic development efforts in partnership with the N.C. Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina as well as municipal and county governments to recruit and expand existing industries in North Carolina, according to a press statement from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

Stallings oversaw the planning and implementation for the N.C. Railroad’s Build Ready Sites program, ensuring that locations along existing railroad infrastructure were ready to welcome new or expanding industries by reducing red tape and development delays with local regulatory and permitting agencies. Stallings worked with partners across North Carolina to ensure that all areas with existing rail infrastructure were prepared to handle industry expansion.

From 2015-2022, Stallings was economic development director for the town of Garner, managing all major recruitment and expansion efforts as well as its downtown development efforts and small business development program. He also oversaw the operations of the non-profit Garner Economic Development Corporation to ensure a like-minded approach with the non-profit board, the Town of Garner, and Wake County.

Stallings developed Garner’s first economic development strategic plan and worked with local property owners to market developable land that could attract desirable employers to Garner resulting in the recruitment of the largest industrial investment in Garner’s history.

He got his start in local government in Benson and was its economic development and media coordinator from 2011-2015. While in Benson, he negotiated recruitment and retention incentive packages, led Benson’s media efforts, and implemented Benson’s Main Street North Carolina program. Stallings also ran local business development incentives programs, including the town’s façade improvement grants and revolving loan funds for local business start-ups.

“My time in rural and suburban but growing towns like Garner and Benson has prepared me for this role,” Stalling said. “I plan to work with local and regional partners to ensure that Granville County is positioned to compete as a preferred destination for top employers now and for decades to come.”

Stallings is a graduate of the Master of Public Administration program at Appalachian State University, where he also received a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in Town, City, and County Management with a minor in Regional Planning.  During his professional career, Stallings has continued to pursue professional development educational opportunities and has graduated from the Municipal and County Administration and Local Government Federal Credit Union Fellows program at the UNC School of Government. Stallings is also a graduate of the Rural Economic Development Institute at the North Carolina Rural Center in Raleigh and received certification from Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute.

Granville Residents Safely Dispose Of 31,000 Pounds Of Recyclables, Hazardous Materials During November Clean-Out Event

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The final tally is in and Granville County residents brought more than 16 tons of recyclable materials to the November 19 recycling and hazardous waste disposal event.

Teresa Baker, recycling and sustainability coordinator for Granville County and Granville County Public Schools, said that by the end of the event, more than 31,000 pounds of everything from paint to paper made its way to proper disposal at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center on Highway 15 just south of Oxford.

Here’s a breakdown from the Fall Clean-out event:

  • Veolia Environmental Services – 7,340 pounds of paint included in a total of 13,400 pounds of hazardous household waste
  • Department of Agriculture Pesticides Division – 1,110 pounds of pesticides
  • Green for Life (GFL) – 2,700 pounds of scrap metal
  • Shred Ace – 7,820 pounds of shredded paper
  • Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 154.3 pounds of medications and medical waste
  • METech Recycling – 4,334 pounds of electronics
  • Interstate Batteries – 817 pounds of various batteries
  • RMR Book Recycling – 860 pounds

In addition, residents dropped off donations for the Granville Humane Society, including 6 large bags of towels, sheets, toys, leashes and collars and 40 pounds of kibble, 16 cans of wet pet food, medical supplies and one crate.

Learn more about the county’s Environmental Services at  https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/solidwaste/.

Granville County Residents: Access FCC Map To Confirm Broadband Data

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Granville County residents can help improve broadband internet access by confirming existing information that will be used to determine federal and state grant funding to expand broadband access throughout the county.

Residents can visit broadbandmap.fcc.gov to confirm data  collected by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on its new National Broadband Map, according to information from Terry Hobgood, the county’s public information officer.

This map displays where internet services are and are not available across the country, as  reported by internet service providers. The map allows consumers to easily dispute information shown on the map which they believe was not accurately reported by the providers.

“Granville County is constantly searching for funding and partnerships that can expand broadband access in the unserved or underserved parts of our county,” said Assistant County Manager Korena Weichel. “Accurate data is the first step to improved access.

Residents can help the FCC improve the map by submitting a “challenge” to one of the following points:

  • Availability challenges: If the information about the internet services available at your home or business is incorrect, you can dispute it by clicking on the “Availability Challenge” link on the map and submit the  form.
  • Mobile challenges: If the map of mobile coverage submitted by your provider seems incorrect, you can  dispute that by taking speed tests on your mobile phone with the FCC Speed Test App, available for both  Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samknows.fcc&hl=en) and iOS (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fcc-speed-test/id794322383?mt=8).
  • Location challenges: If the information about the location point of your home or business seems to be incorrect, you can submit a “Location Challenge” to correct the information on the location by utilizing  the link on the map.

Data from these maps will be used when making award decisions for broadband infrastructure grants, Weichel said. Internet service providers also will consult these maps to determine where they may be able to access new customers and determine when and where to install new infrastructure needed to improve access.

“Even though regulatory laws in  North Carolina prohibit county and city governments from owning or operating internet infrastructure, we are committed to partnering with internet service providers that are willing to make the necessary investments that  will bridge the digital divide and expand access to broadband internet in rural Granville County,” Weichel said.

‘Operation Green Light’ Nov. 7-13 In Granville To Show Support For Military Veterans

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Support for military veterans gets the “green light” across Granville County in advance of the Veterans Day holiday. County officials announced that all county-owned buildings will be illuminated green between Nov. 7 and Nov. 13. Veterans Day is Friday, Nov. 11.

Residents and businesses also can get in on the action of Operation Green Light, by replacing an outdoor light with a green bulb as part of the national collaborative initiative of the National Association of Counties to support military veterans, which raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state and federal level to assist veterans and their families.

“Our nation’s voluntary military force members, and their families, have always made an immense sacrifice for the safety and security of our citizens,” said Veterans Services Officer Christopher Dethmers. “Similar to the sacrifices of previous generations of our armed forces, our current generation of veterans often suffer significant stress when transitioning to civilian life. We want to make sure our veterans and their families know that their service mattered, that we are grateful for their sacrifices, and that it is now our turn to make sure they are  served by their county government as well as the community.”

“By shining a green light, we let our veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported,  Dethmers said. “While this event is focused around the week of Veterans Day participants are encouraged to continue shining the light year-round.”

Granville County residents can share their participation on social media using the hashtag  “#OperationGreenLight.” Visit www.naco.org/operationgreenlight for more information and visit the Granville County Veterans Services Office website for more information about resources available locally:  https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/veterans-services.

The Granville County Veterans Services Office is located at 141 Williamsboro St. in Oxford and staff can be reached at 919.693.1484.

LFNC Fellow Begins 1-Year Fellowship With Granville County

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As one of 23 host sites across the state, Granville County has its first participant in a leadership program that is part of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government.

The program, Lead for North Carolina (LFNC), places recent college graduates in a one-year fellowship in various municipal and county governments. Keegan Rapp, a graduate of Queens University in Charlotte, began his fellowship in August.

The Belmont, NC native said he is excited to be in Granville County.
“I became a Fellow to learn more about how local government assists people in North Carolina,” Rapp said. “I will work to boost the capacity of Granville County while elevating the county and learning its story.”

LFNC serves as a bridge between North Carolina communities and smart, passionate and committed young leaders. With the launch of its fourth cohort this year, the program has placed 74 fellows in positions with municipal governments, county governments and regional councils across the state. By recruiting, training and placing these fellows, LFNC seeks to strengthen public institutions, support local communities as it cultivates a new generation of public service leaders.

“We are excited to host Keegan Rapp as our Lead for NC Fellow,” said Assistant County Manager Korena Weichel. “Keegan will assist and learn from all county departments during his time with us. Granville County government is committed to cultivating the next generation of local government leaders as prioritized by our board of commissioners in the 2021-2025 strategic plan. Hosting a Lead for NC Fellow is a great way to gain valuable assistance for county management while also providing Keegan with an in-depth training ground to begin his  public service career.”

Of the 23 fellowship placements, 10 Fellows will serve in municipalities, eight in  county offices, and six in regional councils of government. In total, fellows’ assignments will cover thirty-seven individual North Carolina counties. Fellows will work in areas including budgeting, management, opioid response, planning, housing and economic development.

Lead for North Carolina is made possible through funding from an array of partners, including the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation, AmeriCorps, The Anonymous Trust, Golden LEAF Foundation, The Jessie Ball duPont  Fund, the North Carolina League of Municipalities, State Farm, Wells Fargo and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.

Lead for North Carolina is joined by the following founding partners: the North Carolina League of Municipalities, the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, the North Carolina City/County Management Association and Lead for America.

Retired EMS Director Doug Logan Named Interim Granville Manager

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The Granville County board of commissioners have appointed Doug Logan as interim county manager to take the reins until a new manager can be hired.

Logan is a Granville County native and retired in 2020 from his role as the county’s emergency services director and fire marshal. He will take over from Michael Felts, who leaves at the end of July to take a job with the N.C. Association of County Commissioners Risk Management Pools.

According to a press statement from Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood, Logan will begin work on July 11 to begin the transition process. He will remain in the manager position until a permanent manager is appointed by the board.

“I’m honored that the board of commissioners placed their trust in me to serve as interim county manager,” Logan said in a prepared statement. “This is my home, and I spent the entirety of my professional life serving the citizens of this county. I can’t wait to get started and help ensure that our residents continue to enjoy the quality of service they have come to expect across all county departments.”

Board Chair Tony Cozart said Logan’s appointment will allow the county time to complete the search process for the next manager. “Doug has proven throughout his career that he is a steady and accomplished leader. We are confident that he is the right person to guide our staff in the coming months,” Cozart said. “We are thrilled that Doug was willing to accept this challenge and we know that he is prepared to step up and continue to serve his fellow Granville County citizens.”

Logan retired in January 2020 after a distinguished career in public service. He began his career with the county with the public school system and then went on to be an emergency medical technician (EMT) with Granville EMS and a firefighter with Granville Rural Fire Department. In July 1994, he became emergency services director and remained there until his retirement.

Following news in May that Felts was leaving, the commissioners engaged the services of Developmental Associates, Inc. to lead the recruitment process for the next county manager. “Recognizing that it would not be possible for this process to conclude before Felts’ last day of employment, the board identified Doug Logan as someone who could shepherd Granville County through this transition,” the statement read.

Since his retirement, Logan has served as an emergency management planner with On Target Preparedness, LLC.

Granville Revaluation Process Underway

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Workers with the county’s contracted vendor for conducting the mandated tax revaluation process have started their field work and residents can expect to see clearly marked vehicles and employees identifying themselves for this specific purpose.

The updated property tax values go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, and employees with Pearson’s Appraisal Service have begun verifying and updating tax listings to ensure fair and equitable tax values are applied to commercial and residential properties throughout the county, according to information from Granville County Public Information Officer Terry Hobgood.

Employees will have photo identification badges as well as vehicles marked “GRANVILLE REVALUATION.” The appraisal process involves photography of each property and verification of information in the existing Granville County tax listing. Property owners interested in providing additional information or requesting an interior inspection for a property can do so by calling Pearson’s Appraisal Services at 888.573.2776.

Revaluation is the process of reappraising all properties within the county for tax assessment purposes. The purpose of revaluation is to re-establish equity among properties that may have changed in value at different rates since the county’s last revaluation, which was completed in 2018.

Each county in the state must conduct a reappraisal of all real property – land, buildings, and other improvements to land –  at least once every eight years as mandated by North Carolina General Statutes. Granville County conducts revaluations on a six-year cycle.

For more information regarding property tax values or the revaluation and assessment process, please contact the Granville County Tax Administration Office at 919.693.4181 or visit the Granville County website:  https://www.granvillecounty.org/government/tax-department/.

Granville’s Fall “Clean-Out” Diverts 72,000 Pounds Of Materials From Landfill To Recycle, Safe Disposal

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Last month’s fall “clean-out” event in Granville County diverted more than 72,000 pounds of materials from the local landfill.

That is 36 TONS of stuff that went to recycle or otherwise safe disposal, according to Teresa Baker, recycling and sustainability coordinator for the county.

Vendors were on hand in the Granville County Expo and Convention Center parking lot on Saturday, Nov. 20 to unload vehicles that brought in everything from unused paint to propane tanks.

But not everything that was collected was destined for disposal or recycle – people also were able to drop off items for the Granville Humane Society.  Here is a breakdown of vendors and the amount of materials that were collected:

  • Veolia Environmental Services – 39,880 pounds of paint and 15,797 pounds of miscellaneous cleaning materials and other hazardous household waste
  • Department of Agriculture Pesticides Division – 439 pounds of pesticides
  • Shred Ace – 5,960 pounds of shredded paper
  • Blue Rhino – 19 propane tanks
  • Granville County Sheriff’s Office – 175 pounds of medications and medical waste
  • METech Recycling – 6,234 pounds of electronics
  • Interstate Batteries – 568 pounds of various batteries
  • Scrap Metal – 3,660 pounds
  • Granville Humane Society – 150 pounds of kibble, 40 cans of dog and cat food

Residents who participated in Granville County’s bi-annual clean out events leave knowing that these waste materials will either be recycled or properly disposed of instead of harming the local environment.

Granville County Environmental Services would like to thank all vendors, staff, volunteers, and participants who helped the event a success. The next clean-out will take place in spring 2022.

For more information about Granville County Environmental Services, visit the Granville County website: https://www.granvillecounty.org/residents/solidwaste/.

Granville County Logo

Recycle/Disposal Event Set For Nov. 20 At Granville Expo Center

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The Granville County Environmental Services department is sponsoring a fall clean out event on Nov. 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents can bring recyclable items and hazardous household items for disposal. 

The event will be held at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, located at 4185 Hwy. 15 South, Oxford.

Teresa Baker is the county’s recycling and sustainability coordinator. Items that will be collected for recycling or safe disposal include:

  • paint and paint-related materials – limit 15 paint cans per household
  • household cleaners
  • old gasoline
  • drain cleaners
  • fluorescent light tubes
  • scrap metal
  • electronics
  • batteries
  • pesticides/fungicides/herbicides
  • outdated medications, inhalers, sharps, diabetic supplies
  • ammunition
  • propane tanks
  • flares and fireworks

 

“Last year’s event was a successful one, resulting in the collection of more than 26 tons of materials for recycling and proper disposal,” Baker said. “We are looking forward to another productive collection day and invite all Granville County residents to participate.”

Baker said an on-site document shredding service also will be on site during the event and there will be a collection station for donations of pet supplies such as dog/cat food, leashes, collars, crates, pet beds, kitty litter and towels.

Assistance will be provided at each designated station for convenient unloading. For more details, please contact Baker at 919-725-1417 or at bakertd@gcs.k12.nc.us.

Hobgood To Succeed Retiring Allred As Granville Public Information Officer

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Oxford native Terry Hobgood has been named Granville County’s public information officer and grant development specialist. Hobgood will take over from Lynn Allred, who plans to retire in December.

Hobgood joined the administrative team in July as a deputy clerk after having served as city clerk and public information officer for the city of Creedmoor.

According to a statement, Hobgood will lead county communication efforts and will assist county departments to identify grant funding opportunities and reporting compliance on all active grants.

A graduate of J.F. Webb High School, Hobgood attended UNC-Wilmington and attended N.C. State University and UNC-Greensboro where he studied English Literature and Library and Information Studies.

Hobgood also is a graduate of the UNC School of Government’s Public Executive Leadership Academy as well as the Clerk Certification Institute.

He previously worked as director of the Mary Duncan Public Library and Benson Museum of Local History, and then served as communications director, town clerk and assistant to the Benson town manager.

Contact Hobgood at 919.693.5240 or terry.hobgood@granvillecounty.org.