Tag Archive for: #warrencountygovernment

Warren County Homeowners Can Apply For Help With Home Rehab, Emergency Repairs

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Warren County homeowners can apply for funding to help with needed home improvements through Aug. 20.

The application period, which opened Monday, allows low- and moderate-income residents to get assistance with home rehab projects and emergency repairs with Community Development Blcok Grant money through the N.C. Rural Economic Development Division. The funding does not require a local match and will be available in the fall of 2024.

The applications will be evaluated and scored to determine eligibility. Applicants must own and live in their home and be able to document that they are not delinquent on any property taxes to date and hold a clear title to the property.

“Applying for CDBG housing repair funds has been a goal of this department as a part of our transition from economic development to community and economic development,” stated Community & Economic Director Charla Duncan. “We are excited to now be in a position to have staff lead these efforts and begin addressing housing needs in our community.”

This program is designed to address housing needs that include severe structural deficiencies or severe water and/or sewer needs. Minor structural cosmetic improvements will not be considered. To be considered for this program, manufactured housing must have been converted into real property before applying. For questions about manufactured housing as real property, residents should contact the Tax Administrator’s office.

Two informational and technical assistance sessions will be held during the application period: Thursday Aug. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Warren County Memorial Library and Monday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Warren County Senior Center.

For more information applying or the CDBG program and the application process, contact Rose Ponton, Community Development Division Manager with the Warren County Community & Economic Development Office, by email at roseponton@warrencountync.gov or by calling 252.257.3115.

Warren County Funding Cycle For Non-Profits Open Through Aug. 30

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Warren County has opened the application process for its FY 2025 non-profit grant funding cycle. The budget allocates $50,000 for this program. The grant program will accept applications until Friday, Aug. 30.  Interested organizations are encouraged to apply.

Warren County adopted its current funding for local non-profit agencies policy in 2014. Funded services through this program must be equally available to all residents.

For more information, contact the Warren County Manager’s Office at 252.257.3115 or visit https://www.warrencountync.com/.

 

NCDOT

Perry Town Rd. Bridge Remains Closed Until NC DOT Replaces, Widens

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-information courtesy of Crystal Smith, Senior Assistant to Warren County Manager

 

The bridge on Perry Town Road was shut down in November 2023 after the N.C. Dept. of Transportation declared it unsafe for traffic.

Since then, NC DOT has developed a plan to replace and widen the bridge, known as Bridge 126, according to information from Warren County leaders.

However, in order to begin construction, Warren County Public Utilities will need to relocate a portion of the 8-inch water main line that runs parallel to the bridge.

Warren County advertised for bids to complete the project, which closed on Jan. 18, 2024. If the county receives sufficient bids, the awarded contractor can begin relocating the water line after Feb. 19, 2024. At this time, NC DOT has not stated how long this water line relocation and the bridge replacement will have the road closed.

Warren Planning, Code Enforcement Makes Plan To Accommodate Walk-Ins, Appointments

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The Warren County Planning and Code Enforcement Department has announced a revision of its hours of operation, designed to provide customers with timely service. The department is open Monday – Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Walk-ins are welcome between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., but 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. is reserved for appointments only.

To learn more, contact Shantiel Wright, senior administrative assistant, at 252.257.1305.  The planning and code enforcement office is located at 542 W. Ridgeway St., Warrenton.

 

Warren County Looks To Fill Community Development Division Manager Position

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Warren County is hiring a Community Development Division Manager to provide support across the county in various areas, from housing development projects and workforce development to food security and poverty reduction.

The application is available at the county’s Human Resources website: https://www.warrencountync.com/166/Human-Resources. The position closes on Sept. 13, according to information from Charla Duncan, Warren County Community & Economic Development director.

This is a newly created position, Duncan stated, designed to support various initiatives in the county, including housing, broadband, transportation, recreation, workforce development, and early child development.

“This role will be characterized by a high-degree of initiative and dedication to preserving and producing affordable housing and an ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including local, state, and federal agencies, as well as lenders, private foundations, non-profits, and the business community,” Duncan stated, adding that one role will be to develop and implement a strategic plan to address the unmet housing needs within the county.

The job follows the normal hours of operation for Warren County government – Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., but there will be occasions to work outside those office hours to attend workshops, meetings and special events. It’s mostly an on-site office job with the possibility for some remote work in accordance with county policy.

Read more details below:

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

  • Work with the colleagues to research and develop land use policies to encourage housing in areas with access to infrastructure and services, as well as address workforce and workforce housing demand
  • Ensure educational and financial assistance programs to homeowners are promoted and fully utilized by residents
  • Develop programs with innovative approaches to affordable and workforce housing
  • Develop homeowner assistance programs
  • Facilitate educational and informational workshops to educate renter and first-time homebuyers on rental assistance program as well as home purchase procedures, finance, and maintenance
  • Manage and oversee programs funding by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and oversees the administration and contract compliance of community development programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
  • Maintains up-to-date knowledge of housing and community development activities in the county and across the state, as well as nationwide best practices
  • Develop and recommend policies and programs related to community development programs for the county to consider; prepares reports and delivers presentations to committees and county commissioners
  • Develop and distribute information through a variety of media outlets
  • Facilitate community engagement efforts for program areas
  • Conduct research, compile and analyze data as needed for all departments (related to economic & community development)
  • Write and administer grants related to community development initiatives
  • Analyze and interpret state and federal policy
  • Assist with transportation projects
  • Assist in marketing the county in residential and workforce recruitment efforts
  • Assist in overseeing performance measurement for the Community and Economic Development Office
  • Develop surveys and research tools as needed pertaining to community development
  • Assist in strategic planning and implementation
  • Assist in departmental community and economic development projects as needed
  • Assist with community and economic development budget tracking as needed
  • Serve on county committees as needed
  • Other duties as needed (we’re all on the same team)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the local community and region is preferred; ability to research and understand economic and community development concepts and practices; ability to research and understand local, state, and federal laws related to community and economic development; ability to research and understand concepts and laws related to land use and planning and zoning; must be a team player willing to take on tasks aligned with the strategic vision of Warren County and the Community and Economic Development Office; punctual and reliable; effective communicator with both public speaking skills and written skills; can work independently with minimal direction; values rural communities and is community-oriented with great inter-personal skills; eager to serve the greater public, including a diversity of backgrounds and lifestyles; pragmatic and logical, but also excited by innovation and thinking outside of the box.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Preference is for a candidate to have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public administration, community development, planning, or social sciences, and have at least four years of work experience related to this role. There is a desire for an advanced degree in any of those areas, but it is not required. There is a desire for a candidate that has previously worked in local government. Experience related to developing and implementing affordable housing and community development programs is desired. Open to considering other combinations of education and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is light working requiring minimal physical movement. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, and atmospheric conditions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of North Carolina; considerable knowledge of word processing and the Microsoft Office Suite; considerable knowledge of social media platforms. Knowledge of GIS is helpful, but not mandatory.

3 Warren Leaders Complete Rural Center’s “Homegrown” Program

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Three Warren County leaders – Demetrius Hunter, Crystal Smith, and Rose Ponton – all recently graduated from the N.C. Rural Center’s Homegrown Leaders program. This three-day regional leadership and economic development program develops and supports highly motivated local leaders committed to regional collaboration.

“This experience has really underscored the importance of authentic storytelling and engaged listening in addressing community challenges,” said Ponton, who is Warren County’s Community and Economic Developer – and also a Warrenton resident. “It was so valuable to meet other regional leaders and learn how we are all addressing similar issues.”

Smith, director of Warren County Cooperative Extension, stated, “I highly recommend Homegrown Leaders. The content is relevant to creating a thriving community.”

From his perspective as a local entrepreneur, Hunter said today’s leaders need to understand equity and inclusion. He is the owner of the Soul City Event Center. As well as Peanut and Zelb’s Produce that recently opened in Norlina.

“Leaders need to act on policy change and not be afraid,” Hunter stated. “Equity is not an invested dollar; it is a debt owed to my ancestors. Therefore, I am the recipient.”

The training, held in Pittsboro from April 18-20, attracted existing and emerging leaders from a 13-county region that includes the four counties in the WIZS listening area – Vance, Granville, Warren and Franklin – as well as Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person and Wake.

“Our Homegrown Leaders curriculum showcases the critical importance of innovation in leadership development and regional collaboration,” said Rural Center Senior Director of Leadership and Engagement Bronwyn Lucas. “It is vital to lift up our rural leaders and the critical work they do to enhance their communities. We are thrilled these talented graduates will now be joining the Rural Center’s leadership alumni network of more than 1,400 rural leaders across the state.”

Graduation certificates were presented to the program’s 33 participants upon completion of the training.

“Leadership development is at the core of the Rural Center’s work, and now more than ever it is important that our leaders are equipped with the skills and tools to foster growth and innovation,” said Rural Center President Patrick Woodie. “We’re excited to see the impact our Homegrown Leaders graduates will have in their communities and regions to create a thriving future for generations of residents.”

Class participants included economic development and health professionals, educators, and civic and nonprofit leaders.

To learn more, visit https://www.ncruralcenter.org/leadership/.

The Rural Center was established in 1987 and serves the state’s 78 rural counties with a special focus on people with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. To learn more about how the NC Rural Center is developing and supporting rural leaders across the state, visit ncruralcenter.org.

Warren Emergency Mgmt. Gets $383,500 To Renovate Gym That Will Serve As Emergency Shelter

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— Information courtesy of Warren County Manager’s Office

Warren County Emergency Management will get more than $380,000 in state grant money to help renovate a gymnasium that will serve as the county’s central emergency shelter.

Warren County was one of 24 sites to get funding from the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s Capacity Building Competitive Grants program for emergency management agencies. The county will receive $383,500 toward improvements at the John Graham Gym, which will become the county’s central emergency shelter.

The funds from this grant will assist in the gym’s renovation to provide shelter during emergency events, such as hurricanes, ice storms, and any disasters where citizens are displaced.

“I would like to thank the NCDPS for providing these funds,” County Manager Vincent Jones said in a press release to WIZS News. “I’d also like to commend Chief (Joel) Bartholomew and our Emergency Manager, Capt. Chris Tucker, for their diligence in identifying a need and pursuing a solution that will allow us to increase our ability to recover from disasters we may face.”

Jones said the funds will provide an emergency shelter that has all the required amenities to properly provide temporary shelter to Warren County residents in a time of need.

“This project will be a game-changer for our citizens that may become displaced during a disaster. This shelter project will be one of only a few in North Carolina,” said Tucker, who also thanked Karen Solomon, emergency services senior administrative assistant, for her work on  the project.

The John Graham gym is located at113 Wilcox Street, Warrenton, NC, 27589. For more information about this grant, contact christucker@warrencountync.gov

Warren County Seeks Community Emergency Response Team Volunteers

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— Information courtesy of Warren County Manager’s Office

Disasters can be enormous or small, affecting entire cities or significant areas that straddle state lines. After a natural disaster or catastrophic event, first responders, utility workers, and emergency service workers are inundated with emergencies and recovery efforts.

But having an active Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program allows residents to be more self-sufficient which, in turn, lets emergency personnel attend to the recovery efforts promptly.

Warren County is looking for volunteers to be certified in the CERT program to learn how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters that may affect their community. The program provides a consistent approach to disaster preparedness training and organization that first responders can rely on during a disaster. CERT members receive training in the following areas to help them care for themselves, their families and their communities:

  • Disaster Planning
  • Damage Assessment
  • EOC assistance
  • Team Organization
  • Disaster Psychology
  • Disaster Simulation

Volunteers must be 18 or older, agree to comply with Warren County Emergency Management ethics policies, complete a 21-hour CERT training series and obtain the FEMA online training certificates, take an American Heart Association CPR class, and complete 16 volunteer hours annually in emergency management, training and outreach and community involvement programs and sign a Code of Conduct certificate.

Any class participant and certified CERT member who is unable or unwilling to meet or maintain the Public Safety CERT program requirements, including the background check criteria, will be removed from the program and lose their CERT membership.

If you are interested in joining Warren County CERT Program, please call or contact Lewis Mustian 804.512-3045  lmustian@verizon.net or contact Chris Tucker  252. 257.1191  christucker@warrencountync.gov.

Warren County Gets National Award For Budget Presentation

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Warren County has received the distinguished budget presentation award for its FY 2021 budget from the Government Finance Officers Association.

According to information from the Chicago-based organization, the achievement reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Warren County officials met nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as:

  • a policy document
  • a financial plan
  • an operations guide
  • a communications device

Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

“This GFOA Budget Book award is a significant accomplishment for the county,” stat County Manager Vincent Jones. “It is a priority I identified when my tenure with the county began.”

“The Board of Commissioners has focused on making sure the county is well-run, accountable, and transparent,” continued Jones. “Developing a budget book to capture our annual spending plan could not have been accomplished without a dedicated Warren County staff and leadership team. I hope our residents will take note and are proud of this accomplishment as well.”

More than 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent budget award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

Warren County’s FY 22 budget is available online at https://www.warrencountync.com/161/Finance.

Warren Plans Sessions For Residents To Comment, Learn More About Comprehensive Development Plan

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Warren County’s comprehensive development plan team is conducting two public engagement sessions that will be held over the course of the next month.

The first public engagement session will be held on Monday, Feb. 28 at the Warren County Armory, 501 US Highway 158 Business East in Warrenton. The session will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The second public session will be held Saturday, Mar. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Drewry Fire Department, 125 Firefighter Rd, Manson, according to information from the office of County Manager Vincent Jones.

These public sessions will be floating events that allow community members to ask questions, provide feedback and be involved in the future planning of Warren County. Participants will have the opportunity to visit tables with information, take the public engagement survey and look at maps of Warren County to gain more information.

Light refreshments will be provided for both sessions.

These sessions are part of the comprehensive development plan updates, a 10-month process that will result in updates to the existing 2002 plan, which was meant to run through this year.

A comprehensive development plan aims to address and guide growth and development for the County. Its focus is on the areas within the county’s jurisdiction and along the edges of town limits. Public participation will play a key role through these conversations and feedback. The comprehensive development plan will help to shape the vision and priorities for the future of Warren County.

The plan will update the 2002 Land Development Plan and address new issues and priorities that have come forward in the 20 years since then. This is a guiding document upon which land use decisions are based.

To follow along with the comprehensive plan process, visit planwarrencountync.com. For more information, contact the Warren County comp plan team at compplan@warrencountync.gov.