FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the June 3, 2024, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, which was held at 9 a.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. To view the agenda and supporting materials for this meeting, go to www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.
Cumberland County Public Library Director Faith Phillips shared information about the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge, which will run from June 1 through July 31. She said this year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at Your Library” and Library branches will be transformed into magical locations from beloved stories. Participants can visit any Library location to pick up their reading passport, and once they’ve logged their reading hours they will be eligible to win a variety of prizes. Residents can learn more and sign-up to participate in the summer reading challenge by visiting their local library or https://ccplnc.readsquared.com.
Phillips also provided updates on expanded programming and interactives at Library locations including at Cliffdale and Bordeaux branches, as well as additional enhancements coming to Headquarters Library. She said all Library locations will feature programs from Bubble Wonders from July 18-20.
Residents may obtain a library card for free by visiting any Cumberland County Public Library location and bringing a picture ID and proof of county residence. For more information on the Cumberland County Public Library, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/library.
The Board unanimously approved the following items as part of the CONSENT AGENDA, unless otherwise noted below.
- Approval of Proclamation Proclaiming June 6-10, 2024 as Men’s Health Week in Cumberland County
- Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Gray’s Creek Water Extension Phase I Project
- Approval of Service Agreement for Gas Treatment Skid Design
- Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the June 3, 2024 Board of Commissioners’ Agenda
The Board recessed the Board of Commissioners meeting and convened as the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District Governing Board to approve the following items as part of the CONSENT AGENDA.
- Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Gray’s Creek Water Extension Phase I Project
The Board adjourned the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District Governing Board meeting and reconvened the Board of Commissioners meeting.
Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams then addressed recent communications related to the funding of School Resource Officers and Crossing Guards. He said the Cumberland County Sheriff is an elected official apart from the Board of Commissioners and that while the Board has budgetary authority, it does not have the authority to tell the Sheriff how and where to deploy officers or how to operate the Cumberland County Detention Center. He said the Board did not have advance notice of the Sheriff’s decision to not to provide School Resource Officers and Crossing Guards in the municipalities and that the Sheriff’s Office contracts directly with the School System, which will have to decide how to proceed.
In terms of funding, Adams said the Board’s direction to the County Manager during last Thursday’s Budget Work Session was to remove the funding for these School Resource Officers and Crossing Guards from the Sheriff’s Office budget because the Sheriff’s Office provides this staffing, and that it does not take any money away from Cumberland County Schools.
He also addressed recent comments about lack of County representation during a meeting in Hope Mills to discuss the issue. He said he received an invitation to attend the meeting via email and responded to Town officials that he would not be able to attend because of the Board’s scheduled work session, followed by another prior commitment.
"This Board has always done its best by the citizens of this community and we will continue to do that,” said Adams.
Commissioners Jimmy Keefe and Veronica Jones discussed the importance of citizens researching information they see online and said it is their aim as commissioners to provide open and honest discussion for the community.
The Board of Commissioners adjourned the meeting at 9:18 a.m.
Meetings are live streamed on CCNC-TV though the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. All documents associated with this meeting can be found on the Cumberland County website to include meeting agendas, minutes and links to the videos under the Board of Commissioners tab.
You can also follow Cumberland County on social media by searching CumberlandCountyNC.