FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting Monday night to swear in three new commissioners and to elect officers for the coming year. The meeting, which was held in place of the Board’s Dec. 2 regular meeting, took place at 7 p.m. in the Crown Coliseum Ballroom at 1960 Coliseum Dr., Fayetteville. To view the agenda and supporting materials for this meeting, go to www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.
Commissioner Veronica Jones led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Deputy Clerk to the Board Iva Clark sang the National Anthem.
Outgoing Chairman Glenn Adams reflected on the accomplishments achieved by the County during his tenure as chairman.
“We’ve achieved significant strides in advancing many of the Board’s top priorities, continuing to transform our community and improve the lives of our residents,” said Adams. “As I reflect on this past year, I can confidently say that 2024 has been a banner year for Cumberland County. I’m proud to have served as Chairman during this time of progress and transformation. And I’m equally excited for all we will continue to accomplish in the years and decades to come.”
He noted major project milestones like kicking off the Homeless Support Center project, announcing an agreement with PWC to provide safe, reliable drinking water in the Gray’s Creek Community, and breaking ground on the Crown Event Center. He also highlighted programs like launching the County’s Ignite Internship Program, opening an Opioid Recovery Resource Center, and moving forward with programs including training barbers and stylists to have healthy conversations with their clients and improving maternal health outcomes by providing funding for doula services. He also shared a video highlighting County milestones and successes over the past year.
Chairman Adams recognized outgoing commissioners Michael Boose, Vice Chairwoman Dr. Toni Stewart, and Jimmy Keefe for their tenures on the Board and service to the County. Each commissioner was given a plaque in recognition of their contributions, and videos were played with photos celebrating their time on the Board. The three commissioners gave remarks expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
Next, oaths of office were administered for three newly-elected commissioners:
A. Kirk deViere, administered by North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
B. Pavan Patel, administered by North Carolina State Senator Tom McInnis
C. Henry Tyson, administered by North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge John M. Tyson
The new Board elected officers with Commissioner Kirk deViere being elected Chairman and Commissioner Veronica Jones being elected Vice Chairwoman.
Chairman deViere presented a plaque to outgoing Chairman Glenn Adams in recognition of his service as chairman over the past year.
The Board unanimously approved the following CONSENT AGENDA item:
A. Approval of Public Official Bonds
Chairman deViere gave Commissioners Patel and Tyson, and Vice Chairwoman Jones an opportunity to address the audience, and their families and supporters. He then gave remarks, thanking the outgoing commissioners for their service to the County, before turning to his goals for the year ahead as chairman.
“We’ve got some big decisions to make in the next few years,” he said. “Our County is growing, and how we handle that growth matters.”
deViere’s priorities include ensuring access to clean water for County residents, investing in public schools, addressing affordable housing and workforce needs like childcare, managing taxpayer dollars wisely while maintaining essential services, and collaborating with the County's municipalities and its state and federal elected officials.
“To my fellow Commissioners,” he said, “thank you for putting your confidence in me to lead as your chairman.”
The Board of Commissioners adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Board of Commissioners 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.