The following is a summary of the Dec. 16, 2024, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, which was held at 6:45 p.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.
Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Kirk deViere welcomed Clifton McNeill Jr., the 2024 inductee into the Cumberland County Agricultural Hall of Fame. Commissioner Henry Tyson presented McNeill with a plaque in recognition of his exceptional service to local agriculture.
A Gray’s Creek native, McNeill earned a degree in agricultural engineering from North Carolina State University in 1971 and had a successful 30-year career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, but remained deeply committed to his family's farm, which has been in the family since the land was granted by the King of England. The McNeill farm has transitioned from traditional tobacco farming to growing potatoes, cabbage, strawberries, and greenhouse tomatoes. It became well-known for pioneering a pick-your-own operation that continues to be a beloved local tradition. McNeill has been a steadfast supporter of agricultural education, particularly through his involvement with the FFA program at Gray’s Creek High School. He has also served on various local boards, including 12 years on the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, before he retired in Dec. 2023.
Chairman deViere also recognized Kevin Riddle as the 2024 Farm Bureau Young Farmer of the Year and Commissioner Tyson presented Riddle with a plaque to honor his contributions to local agriculture.
A Gray’s Creek native, Riddle graduated from Gray’s Creek High School in 2007 and was a charter member of the school’s FFA Chapter. He helped revitalize his family’s farm, growing a variety of row crops and produce. In 2016, under the mentorship of Clifton McNeill Jr., he reopened the McNeill Strawberry Patch, continuing its legacy as a popular community destination. Riddle currently serves on the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
The 2024 Small Farmer of the Year award was presented to Jim Hartman, owner of Secret Garden Bees, a honey and jelly farm located in the Linden community. Hartman, a U.S. Army veteran, established his farm after leaving military service in 2008. Today, the farm sells its products in over 170 stores across 24 states. Hartman also teaches other veterans about agriculture through programs such as "Soldiers to Agriculture" and serves on the N.C. State Workforce Development Commission and the N.C. Farm Bureau's Apiary Advisory Committee.
Commissioners also recognized Budget and Management Analysts Gathany Smith and Ashley Brewington with the County’s Budget and Performance Department, along with Chief of Staff Tye Vaught, for receiving the North Carolina Local Government Budget Officer Certification. This certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate expertise in budgeting, performance, and evaluation within local government.
A PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD was held.
Commissioners approved the Agenda, voting unanimously to pull Item 4F (Grant of New Lease to Cumberland County Communicare, Inc.) from the Consent Agenda to be considered as an Item of Business, and voting 6-to-1 to postpone consideration of Item 6A(Appointments to the Cumberland County Civic Center Commission) until the Jan. 21, 2025 regular meeting.
The Board unanimously approved the following CONSENT AGENDA items:
A. Approval of The Health Departments Delinquent Accounts to be Turned Over for Bad Debt Write Off
B. Approval to Pay Prior Year Invoices
C. Approval to Pay Prior Year Invoices
D. Approval of Subrecipient Agreement Amendment with Fayetteville Technical Community College for the Hope, Opportunity, Prosperity through Education (H.O.P.E.) Program
E. Approval of Contract Amendment with Fayetteville State University's (FSU) Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business HUB
F. Grant of New Lease to Cumberland County Communicare, Inc. – This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda to be considered as an Item of Business.
G. Approval of American Rescue Plan Grant Project Ordinance Amendment #B250829
H. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the December 16, 2024 Board of Commissioners' Agenda
I. Approval of Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Agenda Session Items
- Settlement with NCDOT for Condemnation of Right of Way on Camden Road Convenience Center and Approval of Associated Budget Ordinance Amendment #B250350
- Purchase of a Fuel Truck for the Solid Waste Department
- Service Agreement with Smith Gardner, Inc. for Ann Street Landfill Transfer Station Design
- Purchase of a Yard Spotter for the Solid Waste Department
- Proposed Changes to the Board of Commissioners Board and Committees
The following PUBLIC HEARINGS were held:
A. Rezoning Case # ZON-24-0027: The case was withdrawn by the applicant, on Dec. 5, 2024, after it was publicly advertised.
The following ITEMS OF BUSINESS were discussed including:
A. Grant of New Lease to Cumberland County Communicare, Inc.: The Board voted unanimously to direct the County Manager to modify the proposed lease agreement to reduce the proposed lease rate to the amount being paid under the previous lease agreement. They also asked to be provided with a copy of the previous lease agreement.
The following APPOINTMENTS were made:
A. Civic Center Commission: This item was removed from the agenda to be considered at the Jan. 21, 2025 regular meeting.
The Board of Commissioners adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.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.