Currituck commissioners to discuss ferry tolls, SNAP costs and $2.66 million radio purchase
SamWalkerOBXNews.com
3 hours ago
By Sam Walker
Currituck County commissioners will discuss the proposed ferry toll rates and receive a report on county costs tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Monday, while considering a $2.66 million purchase of 200 portable radios.
The board meets at 6 p.m. in the Historic Currituck Courthouse, 153 Courthouse Road. A work session on the Moyock Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant begins at 4:30 p.m.
NCDOT is proposing a $7 one-way toll for standard vehicles on the Currituck–Knotts Island ferry beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
The same fare would apply to Bayview–Aurora and Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach, while Hatteras–Ocracoke would cost $10 and existing fares on the Cedar Island–Ocracoke, Swan Quarter–Ocracoke and Southport–Fort Fisher routes would remain unchanged.
The state Board of Transportation has voted to ask the General Assembly to delay implementation to allow more time for planning and analysis, but the proposed rates remain subject to approval and the January deadline has not changed.
Currituck commissioners have joined other coastal boards in seeking relief through resolutions opposing the tolls.
Currituck County Social Services Director Samantha Hurd is scheduled to present a report on the impacts of President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" that shifts SNAP administrative cost from the federal government to the state's and local governments.
Her presentation will focus on the county’s financial obligations and implementation.
State Sen. Jerry Tillett, R-Dare, is also scheduled to provide a legislative review.
The largest spending proposal detailed in the agenda is a $2,658,856 project to purchase 200 portable radios, including related maintenance and support.
Funding would come from $600,000 already budgeted for radio replacement in the 2026-27 fiscal year, a $1,102,779 transfer from the Public Safety Building construction fund and $956,077 from fund balance, the county’s accumulated reserves.
The project ordinance and a related budget amendment are on the consent agenda. The ordinance would require the finance director to provide quarterly reports on the project’s finances.
Other proposed budget amendments include $400,000 from a North Carolina grant to purchase a specialized vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office. The grant requires a separate fund to track spending.
Another amendment would budget $133,190 for the 2026 Local Law Enforcement Bonus Program, including $123,646 for bonuses and $9,544 for payroll taxes.
Commissioners also will consider adding $219,312 to the county’s emergency telephone fund following a funding reconsideration request for Currituck 911. Most of that amount, $206,397, would cover software license fees, with the remainder going toward equipment and supplies.
A $34,100 amendment would record grants from the U.S. Tennis Association and USTA North Carolina for resurfacing tennis courts at Currituck County High School.
Separate proposals would use reserves to replace the court facilities’ building access system for $25,000, pay $4,500 for an engineering department vehicle repair and cover a $700 annual renewal for jury software. An $827 grant would support emergency management supplies for a radiological incident preparedness program.
The board also will consider delaying a hearing on the proposed K&S North Mine in Lower Currituck.
Applicant Jennings Smith is seeking a special use permit to excavate 11.8 acres for sand and topsoil on parcels totaling 221.36 acres at 5243 Caratoke Highway.
Smith has requested that his appearance be moved to Jan. 4 or Jan. 19, 2027, to allow K&S Development to complete an organizational restructuring involving the separation of principal partners.
Planning and Inspections Director Jennie Turner said in an Oct. 15 memorandum that staff does not object to the delay. Commissioners will consider whether to grant the request and select a new date.
Soil and Water District Technician John Morrow is scheduled to report on an Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund grant award.
The consent agenda also includes a proposed amendment to the county’s agreement with AT&T’s New Cingular Wireless PCS for equipment at the Pine Island water tank, 468 Ocean Trail in Corolla. The amendment would authorize modifications to the company’s equipment.
Commissioners will consider establishing a part-time or temporary audiovisual specialist position at $24 an hour and appointing county tax, mapping and planning employees to review plats before they are recorded.
Four advisory board appointments are scheduled for consideration.
Jennifer Hoit is nominated to fill an unexpired Opioid Advisory Board term ending July 15, 2027. Ashley Foster is proposed for a second term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ending Jan. 31, 2028.
Troy Breathwaite is proposed to fill an unexpired at-large Planning Board term ending Dec. 31, 2027. Wanda Beasley is tabbed for an initial Library Advisory Board term ending Oct. 5, 2027.
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