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For the latest news and information pertaining to Wayne County, we are proud to present the Wayne County Newsletter. This monthly newsletter provides the general public information on issues such as new legislation, county commissioner decisions, other issues, and items of interest affecting the citizens of Wayne County.
On August 5, 2008 the Board of Commissioners recognized Wayne County Development Alliance President and Chief Operating Officer Joanna Thompson for being named the 2007-2008 North Carolina Economic Developer of the Year. Click here for details.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Want to enjoy fresh, delicious Wayne County produce? Join us at the Mini Mobile Farmers Market each Wednesday from 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. at the parking lot of the County Office Building at the corner of Ash Street and Lionel Street. Click here for details.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Judy Pelt, Director of the Department of Social Services, was recognized by the County Commissioners for her 33 years of service to the county. Pelt will retire July 31. She thanked the Commissioners and said she was “certainly not the shy girl I was at 23 when I started with the county.” Click here for details.
Captain Mike Smith of the New Hope Fire Department updated the County Commissioners on the fire in Hyde County. Many Wayne County firefighters went to Hyde County to help, including those from: Pikeville/Pleasant Grove, Nahunta, Indian Springs, Grantham, New Hope, Pinewood and Mar-Mac.
Smith said fighting the fire in Hyde County was “quite an experience.” The fire covers 62 square miles and is in the corner of three different counties. He said that locals smelled smoke for several days following a bad lightening storm, but it took some time to find the fire. “The smoke from this fire was pretty dramatic and reaches all the way up to New Jersey,” he said. “The smoke can get so dense it can cause its own weather.” The fire is now 75% contained, but Smith said it could possibly burn for months.
Alan Lumpkin from the Benefits Committee presented information regarding the county implementing a four-day work week or flex schedules where four days was not feasible. Lumpkin said the committee had looked into the possibility of changing hours to alleviate the burden of the gas crunch on the county and on the employees.
Points of consideration in the study included :
The impact it could have on the county’s ability to provide services.
Potential fuel savings and operational savings for the county.
Lumpkin said a four-day work week could make workers accessible to clients before and after traditional work hours. Also, the construction community would have inspectors available earlier in the day. From an efficiency standpoint, he said, it would be easier to schedule paperwork at the beginning and end of the day.
Commissioner Atlas Price recommended the county go with new hours and track the savings for the next year. Commissioner J.D. Evans felt the proposal could be beneficial, as long as there was no decrease in the delivery of services. Commissioner Jack Best said the county had to do something because of the rising cost of fuel.
County Commissioners gave County Manager Lee Smith the authority to make operational changes to work hours. Smith will have a recommendation within the next week.
On June 3, 2008 the Board of Commissioners presented a Gold Career Readiness Certificate to Allison Porter with the Wayne County Development Alliance in recognition of her demonstrated skills in applied mathematics, reading for information and locating information. Click here for details.
On June 3, 2008 Wayne County Emergency Medical Services and Safety Director Blair Tyndall presented the North Carolina Department of Labor Safety Awards to County of Wayne departments. Click here for details.
Previous News Items
On June 19, 2008 Wayne County Commissioners approved the 2008-2009 budget which included four new patrol deputies for the Sheriff's Office. Without an increase in property taxes, the $162 million budget also included a 2.3 percent pay increase for county employees as well as additional funding for a new summer school program. Wayne County Schools will receive $18,887,994 for current expemses, in addition to the $250,000 earmarked for the summer school program slated to begin in July. The landfill tipping fee will increase from $23 to $30 per ton, which will cost the average household approximately 70 cents more per month.
On June 19, 2008 Wayne County Commissioners held a work session to discuss implementing an ordinance providing for the removal and disposition of abandoned and/or dilapidated mobile homes. The Commissioners also discussed the best way to dispose of stick built homes that were abandoned and/or dilapidated. County Attorney Borden Parker said the county was at more of a disadvantage than cities regarding these matters. Cities, he said, have condemnation laws which differ than the laws counties have. Counties do not have that statutory authority. The board discussed various means and methods in which to get rid of these county eyesores and asked Parker to come back with some recommendations.
On April 22, 2008 students from the Wayne County Public Schools participated in Youth in Government Day. The students became County Commissioners for a day. Click here for details.
Board of Commissioners Declare March 2008 as Fall Prevention Month. Click here for details.
Emily Best, a member of Girl Scout Troop 711 and a senior at Wayne Country Day School, appeared before the Board of Commissioners to present her Girl Scout Gold Award project which is fall prevention. Click here for details.
On February 5, 2008 the Board of Commissioners congratulated Communications Supervisor Delbert Edwards for achieving certification as an Emergency Number Professional. Click here for details.
The Board of Commissioners recognized Blair Tyndall, Director of Emergency Medical Services and Safety, for completing all requirements for certification as an Occupational Health and Safety Technologist. Click here for details.
Wayne County Commissioners set a public hearing for Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room in the Wayne County Courthouse Annex to receive public comments on proposed incentives for the AT&T call center.
Wayne County Library Director Jane Rustin presented the results of a library survey to County Commissioners. Ms. Rustin said most of the surveys were filled out by library users, and she recognized that Latinos were under-represented because the survey was not offered in Spanish. However, she said there were 748 replies to the survey which is considered an extremely high response rate. Services considered important by library patrons were that the library provide materials for enjoyment; support students, support adult education, provide community centers and support Economic Development. “People apply for jobs online and can use the Internet for free,” explained Ms. Rustin. “Also, small businesses come to the library for information.” The library staff received a 97 percent excellent or very good rating for customer service. “The consultant asked us how we could top this, and we said we would try for 100 percent,” said Ms. Rustin. The survey will serve as the basis for the library’s strategic plan and budgeting process.
On Tuesday, Dec. 18 Wayne County Commissioners approved a new fire protection district map for the Eureka Volunteer Fire District. The Eureka district was recently inspected by the N.C. Office of the State Fire Marshal for the purpose of meeting the requirements to maintain or improve their insurance rating. During the inspection process Eureka’s map and description was found to be out of compliance with the requirements set for a Fire Protection District of no more than five miles from the Fire Department. Eureka could not receive their grade for this inspection until a new map meeting the requirements was approved. All the fire district maps in the County will be reviewed and updated this year, eliminating the need for written descriptions.
Wayne County Commissioners also passed a resolution expressing its sincere appreciation in naming the 62-3509 aircraft the “Spirit of Wayne County” to embody the spirit of unity and cooperation between Wayne County and the 916th Air Refueling Wing.
Wayne County Commissioners approved the rezoning of 11 acres in Fork Township from residential agriculture-20 to community shopping and to establish community shopping zone on 8.6 acres between the proposed service road and US Highway 70.
On December 4, 2007 the Wayne County Board of Commissioners elected Roland M. "Bud" Gray as Chairman and Atlas Price, Jr. as Vice-Chairman
Wayne County Commissioners conducted a public hearing on a request from Jack Smith. Smith asked that 11 acres in Fork Township have the zoning change from Residential Agriculture-20 to Community Shopping and he wanted to establish a Community Shopping Zone on 8.6 acres between the proposed service road and U.S. Highway 70. Chip Crumpler, Planner and GIS Coordinator, told Commissioners the property was in the Rosewood area, south of US 70 Highway. Crumpler explained the land was bordered by farms on one side, vacant on another side and had residential development on other sides. A service road is planned by NC Department of Transportation. The Planning Board recommended a village designation, which would allow for residential development. Smith had no problems with the village zone instead of community shopping, and said he was requesting rezoning because he thought it would increase the likelihood of selling the property at some point. No one except Smith spoke at the public hearing. The County Commissioners did not vote on the matter.
On October 16, the Wayne County Commissioners approved a grant incentive package for Reul Inc. The county will match one half of the One North Carolina Fund grant, which will be $50,000 or $1,000 per job to be paid as the jobs are created. The anticipated schedule is for 25 jobs by the end of the first year for $25,000; 10 more jobs by the end of the second year for an additional $10,000; and an additional 15 jobs at the end of the third year for an additional $15,000. In addition, the county will consider grants to Reuel, inc. of up to $50,000 in the years 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Wayne County Commissioners declared the week of October 22-25 Industry Appreciation Week in Wayne County.
On October 3, Wayne County Commissioners heard options for expanding the county’s detention center from the consulting firm hired to conduct a jail study for the county. Jim Brennan and Todd Davis from Brennan and Associates, presented two development options which proposed expanding the current facility or building a new facility.
Expanding the current facility would cost approximately $52 million in construction costs, and about $3.4 million in staffing costs.
The second option would involve building a new facility elsewhere, and would cost approximately $44 million in construction costs, and about $2.6 million in staffing costs. Those estimates do not include costs for land acquisition.
Wayne County Commissioners acknowledged the pro’s and con’s of either option, and plan to study both options in the next month.
On October 3, Wayne County Commissioners also heard a presentation by County Planning Director Connie Price regarding the proposed comprehensive plan. The long-range plan includes 12 major visions for the future, which include: transportation, economic development, funding of county services, agriculture preservation, water and sewer, schools, housing and neighborhoods, public safety, revitalization of downtown, parks and recreation, community appearance and vision, and intergovernmental cooperation. On Oct. 31, County Manager Lee Smith will meet with department managers to review the comprehensive plan and receive further input.
On October 3, Wayne County officially broke ground on its Animal Adoption and Education Center at 1600 Clingman Street on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007. Remarks were made by Jean Hollowell and Barrett Parker, representatives from the Wayne County Humane Society. Four dogs officially “broke ground” by “digging the foundation” at the new site. The new facility will replace the 50-year-old building currently being used on Brick Street. To view a slideshow of the progress of our new animal shelter, click here.
On October 2, 2007 the Wayne County Board of Commissioners presented certificates of appreciation to citizens who have served as a county appointee on a board or commission. Click here for details.
On September 18, 2007 the Board of Commissioners recognized the County of Wayne Finance Office for receiving a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Click here for details.
On September 18, 2007 the Board of Commissioners presented Annette Sutton with an engraved plaque in recognition of her dedicated service to the County of Wayne in the Department of Social Services. Click here for details.
Wayne County Commissioners approved fire protection contracts with the following volunteer fire departments for the fiscal year 2007-2008: Antioch, Arrington, Belfast, Dudley, East Wayne, Elroy, Eureka, Faro, Northern Wayne, Grantham, Indian Springs, Jordans Chapel, Little River, Mar Mac, Nahunta, New Hope, Oakland, Patetown, Pikeville-Pleasant Grove, Pinewood, Polly Watson, Pricetown, Princeton, Rosewood, Sulston, Seven Springs, Smith Chapel, Throughfare, Waylin and Moseley Hall.
Wayne County Commissioners approved the renaming of State Roads 1464 and 1465 to Hoss Lane.
On Tuesday, September 18, representatives from the Wayne County libraries presented a request for additional facilities and operating dollars. Public library service in Wayne County began in Goldsboro in 1902, followed by the establishment of a library in Mount Olive in 1933. The Wayne County Public Library, serving all citizens of the county, was formally incorporated in 1941. Three other public libraries were established much later in the communities of Fremont, Pikeville and Seven Springs. These five libraries comprise Wayne County’s Public Library System.
The Wayne County Library system is one of the few libraries in North Carolina that operates independently as a nonprofit institution. The library’s operating budget for 2005-2006 was $1.4 million. Wayne County provided the major portion of the budget, $884,000, with Goldsboro providing an additional $174,014. State funding amounted to $182,354.
Fifty-two percent of Wayne County residents have library cards and more than half a million people will go to one of the five county libraries this year. As Wayne County has grown over the years, so have the resources and services of the public library system. The library system has a collection of nearly 117,000 items, including a wide variety of books, periodicals, videotapes, DVDs and audiotapes.
One of the most significant roles of the library today is the provision of public computers and access to the Internet. For many people, public libraries are still the only place where they have free access to computers and the Internet.
While the resources and services of the Wayne County Public Library System have grown significantly over the years, the same cannot be said for its facilities. Three of the four branch libraries are operating in buildings that they outgrew some time ago. Even the library headquarters, which was expanded in 2002, is lacking in space to accommodate future growth of resources and services.
Two years ago, the Library commissioned a major analysis of Wayne County and its current library facilities. The purpose of the plan was to identify current and future library facility needs for the county. In analyzing the existing facilities and making recommendations for additions, the following factors were among the primary shortcomings identified: Inadequate space to handle collections, lack of sufficient public seating, lack of flexible and expandable wiring systems needed for future technologies, insufficient space for public access computers, lack of public meeting rooms, large and small and inadequate staff work space
While most of the issues above are common to all current library locations, they are especially acute in the branch facilities. The facilities plan recommends: Replacing the existing branch libraries in Fremont and Pikeville with a larger, regional library facility to serve the North Service area; replace the existing branch libraries in Mount Olive and Seven Springs with a larger, regional library facility, probably located in Mount Olive, to serve the South Service area; expanding the library headquarters so it can serve more adequately the population of the Central Service area, increasing the total square footage of the library facilities in Wayne County from the current 30,000 square feet to nearly 73,800 square feet. Construction costs for the recommended expansion would be approximately $9.4 million, with additional operating costs of around $753,000.
Wayne County Commissioners approved the purchase of 46 acre tract of land in Grantham to be used as the location of a new middle school. The price of the land is $370,000 and North Carolina Education Lottery funds will be used to purchase the property.
Wayne County Commissioners approved a capital project ordinance for the renovation of the first and third floors of the Jeffrey’s Building. The project will be financed through reserve money set aside by the Commissioners specifically for this project.
On August 21, 2007, Wayne County Commissioners unanimously agreed to accept a bid from Daniels & Daniels Construction Company to build a new Animal Shelter in Wayne County.
The $1.8 million bid was the lowest bid received, but was higher than originally anticipated. However, the Wayne County Humane Society pledged to raise $150,000 to help defray the additional costs. Jean Hollowell, of the Wayne County Humane Society, said the Humane Society was pleased to hear that the county was moving closer to building a new animal shelter.
“In order to insure its success, the Society has established a steering committee to raise funds to aid the building of the facility and subsequent programs. The Society is willing to pledge $150,000 towards the building,” Hollowell said. “The balance of the funds raised will go towards medical care, education, foster and spay-neuter programs. This fundraiser will involve the entire county and its citizens and will give everyone an opportunity to participate. If you are interested in helping please call 736-PETS.”
The bid includes the construction of an 11,500 square foot facility, which will replace the existing 1,150 square foot facility at 900 Brick Street, which is more than 50 years old.
“The county is appreciative of the efforts of the Humane Society and any other contributions to this project,” said County Manager Lee Smith. “There now are contributions and donations totaling $500,000 for the animal shelter project.” County Commissioner Efton Sager said community support was essential for success of the project. “This is a wonderful effort from the community,” Sager said. “It’s a lot of money, but we have to do it right and it’s long overdue.
Wayne County Commissioners have scheduled a hearing for 9:15 a.m., Sept. 4, to give the public an opportunity to comment on the county’s proposed comprehensive plan. When adopted, the plan will guide the county’s decision making process for the next 15 to 20 years.The county’s plan encompasses a dozen vision areas ranging from water and sewer infrastructure needs, economic development, transportation and public safety.
On Aug. 7, Wayne County Commissioners approved the rezoning of 2.98 acres of Case Farms’ property. The property is along the northern side of Pecan Road and Mitchell Road, and is inside Seymour Johnson Air Force Base’s accident potential zone. The new zone is heavy industry and airport industry, and lowers the amount of land inside the accident potential zone not zoned for airport industry use. The rezoning allows the company to expand its existing business, creating 500 new jobs.
On Tuesday, July 10, County Manager Lee Smith unveiled a new plan that involves the recycling program of the county’s Solid Waste Department. The county is gearing up to start taking its recyclable paper, plastic, steel cans and aluminum cans to Wayne Opportunity Center.Wayne Opportunity Center offers rehabilitation programs to the disabled and chronically unemployed. The workers receive job training through subcontract work with industry in the county. The center also has its own recycling and furniture refinishing business. With this new partnership, the county will receive 30 percent of the money received for the recyclables, and will also save $50,000 annually in transportation costs.
Wayne County Commissioners approved the 2007-2008 budget Tuesday, June 26, which includes a 2.9 cent property tax increase. That means property owners will pay 76.4 cents per $100 valuation in 2007-2008. The $107.6 million budget contains a four percent increase in school funding and allows an additional $1.7 million for increasing Medicaid costs.
Operating costs for the county were cut by $890,000 in this year’s budget and the capital outlay budget was cut by $850,000 when County Commissioners decided to repair only one of two damaged roofs at Wayne Community College.
Several Commissioners voiced their concern over the skyrocketing Medicaid costs, saying they believed it was time the county took a stand against the state continuing to burden counties with the costs for that program. Medicaid is expected to cost the county a total of $8.4 million in 2007-2008. Commissioner Jack Best said that Medicaid was “one of the things about the budget I can hardly vote for.” Best said he believed that the Medicaid services were originally put in place to help people who had worked hard all their life, but had run into some difficult times. “They didn’t want to make it a charity,” he said, “But now it’s become a given and people think they are entitled.” Commissioner Bud Gray said he was not in favor of raising taxes, but said that “if the state would do their part, we wouldn’t be in this shape.” Gray added that the Office of the Sheriff, Emergency Management Services and the Health Department had to put projects on hold because the county had to spend so much money on Medicaid. Commissioner Andy Anderson said that most of the citizens that spoke to him about the budget were in favor of spending money to improve the county’s infrastructure and to bring jobs to the county. “But the citizens of county are saying they can’t afford taxes because soon they too will have to be put on the assistance roll,” Anderson said. Best thought the Commissioners should delay the vote on the budget until late July, operating on an interim budget, to see what the state would finally do regarding Medicaid relief for counties. Commissioner Atlas Price said he thought the board was getting caught between taxpayers and the people who need services. “It’s a hard decision,” Price said. “But, I believe we’re capable of making a decision on the budget.” Commissioner J.D. Evans said he thought the board needed to move forward. “At the proper time, if it’s necessary, we can make an adjustment if we need to,” Evans said. The board passed the proposed $107.6 million budget with a 2.9 cent tax increase in a four to three vote. Commissioners Jack Best, Andy Anderson and Efton Sager voted against the budget.
Wayne County Commissioners received a revised budget proposal June 12 from County Manager Lee Smith, cutting the proposed tax increase from 5 cents to 2.9 cents per $100 valuation. After a series of budget meetings with County Commissioners, including a day-long session on May 31, Smith and the staff of the county’s Finance Office worked to further streamline the county’s budget. Smith was able to trim around $1.2 million by maintaining the economic development reserve fund at the 2006-2007 level, deferring a Health Department scanning project and by funding only one of two roof projects needed at Wayne Community College. The county will save $250,000 by maintaining the reserve funding in the economic development reserve account. This money is used for funding projects such as the construction of shell buildings. The economic development reserve fund is a county fund and it does not affect the budget of the Wayne County Development Alliance. Almost $850,000 will be saved by deferring, for one year, one of the roof projects for Wayne Community College. Delaying the Health Department scanning project will save the county another $175,000. These changes will cut approximately $1.2 million from the proposed budget, bringing the original five cent tax increase estimate down to 2.9 cents. If accepted by the commissioners, the tax rate effective July 1, 2007 would be 76.4 cents per $100 of valuation. The 2.9 cent increase represents new revenues needed for increased school funding, Medicaid and other mandated Social Services programs. Smith said that citizens expect fiscal integrity and accountability in the use of their tax dollars, and expect the county to set priorities and fund programs consistent with those priorities.
Wayne County Planning Director Connie Price is recognized for becoming a certified flood plain manager. Click here for further details.
Wayne County Commissioners began reviewing the 2007-2008 budget proposal in late May. The proposed budget, delivered late last week to Commissioners, calls for a five-cent tax increase, from 73.5 to 78.5 cents per $100 valuation. The proposed increase would cost a homeowner with a house valued at $150,000 around $75 a year more in taxes. Neighboring counties have similar tax rates as the one proposed for Wayne County. The 2007-2008 budget calls for Wayne County departments to operate with $890,000 less than last year, to try and compensate for the $2.7 million needed to meet the increase in mandated services. The county is limited in its ability to raise money for these services, and county revenues have only grown 2.8 percent this year.
The fiscal year 2007-2008 net budget estimate for all funds is $108,837,089, which is an increase of $2,285,408 from last year. This budget includes only mandated and policy service increases and economically driven increases. The major increases in the budget are operating costs, Medicaid, fuel and utilities, and education. The only new funding is in the areas of schools and outside agencies where community need has driven a higher demand of service such as WATCH. The proposed budget approves a $725,363 increase in school spending from last year’s budget, but denies a school expansion budget of $12.5 million. The county has asked for further information from the schools regarding the expansion budget before it can consider recommending additional funds in this category.
Students from Wayne County high schools joined county and school officials for lunch Tuesday, May 15, as part of the county’s Youth Commissioner Program. Click here for more details.
Wayne County Commissioners declared May 2007 to be “Older Americans Month.” Yvonne McLamb, Services on Aging Director, told the Commissioners that the county is home to more than 18,000 citizens 60 years of age or older. McLamb said that: “Older persons are entitled to lives of dignity and independence through streamlined access to information and community services; information about cost-effective prevention practices and activities that will improve health and quality of life; and innovative, affordable options of care and support that will provide an array of choices about how and where to live.”
Wayne County Commissioners took on an additional duty Tuesday, May 15. The board voted to serve as the Board of Adjustment. Any action taken by the Commissioners as the Board of Adjustment will first be reviewed by the Planning Board, prior to the Board of Commissioners considering the issue. Rules for the Board of Adjustment will not change. It will still take a simple majority to grant special use permits and variances, and it will take a four-fifths majority to overrule a decision made by the zoning enforcement officer.
Wayne County Commissioners proclaimed April 17, 2007 as Faith Christian Academy Men's Basketball Team Day in Wayne County. Click here for more information
Wayne County Commissioners declared April, 2007 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Wayne County. The Commissioners recognized, in a resolution, that approximately 111,000 children in North Carolina are reported as abused and neglected each year. The resolution also stated that child maltreatment is a community problem and finding solutions depends on involvement among people throughout the community.
On April 17, Wayne County Commissioners urged citizens to attend a countywide public input meeting regarding its proposed comprehensive plan on May 2, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Wayne Center.
The plan is divided into 12 major visions: transportation, economic development, funding of county services, agricultural preservation/growth management, water and sewer, schools, housing and neighborhoods, public safety, revitalization of downtown, parks and recreation, community appearance and image, and intergovernmental cooperation.
During the drop-in open house, the public is invited to review and comment on the policies and actions outlined in the plan. To view an Adobe PDF document outlining details, click here.
On April 3, 2007, Wayne County Commissioners approved an amendment to the Wayne County Zoning Map by rezoning a tract at 2550 US Highway 117 South Alternate from Residential-Agriculture to Heavy Industry. The new zoning allows for the expansion of an existing salvage yard, along with other industrial uses. The existing salvage yard is west of the newly zoned area, and is owned by Ricky Young.
Wayne County Commissioners voted on April 3, 2007, to declare April 28, 2007 as Amnesty Day at the Wayne County landfill. Amnesty Day is a project to encourage citizens to clean up roadways and yards, making the county a cleaner place to live, work and play. This project only applies to residents and not commercial businesses or haulers.
An employee mission statement, along with a list of core values by employees, and an employee vision statement were presented during the March 20, 2007 Wayne County Commissioners meeting. The statements and the values were created and voted on by county employees.
Mission Statement: “Wayne County, in partnership with its employees, is committed to providing our community with the highest professional services available. Honesty and integrity, coupled with a winning team spirit, will be the driving force that leads Wayne County and the customers it serves into the future.
Employee Values: Integrity, Diversity, Stewardship of our resources, Customer driven excellence, collaboration, cooperation, mutual respect, innovation, accountability, and quality.
Vision Statement: “To enhance the quality of life in Wayne County by meeting the needs of the community through responsive and innovative leadership. Wayne County is a growing community with a vision for the future.”
Wayne County Commissioners approved, on Tuesday, March 20, a resolution that would allow the county to have a menu of funding options for local projects. Those options include: imposing an impact fee, a land transfer tax and an additional sales tax.
Wayne County Commissioners approved a resolution supporting NC House Bill 125 and Senate Bill 249. These bills are requesting $25 million statewide for public health. This funding would greatly enhance the county’s ability to develop programs specifically for Wayne County residents.
Wayne County Commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday, March 20, 2007, asking the state to appropriate $8 million in fiscal year 2007-2008 from its general fund for the design and construction of the Wayne Regional Agricultural Center. The county needs an agricultural center which will accommodate and house the Cooperative Extension, Farm Service Agency, Soil and Water Conservation, Cherry Farm Administration, Center for Environmental Farming System, Natural Resources Conservation Service Area Office and regional offices for the USDA. The proposed center would bring together research and outreach on environmental issues, critical to fostering a profitable and viable agricultural community. The center would be a 60,000 square foot green facility, with an estimated cost of $11.5 million. The County will seek funding from various sources, including the state of North Carolina, Golden Leaf Foundation and would also use local governmental funds to construct the center.
On February 20, 2007, County Commissioners adopted the proposed zoning amendment around the Goldsboro-Wayne Municipal Airport. The amendment rezones 20,219 acres in the vicinity of the Goldsboro-Wayne Airport. The zones will include Airport Zone, Light Industry Zone and airport height overlay zones.
As part of its motion to adopt the amendment, the Board changed the zoning for the Mount Carmel Church property to RA-20, giving the church the ability to expand. County Commissioners also directed the planning staff to look at allowing limited residential development in the area zoned light industry.To find answers to the questions posed by citizens during the public hearing regarding the proposed zoning amendment around the airport click here.
On February 20, 2007, County Commissioners adopted the proposed amendment regarding the zoning around the Raintree area, with the direction to change the undeveloped farmland portion of the Trans Agri Inc. property to RA-30. The amendment creates Zoning Area 15 for the Raintree/Hood Swamp area. The area is bordered to the east by East Hill Street and north by US Highway 13. The southern edge of the area is the right-of-way for the relocated US Highway 70 and the extraterritorial jurisdiction for the City of Goldsboro.
On February 20, 2007 County Commissioners did not vote on a request from Ricky Young to amend the Wayne County Zoning Map, allowing for the expansion of an existing salvage yard on a two-acre tract of property located at 2550 US Highway 117 South Alternate. The Board directed staff and the county attorney to meet with both property owners regarding the zoning issue.
Justin Scally, of Baltimore, Maryland has been hired as the county’s new animal control director. His first of day of work was Monday, February 12, 2007. Scally’s educational background includes special training from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Emergency Planning for Animal Control, a basic animal behavioral therapy certificate from the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine and he is also certified in the humane euthanasia of animals. Scally says he believes that he can bring change to the Wayne County Animal Control Department, especially in the areas of community involvement, adoption and outreach programs.
On Jan. 16, 2007, Wayne County Commissioners approved the addition of an Airport-Industry zone, and added pet services and animal shelters as permitted uses in the Airport, Light Industry, Heavy Industry, and Community Shopping zones. Commissioners must still vote on the actual location of an Animal Shelter
Wayne County Commissioners approved adding a well permit fee of $175 to meet upcoming state regulations, on Jan. 16, 2007. Click here for more details.
On Jan. 16, 2007, Wayne County Commissioners set public hearings for 9:15 on Feb. 20, 2007 for the following:
Creating a new zoning area for the Raintree and Hood Swamp area.
Consider an amendment to the Wayne County Zoning Map to reflect changes to zones surrounding the Goldsboro-Wayne Airport.
Consider rezoning two acres of land at 2550 U.S. Highway 117 South Alternate from Resident Agriculture-20 to Heavy Industry.
On Jan. 16, 2007, Wayne County received annual audit for year ending June 30, 2006. The county’s total net assets increased by $9,971,625 and the unreserved General Fund balance increased to a total $19,956,598. The county’s total liabilities decreased by 12 percent during this time period.
On December 6, 2006 the Wayne County 4-H and The Exchange Club of Goldsboro sponsored Youth in Government and Business Day. The program is designed for high school students in the area to help students learn about occupations and help them as they pursue careers beyond high school. Click here for details.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Steven Kwast receives key to the county. Click here for details.
Wayne County Commissioner, and New Hope Volunteer Fire Department Chief, Roland “Bud” Gray, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the New Hope Fire Department with his family of firefighters. Click here for details.
On October 10, 2006, Wayne County welcomed the Southeast District of Cooperative Extension for a fall agricultural tour. The tour provides a hands-on educational opportunity for people interested in agricultural tourism. The educational information featured art and history, along with visits with owner/operators of profitable businesses that are also successful agricultural tourism sites. Click here for details.
On September 22, 2006 Chairman Atlas Price, Jr. proclaimed the day as Centenarians Day in Wayne County. Wayne County centenarians are among the 76,000 Americans who hold the distinction of being centenarians, a group now believed to be the fastest growing group of Americans. Click here for details.
