FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held an Agenda Session on May 14, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Room 564 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. Agendas and supporting materials are available at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/commissioners.
Commissioner Glenn Adams led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Health Services Information Briefing
At the April 16 Agenda Session, the Board of Commissioners requested information regarding organizational options for human services delivery pursuant to NCGS 153A-77. Due to technical difficulties during the previous meeting, the item was brought back to allow the full presentation and discussion to occur.
Assistant County Manager Tufanna Bradley introduced Dr. Kristi Nickodem of the UNC School of Government. Dr. Nickodem, co-author of Consolidated Human Services Boards in North Carolina, provided an overview of organizational and governance options authorized under North Carolina law related to human services delivery.
No action was taken.
B. Child Fatality Prevention Team Annual Report
Assistant County Manager and Interim Health Director Heather Skeens presented the annual Child Fatality Prevention Team report as required by NCGS 7B-1410. The report included recommendations for systemic improvements and resources needed to address identified gaps and deficiencies.
The Board requested additional information regarding budgetary needs related to the identified gaps.
C. Alliance Health Update
Assistant County Manager and Interim Health Director Heather Skeens introduced Kelly Goodfellow from Alliance Health. The Board received a quarterly update at the April 16 Agenda Session and requested additional information regarding mental health clinicians embedded at the 911 call center, including potential costs and implementation timelines.
No action was taken.
D. No-Cost School Safety Initiative
County Manager Clarence Grier introduced Andrew Noble of Sitestream, who presented a no-cost school safety initiative. The presentation included school bus stop-arm cameras and school zone speed cameras authorized under North Carolina Senate Bill 391.
The Board requested additional information be presented at a future meeting and requested engagement with municipal law enforcement agencies and Fort Bragg leadership.
E. Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation District Proposed FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan
Interim Assistant City Manager and Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Director Michael Gibson presented the proposed FY27 operating budget and capital improvement plan for the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation District.
The Board requested additional information regarding ongoing capital improvement maintenance cost redistribution.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Board unanimously approved the agenda.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Board unanimously approved the April 16 Agenda Session minutes.
3. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS
The Board moved the following items to the May 18 Regular Meeting Consent Agenda unless otherwise noted.
A. Stop-Loss Renewal and Biometric Screenings
Ed Boardman of USI presented information regarding the July 2026 stop-loss renewal and reviewed the County’s current biometric screening process and an alternative wellness incentive participation option for employees.
The Board unanimously approved the stop-loss renewal and incentive program.
B. Community Development - FY26-27 Annual Action Plan Program Year 2026
Community Development Director Rayshonia Manuel presented the FY26-27 Annual Action Plan, representing the second year of implementation of the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.
The Board voted 5-1 to approve submission of the FY26-27 Annual Action Plan.
C. Westarea Volunteer Fire Department Funding Request
County Manager Clarence Grier presented a funding request from the Westarea Volunteer Fire Department following termination of its contract to provide fire protection and medical first responder services to the Manchester Fire District.
Staff recommended reimbursement of $150,000 annually for three years to offset expenses and capital purchases associated with service to the district.
The Board unanimously approved the staff recommended funding request.
D. Fiscal Year 2026 Contract for Professional Auditing Services
Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director Robin Koonce presented the FY26 auditing services contract with Cherry Bekaert LLP. The proposed contract cost is $134,245.
The Board unanimously approved the contract.
E. Declaration of Surplus County Property, Authorization to Accept Insurance Settlement, and Approval of Budget Ordinance B260921
Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director Robin Koonce presented a request to declare a Sheriff’s Office 2022 Ford Explorer surplus following an accident on Feb. 26. The insurer offered a settlement of $18,355.63.
The Board voted 5-1 to declare the vehicle surplus, approve the settlement and associated budget ordinance, and authorize the County Manager to approve a replacement vehicle.
F. Request to Transfer Funds to the Capital Investment Fund and Budget Revision #B260009
Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director Robin Koonce presented a request to transfer $17,295,066 from the General Fund to the Capital Investment Fund in accordance with County financial policy.
The Board unanimously approved the transfer and associated budget revision.
The Board recessed the Agenda Session and convened as the NORCRESS Water and Sewer District Governing Board.
G. NORCRESS Rate Increase
Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips presented a proposed sewer rate increase for the NORCRESS system due to increased operational and maintenance costs. The proposed rate schedule would take effect July 1, 2026, following required customer notification.
No action was taken.
The Board adjourned as the NORCRESS Water and Sewer District Governing Board and convened as the Overhills Park Water and Sewer District Governing Board.
H. Sewer Rate Adjustment for the Overhills Park Water and Sewer District
Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips presented a proposed interim sewer rate adjustment for the Overhills Park Water and Sewer District due to rising operational and maintenance costs. The proposed adjustment would take effect July 1, 2026, following required customer notification.
No action was taken.
The Board adjourned as the Overhills Park Water and Sewer District Governing Board and reconvened as the Board of Commissioners.
I. Community Impact Micro-Award Staff Funding Recommendations
Chief of Staff Tye Vaught presented staff funding recommendations for the County’s Community Impact Micro-Award Program. The County received 28 applications requesting a combined total of more than $93,000. Staff recommended 26 organizations for funding in fiscal year 2027.
The Board unanimously approved the funding recommendations.
J. Money Box Academy Financial Stability and Transition Pathway
Chief of Staff Tye Vaught presented a recommendation for a separate service agreement with Money Box Academy to provide financial literacy and housing stability services for residents receiving County-supported housing assistance.
The Board unanimously approved the program.
K. Ordinance Implementing a Moratorium on Data Centers
County Attorney Rick Moorefield presented a revised draft ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on development permits for data centers, including cryptocurrency mining operations.
The Board unanimously approved scheduling a public hearing for May 18 regarding the proposed moratorium.
4. PROJECT UPDATES
A. Expanded Contract for Courthouse Security
Internal Services Director Jeremy Stefanko presented a request for funding and staffing related to expanded courthouse security services with Allied Universal.
The Board requested an updated proposal that includes additional County facilities.
B. Aquatic Center
County Manager Clarence Grier provided an update on the Aquatic Center feasibility study being conducted by LS3P.
C. Crown Theatre and Arena Modernization and Renovation
County Manager Clarence Grier provided an update on the Crown Theatre and Arena modernization and renovation project, including the recent selection of TA Loving/Metcon as Construction Manager at Risk.
D. Feasibility Study for Facilities
County Manager Clarence Grier provided an update regarding a proposed countywide facilities study, including evaluation of ADA compliance needs. Estimated costs range from approximately $450,000 to $500,000.
E. Shaw Heights
Chief of Staff Tye Vaught presented an update regarding sanitary sewer and community development outreach efforts in the Shaw Heights neighborhood.
F. Unhoused Support Center
Assistant County Manager Heather Skeens provided an update on the Unhoused Support Center project.
G. Water and Sewer
Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips provided an update on ongoing County water and sewer infrastructure initiatives focused on regionalization, long-term sustainability, and expanding access to clean, regulated drinking water.
5. MONTHLY REPORTS
The Board unanimously accepted the following reports:
A. Finance Report
B. Health Insurance Update
C. Fee Waiver Report for Flu, COVID and RSV
D. Grants Update
E. Capital Improvement Projects Report
6. COMMISSIONER REQUESTS
A. JCPC Public Awareness Funding
Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones requested a Juvenile Crime Prevention Council public awareness funding proposal.
The Board directed the County Manager to include the request in the community funding portion of the FY27 budget.
B. Human Services Strategic Alternative
Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones requested additional information regarding strategic governance alternatives for human services.
The Board directed the County Manager to present additional information within 60 days.
7. CLOSED SESSION
The Board entered Closed Session to discuss:
Following Closed Session, no action was taken.
The Board adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.
The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held Monday, May 18, at 6:45 p.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meetings and Agenda Sessions are livestreamed on the County’s website, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. Cumberland County can be found on social media by searching CCNCGov.