Commissioners Have Busy Session

July 2010

Bladen County Commissioners met in regular session, a very quiet session Monday evening.

Steve Bunn (L) and Billy Ray Pait

Retired Sheriff Steve Bunn was recognized for his 31 years of service to Bladen County.  He retired June 30, 2010.  He was presented a plaque.  Commissioners held a reception complete with a cake with a fishing boat on top.  Bunn is an avid fisherman.

The Board approved an Audit Contract with Thompson, Price, Scott & Adams for three years.  The total audit contract for the coming year will be $39,500.

Dan Ward appeared before the Board on behalf of coaches for 4 girls fastpitch softball teams that will be advancing to state tournaments.  Ward requested the county contribute $400 per team, a reduction of $100 per team from last year.  Ward said the coaches realized the Board was operating on a tight budget and their request acknowledged it.  The request was approved  The girls range in age from 10 and under to 16 years of age.  The teams will be traveling to Jacksonville or Greensboro the weekend of July 23 -25.  

Commissioners made several appointments to various boards and postponed others.

Annie Lacy was re-appointed to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.

Dan Ward, Margaret Lawrence, Berry Lewis and Aaron Cox were re-appointed to the Bladen County Planning Board and the Bladen County Zoning Board of Adjustment.

 Cindy Batton was appointed to the Lumber River Workforce Development Board.

Iris Martin was appointed to the Hospital Board to replace Ann Wright who ask to

come off the Board.

Appointments were tabled to the Bladen County Recreation Committee and Animal Control Board.

Ted Carter, Bladen County Animal Control Officer and Health Director Wayne Stewart updated the Board on the outbreak of distemper at the county site.  Carter said the county had never had such an outbreak in his 15 years of service.  June 16, the facility had 51 animals, as of Monday there were 12 left and they will be "put down."  The site will be clean and hopefully re-open on Friday, July 16 or Monday July 19. Carter said they would do a better job at in-take to prevent another outbreak.

The NCACC Annual Meeting is scheduled for August 26-29 in Pitt County.  Chairman Billy Ray Pait was named the voting delegate.

County Manager Greg Martin gave the Commissioners an update on EMS Vehicles. Most have well over 100,000.  EMS Director said the vehicles were checked and personnel recorded their findings on each vehicle when there was a shift change.  Martin reminded the Board they had held off on replacements while constructing a new EMS facility, scheduled to be completed in the fall of the year.

Martin also presented an update on road maintenance issues in the county prepared by H. L. "Drew" Cox, District Engineer of the Department of Transportation.