[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6671150,"mediaKeyId","2171567-0dc48b9231072d47f3649b4fdeec3676","parentId",2171567,"title","Votes at a glance: Columbus County Board of Commissioners actions on Dec. 2, 2024","audioSeconds",4568,"startMs",10000,"endMs",4578000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171567-0dc48b9231072d47f3649b4fdeec3676&start=10&end=4578","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171567-0dc48b9231072d47f3649b4fdeec3676/thumbnail_10000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6671150/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Columbus-County-Board-of-Commissioners-actions-on-Dec-2-2024","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671150-64fafde06ec467acf42469b19e4bc8e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770973740&Signature=VYYqn-FX6frLbRVYdcJ~R5trVa9Ba6o6p8He-St~cx52pVXS2~~~thWg9F92sYmef8OWoJHI-BF5OpULx~0G16n0Pg1f7WIl539wfviiHhOmNRz7cls6RIWpew9Jth7V6ZmFTmgaVZbLPqcuU8UI4RrjCq5LONy0KnhkX3oMzIyr56DQNm2CzhbimBXjIFNZVRyello7kt7Ljkm8QxgwjFFQVOdGC~HqxD-rQt7DugjXUOvLwcS0UzJluH6gB6XNt83-WmPBDE6H--AKxNtl8miePR07fxD76hUeQyUvyeX7RGDdRP~utjWorFWzpkY3py46lThr-RusVwt23uRg6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Columbus County","date","2025-01-01T05:07:43.693Z","article","Summary of formal actions taken by the Columbus County Board of Commissioners at the Dec. 2, 2024 meeting. This roundup lists each agenda action and the recorded outcome as reflected in the meeting transcript. Where the transcript did not record a roll-call tally, the item is listed as approved by voice vote or as noted.

- Reorganization: Commissioners held the reorganization votes for chair and vice chair; the standing chairman and vice-chair were retained per motion and roll-call.

- Approval of bonds: Motion to approve bonds was carried.

- Cancellation of Dec. 16 meeting: The board adopted a resolution cancelling the Dec. 16, 2024 meeting unless needed.

- Signatory resolution: The board approved the signatory resolution naming chairman and vice chairman as signatories for Columbus County.

- Award of bids: Approved awards for the 2022 essential single-family rehabilitation loan pool grant program as recommended by staff.

- Updated rules of procedure: The board approved updated rules of procedure that add the county website as a form of notification, citing compliance with N.C. Gen. Stat. 143-318.12.

- Airport grant (NCDOT): Approved a grant agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for automated weather operating system work, critical clearing and access road construction at the county airport.

- Sheriff vehicle and upfit (LESO funds): Approved using LESO/surplus funds to purchase and upfit a 2024 Tahoe through state contract.

- Opioid settlement contracts: Approved multiple contracts to be paid from the opioid settlement fund, including (a) ACT LLC management services (consultant to continue services), (b) South Brunswick Counseling Center for adult drug-court coordination, and (c) child-welfare software for the Department of Social Services.

- Planning ordinance amendments: Approved amendments to (a) set a uniform manufactured-home-park lot size of 10,000 square feet for future parks, (b) remove multifamily housing from the list of uses requiring special-use permits so that multifamily projects will be recommended by the planning board and come to the board of commissioners for final approval, (c) amend the definition of multifamily housing to explicitly include duplexes and larger structures, and (d) change the campground threshold from 15 to 2 campers and clarify occupancy-tax collection for stays under 90 days.

- Vape/tobacco/hemp retail ordinance: On second reading the board adopted amendments (see separate article) adding special-use-permit requirements, directing staff to study licensing/fee options and to propose an amortization schedule for existing businesses.

- North Campus metal building construction: Approved awarding the low bid and retaining construction services for a new metal building at the North Campus (storm-damaged replacement and related work).

- Budget amendments and finance items: Approved a set of budget amendments (transportation vehicle sales proceeds, DARE funds, sheriff vehicle repairs, attorney contractor services, 9-1-1 center grant reallocations) and approved resolution/agreements for deposit and investment account signing authority changes.

- Appointments: Approved a number of board, commission and advisory council appointments and reappointments across planning boards, regional hospital board, economic development commission and others (specific appointees listed by staff during the meeting).

- EDA waterline project: The board voted to table the EDA waterline extension project award to the next meeting.

- Adjournment: The board adjourned the meeting after commissioner comments.

Where available the transcript records voice votes with \"All in favor? Aye. All opposed? Motion passed.\" Individual roll-call votes were recorded for the reorganization agenda item.

Speakers quoted here are extracted from the meeting record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meeting 12-02-2024 (Part 1)","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of Commissioners approved multiple routine and programmatic items on Dec. 2, 2024 including reorganization, grant agreements, planning ordinance amendments, capital projects, contracts using opioid settlement funds and budget amendments. Several appointments were made; one EDA project was tabled.","taxTitle","Columbus County, North Carolina","taxId",58819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6671155,"Columbus County Health Department unveils 2025-2029 strategic plan; names obesity, substance use and lung cancer as top priorities",703,751000,1454000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171567-0dc48b9231072d47f3649b4fdeec3676&start=751&end=1454","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171567-0dc48b9231072d47f3649b4fdeec3676/thumbnail_751000.jpg","/articles/6671155/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Columbus-County-Health-Department-unveils-2025-2029-strategic-plan-names-obesity-substance-use-and-lung-cancer-as-top-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671155-d7786e158fa3e48b622f7759cad6434e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770973740&Signature=kO2Jny~IibHCHsU-CPR1Lm-wdOmnTRQSS6KOOuX7ayLX1txdjjpkVBW9sEhN-2Iycl~TzEvF414B5ICDhYgU~wM4oDc0343DGwPOC7ExrG50K3M0S4DKPMPjF3e9GYgzeBmJRFLuRr7tKSik3EYygNTQpup8AH23PGMzkgxmR8E3xZBCB19-Y~qo69~CZHVWm8lQRj2S~0cWqwoEr-QOe0H8bmdkin94DfK6LCGnFQjqLercGWkfARr5jhiUFhtLZBEvnMr7nWU9epU-4jRnTLSzBXvjG0GImUS2iUkKSE3kjaPGb6XtNXW6lF9ShCOVvij3ayYeehvdpsD3BK6CuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbus County Health Department presented its 2023 community health assessment and a new strategic plan for 2025 through 2029 during the Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 2.

Health department staff said the assessment, completed every four years with citizen input and secondary data sources, shows persistent challenges: poverty, a local life expectancy roughly six years shorter than the state average, limited access to specialty care, high adult obesity rates, elevated overdose death rates and a higher smoking prevalence (23%) than the state average. The department identified obesity, substance use and lung cancer as its top three priorities.

The health director told commissioners hard copies of the community health assessment are available at all county library branches and in the health department lobby; the assessment is also posted on the county and state public-health websites.

The department's strategic plan (2025'2029) sets a mission to prevent illness, promote wellness, protect the environment and educate the community while advancing equity and collaboration. Key strategies described include updating workforce development policy to recruit and promote internally, strengthened partnerships with faith-based organizations for obesity prevention, a social-media plan to raise awareness of public-health services, pursuing revenue and state legislative partnerships for facility improvements, and expanding opioid response efforts including an opioid task-force approach, grant-seeking and possible Narcan distribution strategies (including vending machines).

On lung cancer, the department said it will implement \"Catch My Breath,\" a school-based prevention program requested by local school systems, once staff training and coverage are in place. The health director noted the department's main facility was built in 1939 and said facility and infrastructure upgrades remain a priority.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the data vintages (staff said some data lag by 3'4 years) and about vaping policy work underway; planning staff at the same meeting were taking up zoning and retail regulation changes for vape shops. The health department indicated additional grant and program funding would be pursued to support the priorities listed in the strategic plan.

Speakers quoted below appeared during the health presentation and question period.","At the Dec. 2 Columbus County Board of Commissioners meeting, health department staff presented the 2023 community health assessment and a strategic plan for 2025'2029 that identifies obesity, substance use and lung cancer as primary priorities and proposes workforce development, Narcan access and school-based vaping prevention programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6671159,"Columbus County commissioners approve changes to vape, tobacco, hemp retail rules; add special-use permit, seek fee options",790,2446000,3236000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171567-0dc48b9231072d47f3649b4fdeec3676&start=2446&end=3236","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171567-0dc48b9231072d47f3649b4fdeec3676/thumbnail_2446000.jpg","/articles/6671159/Columbus-County/North-Carolina/Columbus-County-commissioners-approve-changes-to-vape-tobacco-hemp-retail-rules-add-special-use-permit-seek-fee-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6671159-1f88361a2282079bd76c5a29c6daa78c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770973740&Signature=BrXA6oNjLDh8i6BKMFC2723J7fiuBRwrSZtajbmJ7Zl41jL8IiscjbXlcgDEpR-5e7eHy85~GVhI0yiF3FFF5pkl4ycUz3~-vIMYI0yPjHq7O~5IOOSz4YwXMknz0AC~GRYTLxL-mBAAkURj8rJH6vxSgndEtH4NPXgD-yiFCwulUyuuGzpwVE-t1h7fhB1okAJonbElzVf978N8~zIvilAZM3~VhKusIYI8oKLbLEVDcBzMyMccbuCkCHbTWW6kXKniI3AawQXsMaiPfDUpHHFLAXG9bq-qTPzXIJN5gaF2jDcWxuVsFucCiJCWlI9X13kn6VN2~sZDNxvohWV6hA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 2 to adopt amendments to the county's vape, tobacco and hemp retail shop ordinance that lower the allowable product threshold, add a special-use permit requirement for retailers and ask staff to propose licensing or fee options.

Board members debated changes at length before the final vote, with commissioners describing concerns about youth access, jurisdictional limits on taxation and enforcement mechanisms. The board directed county staff and legal counsel to investigate the county's authority to impose fees and to return with recommended language and an implementation (amortization) schedule for existing businesses to come into compliance.

The ordinance change follows several months of discussion. Planning staff presented the ordinance for a second reading and recommended approval as presented. Several commissioners then pushed to reduce the fraction of retail product allowed for vape sales from the ordinance's existing threshold to as low as 1 percent or 0 percent, and to require a special-use permit so the county would have a formal process to track and regulate those businesses.

Commissioner comments were sharply focused on enforcement and local impacts. Commissioner Gary Byrd and Commissioner Ricky Bullard pressed for stricter limits and a licensing mechanism or fee to help fund enforcement and educational programs; Bullard explicitly proposed lowering the allowed vape-percentage to 1 percent and adding a special-use permit requirement. County staff and the county attorney told the board they would research whether the county may legally impose an annual license fee and, if so, recommend a fee schedule.

County legal guidance cited limits on certain taxing powers at the state level and recommended any fee be tied to statutory authority. The board also instructed staff to prepare notice and an amortization schedule for existing businesses so the public and affected retailers understand the timeline for compliance once the ordinance is adopted.

The board's action establishes zoning-based restrictions (special-use permitting) and initiates work by planning and legal staff on possible licensing or fee language, enforcement steps and public notifications. The amended ordinance sets a process for the county to require permits for retail operations selling vape, tobacco and hemp products and to pursue a fee schedule if state law permits.

The county attorney and planning staff will return with draft fee language and implementation details at a later meeting; the board did not set a specific fee or final annual license amount on Dec. 2.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the ordinance discussion or during the second-reading agenda item and are listed below.","The Columbus County Board of Commissioners adopted amendments to a vape/tobacco/hemp retail ordinance on Dec. 2, 2024, lowering the allowable product-percentage threshold, adding a special-use permit requirement and directing staff to study licensing or fee options and enforcement, including an amortization schedule for existing businesses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Columbus County Board of Commissioners actions on Dec. 2, 2024

Columbus County Health Department unveils 2025-2029 strategic plan; names obesity, substance use and lung cancer as top priorities

Columbus County commissioners approve changes to vape, tobacco, hemp retail rules; add special-use permit, seek fee options