[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6581406,"mediaKeyId","3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d","parentId",3141173,"title","Tourism budget cut draws criticism as outside-agency requests face board review","audioSeconds",261,"startMs",9680000,"endMs",9941000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d&start=9680&end=9941","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d/thumbnail_9680000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6581406/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Tourism-budget-cut-draws-criticism-as-outside-agency-requests-face-board-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581406-11da62ff9839a7df370f9d8792d3c084/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135956&Signature=RK~twMgIF6H~hLWRQxaIvC~E5NIJieHExbd86sozSp9MAAiTMEz5jTHLstTpjEI-9LtwAsyTb2-7Wqt9ouakl9ThqSNzi7oKCYJIW3~b1tI9DgLgCQgL96B-y2Rw4b~RhBN5z4GUYfbuOagaw~nDTu7WJOTpjDb5V0pmn8x25IHX5iCgHOwlqKSoa3pC2RqvZQeJK54hLas-Dsn39smv-uWHPi4uKLcVJmAdcePs~dpc9r~ZCDDUGQhvr2MBcGoJa4zl7imhIpB772zFHiUiAFEL3TA3i8mcLtAo-IC~m906WQFO~fUyfru-vL3tLEUnfU-t-yakCxDLx~GdeZ6vSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pender County","date","2025-04-29T00:28:38.237Z","article","The workshop turned to tourism and outside-agency allocations late in the session, with tourism staff and a TDA board member pressing the board to retain funding for the county’s tourism office.

Tourism Director Olivia said the tourism office was told its county funding had been zeroed out in the draft budget level under review. She described tourism work as broad and ongoing: destination marketing, partnerships with Visit North Carolina, heritage and outdoor promotion, visitor guides, social-media promotion and event support. \"Tourism and agriculture top industry in our county,\" Olivia said, and noted the office mailed tens of thousands of visitor guides last year and recorded more than 3,000 website requests.

TDA member Miles Bielick told the board he was surprised by both the small TDA marketing budget historically and the proposed cut. He said the county collects roughly $4.47 million to $4.5 million in room occupancy tax countywide in 2024, but Pender County’s unincorporated portion contributed only about $44,000 to the county marketing line under prior arrangements. He urged commissioners to consider that tourism promotion supports a significant portion of the county’s economy and to weigh the return on even modest marketing budgets.

Board discussion then turned to outside‑agency funding. Finance staff provided the packet of outside-agency requests and a tally of prior funding. Commissioners and staff noted the long-standing list of non‑profit and agency requests and asked for clarity on which items are legally required, grant‑funded pass‑throughs, or discretionary sponsorships. The packet includes recurring pass-through items (for example, state grant pass-throughs and water‑district funding) as well as discretionary requests; staff estimated total outside-agency requests at roughly $2.5 million at the draft level.

Why it matters: tourism marketing and outside-agency allocations draw on occupancy-tax and general-fund resources; decisions affect marketing for the county’s visitor economy and funding for local non‑profits and service providers.

What's next: commissioners asked staff to separate statutory or committed pass-through items from discretionary grants, and asked each commissioner to review the outside-agency spreadsheet and indicate preferences ahead of the next workshop.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 28, 2025 Board of Commissioners Budget Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners reviewed a recommended budget that removes county funding for the tourism office and considered roughly $2.5 million in outside-agency funding requests; tourism and TDA board members warned the cut would hamper marketing for a sector the county estimates at roughly $200 million in annual economic activity.","taxTitle","Pender County, North Carolina","taxId",75713,"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},6581410,"Departments seek reclasses, scanning contracts and vehicle replacements in Pender County budget workshop",5790,1593000,7383000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d&start=1593&end=7383","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d/thumbnail_1593000.jpg","/articles/6581410/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Departments-seek-reclasses-scanning-contracts-and-vehicle-replacements-in-Pender-County-budget-workshop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581410-5c54395ba49ab5014c870c0a32164575/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135956&Signature=aus5A4yWZpIqBrgnHfRp2MQjZMf~ddZyqTEuudz~pLFYrLATTax-1ZTVPaDd~emeGIiWJfGXg4c3-DRWsGcBxwEj354AmuADeqGWGDJoZa4aMxUCkR-5a8DUNotRIWIahj2FOrKw3jcxUm02bN~gF-A9-luNaT5lhRJ2xAKx6ICpw5geI~l4e9qFOBkgHoViIRo3nRHFGttLbWEUDYQjbxUMIeyAsZHnWhLwF8DqhbkfoQLfFWrV37oBZo80bJqDTLhD~3Dvnhka-C06d9Xv9b~x7fkvTOoNYr3O9OJR~spFNm7fjShRGKm5LyB2fdtlknGZLtbV1hZNlN9XNm1Q9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple department heads reviewed their FY26 requests during the workshop, highlighting reclassifications, contracted services, equipment and program shifts.

DSS and human services: Amy, identified as the DSS director, explained their packet and that one of their larger contracted services is a multi‑phase scanning contract with Scan America tied to the department’s move to a paperless case-management system. \"We're also required to have two different portals to store information,\" Amy said, describing a migration to NC Path and use of LaserFISH. She noted the state reimburses portions of program costs and invoices are coded to programs for reimbursement.

DSS showed two vehicle replacements that meet county policy; staff said one vehicle is totaled and the other qualifies for up to 50% state reimbursement after state approval of mileage/condition. Reclasses for IMC caseworkers (IMC2→grade 6 and IMC3→grade 7) were included.

Health department: Donna Ramos, the department financial lead, summarized relcass requests for public-health nurse positions (nurse II→III) and a mosquito-control technician moving from part‑time to full‑time. Two mosquito vehicles that had been requested were cut from this budget level; health staff noted vehicle prices and supply constraints and said the general‑fund contribution to health increased by about $480,000 year over year—mostly for salary adjustments and step/COLA increases.

Elections: Election staff requested reclassifications for three positions, asked to preserve an administrative-assistant slot with a future reclassification to an elections coordinator, and pressed for improved building security and equipment storage. Staff cited extreme election‑season workloads and said the registrar’s office handled about 75.86% turnout in the prior election cycle and processed thousands of early ballots.

IT and cybersecurity: IT Director Marcel requested two cybersecurity enhancements (one about $70,000) and reclasses for two staff (technical-support specialist 2 → 3; GIS analyst → senior GIS). Marcel said some network hardware is approaching end-of-life and asked for replacements to maintain 24/7 support at critical facilities (libraries, sheriff’s office, health department, county buildings).

Library and archives: Library director Alan summarized a relatively steady budget; a requested youth-services position for the Hampstead branch did not make it to this budget level. Staff noted that archival research traffic is low in daily foot traffic, though users that visit often spend extended time on-site.

Veterans, extension and other small departments: Veterans director Michelle Leach asked for continued outreach resources and said the office will add a third position mid‑May; Extension staff requested keeping a part‑time program assistant but said they may need a full‑time role in the future as 4‑H and Master Gardener activity grows.

Why it matters: departmental staffing, contracted services and capital‑replacement decisions determine service levels and operating costs; several large items were deferred to lower budget levels or removed for further consideration.

What's next: staff will return with any revised cost numbers and additional supporting material where requested (comparative salary data, detailed contracts, vehicle replacement justifications).","Health, social services, elections, IT, library, veterans and extension staff presented budget requests including staff reclassifications, contract scanning, cybersecurity enhancements and vehicle replacements; several vehicle and equipment requests were deferred or cut.",{"_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},6581415,"Commissioners and staff spar over 3% COLA, step increases and shift away from merit raises",312,1804000,2116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d&start=1804&end=2116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d/thumbnail_1804000.jpg","/articles/6581415/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Commissioners-and-staff-spar-over-3-COLA-step-increases-and-shift-away-from-merit-raises","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581415-bcadee2920c4ab88ed1bae81b60c8dad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135956&Signature=hMNPcDzqR30YZet8l5jSIBSIbUl9Z5oUDXOGr6TlCpG3QXzMLgOcXq0ZAn8E3rLdVdnIwmS4YLc3q-YJnmelhLEJcVIECF5zA6AS98kp8r9spJ4DLUQl1tIyF21SWdxx5Oj2nbYMamQ2GRQ6x4eDtnNY8gqBqjt1G7cy0mWCvFETnlRE3NEurGBdmPEdkXO7ZgkzB93GvPkhHpDEYAxsrIhKrGfKXkEe47L8oSOCa05NoVp-SGn4gsYJj7V8QPS2C06o0fIDp6fUguD48c1yfYpY11inSeCIBFLJf4G1CHbu~wxNszAaP56AUE1KLX6HWbVcPABOJA~~eXBNN7uK1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners spent a sustained portion of the workshop on pay policy, longevity steps and merit pay, pressing staff for comparative data and alternatives to an across‑the‑board cost‑of‑living adjustment.

Interim County Manager Miss Blue told the board that the draft budget factors a 3% COLA and \"a 1 step for anyone that's been here longer than a year as of 07/01/2025,\" the step equating to about 1.25 percent for eligible employees. Miss Blue said the 3% figure tracks the consumer price index for the Southeast region.

Several commissioners questioned whether a uniform COLA sufficiently addresses retention and pay compression. One commissioner said, \"3% does not — most people won't see a big difference in their paycheck,\" arguing for greater emphasis on targeted, merit-based increases for high-performing or hard-to-retain roles.

Managers and HR staff pushed back on merit-only systems, describing prior experience with subjective evaluations that produced uneven outcomes across departments. Miss Blue and HR staff said prior merit pools were difficult to administer consistently and often created perceived inequities; HR is preparing a revised personnel policy and a uniform career‑development framework meant to standardize reclassifications, merit criteria and career-path steps across departments.

HR Director Pam said the county is working on a uniform career development approach and will present a draft policy for board review. Commissioners asked HR to include comparative salary tables — especially for positions where turnover is highest (for example, social services and public safety) — and to propose a tuition/education reimbursement structure that could be applied countywide.

Why it matters: compensation policy affects recruitment, retention and the county’s budgetary commitments. Commissioners requested comparative data and asked staff to return with options (merit pools, step increases, targeted reclasses) before finalizing the budget.

What's next: HR will finalize a personnel policy update and present comparative salary analysis and recommendations for tuition‑reimbursement ceilings for board review.","At the budget workshop commissioners pressed staff on a proposed 3% cost-of-living increase and a 1.25% step for eligible employees; commissioners and managers debated merit-based raises vs. step/grade reclassifications and asked staff to provide comparative salary data for peer counties.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6581420,"Pender County finance staff point to sharp rise in interest income as they begin budget workshop",96,1024000,1120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d&start=1024&end=1120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141173-10c79f672cc327547dc9db93b3624c9d/thumbnail_1024000.jpg","/articles/6581420/Pender-County/North-Carolina/Pender-County-finance-staff-point-to-sharp-rise-in-interest-income-as-they-begin-budget-workshop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581420-9901a5527c0df398596079be76670b6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135956&Signature=lfhzLJGV7D1YVJZy0E-hHUyNJLyPzacQUARF3VXZBEC3gMSvr6x8AMWKPbLNJuIlhr2UvH4Vvbz4kD7~jTG~0Ua6XZyMfwmEIxK5elMRG0HwuOH1zSlcv0HD3mSGpj9mG3ZhBhiwPbgNRJyEJ7WU8dWbn~ktWSiQFaNXDiABO3drB1RQ2NkCdw2W-2izIYr9LxbNdC1rEA1SNfzJ7vX3htOcqfWr~UZSphEMLVW66lQ6XwKDIhFWHCnOrWT6QgbslgDa9Z2RoKyW4~Yei5gciStoWhG3DgyOPPZzUFlelI23qUtfSrLsfUYhvTAfbsAzz0NncfPBRByvScEcfaX1kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Interim County Manager Miss Blue opened a multi-department budget workshop by walking commissioners through revenue forecasting and highlighted a large, recent rise in interest income.

\"One of the biggest changes over the last couple of years is going to be interest earned,\" Miss Blue said. \"A couple of years ago, it was as little as $9,000 because that's what interest rates were giving us. Now we're up to nearly $5,000,000 a year, in interest income alone.\" She said the county invests idle cash with North County Capital Management Trust and typically keeps about $100 million to $130 million invested while keeping minimal cash in checking for operations.

Miss Blue said revenue lines were forecasted using a mix of department-provided projections, historical averages and adjustments for one-time items. She noted the county’s tax revenues are tracked in a separate spreadsheet but that Munis, the county’s accounting software, consolidates revenue and expenditure data. \"All of this is included in Munis,\" she said.

Finance staff told the board they consult the county’s investment manager on near-term interest forecasts and incorporate those views into the budget model. They also described treating large, nonrecurring items—such as major permit or inspection fees tied to a specific project—by excluding them from recurring-year forecasts.

Why it matters: interest income at this level affects general-fund capacity and can reduce the pressure on property-tax increases or increase one-time spending capacity, but it also depends on how long elevated rates persist and how much cash the county keeps available for operations.

What's next: staff will continue to refine the revenue forecast and the separate tax spreadsheet and present department-level requests against that forecast as the workshop continues.","Finance staff told commissioners that interest income has grown from roughly $9,000 to nearly $5 million a year as higher market rates and county investments drive a large change in revenue forecasts for the coming budget cycle.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tourism budget cut draws criticism as outside-agency requests face board review

Departments seek reclasses, scanning contracts and vehicle replacements in Pender County budget workshop

Commissioners and staff spar over 3% COLA, step increases and shift away from merit raises

Pender County finance staff point to sharp rise in interest income as they begin budget workshop