Halifax County approves $41,000 contingency payment for hydrilla control along Lake Gaston shoreline
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Summary
The Board of Commissioners approved an additional $41,000 to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council for hydrilla treatment along Halifax County shoreline, contingent on the council amending its budget with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.
Halifax County commissioners voted to provide an additional $41,000 to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council for hydrilla control along the county’s shoreline, but only if the council amends its budget with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to show the funds will be used strictly for hydrilla treatment.
The measure, moved by Commissioner Webb and seconded by Commissioner Silva, followed a legal briefing by County Attorney Gwen Rollins who said the county may provide additional matching funds if the council amends and DEQ accepts a larger project budget. Jeff Zimmer, identified at the meeting as a council treasurer, spoke at public comment to thank commissioners for the proposed funding.
County Attorney Rollins told commissioners that the county’s authority to increase its contribution depends on a grant agreement and a formal budget for the program that specifies how county funds will be spent and what will happen if money is underspent. Rollins advised that the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council’s budget would need to be amended and accepted by DEQ before the county could finalize a grant agreement for the additional funds.
Commissioner Webb made a motion “to provide an additional $41,000 to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council strictly for hydrilla along the Halifax County shoreline, contingent upon the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council amending their budget with the Department of Environmental Quality that will allow us to provide the additional funding.” Commissioner Silver seconded the motion. Following brief discussion the board voted and the clerk announced the motion passed unanimously.
The board’s action supplements earlier matching funds the county approved; Rollins and staff noted the new payment requires a grant agreement that specifies program work, spending controls, and reporting back to Halifax County staff. The county will not release the funds until DEQ has accepted the amended project budget and the county’s grant agreement is in place.
The item will be incorporated into a formal grant agreement that spells out project budget, reporting requirements and conditions for any unspent funds. The county attorney said staff would prepare the grant paperwork and return to the board if additional legal or contractual clarifications are needed.
