Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Currituck County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues with low priority
Corolla wild horse protection
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund reported a strong year: about 115 wild horses, twelve foals, zero horses hit by vehicles, and its first-ever state appropriation for habitat preservation. A new three-year strategic plan focuses on protecting habitat, since there is nowhere left for the horses to go.
Firearms allowed at authorized county park events
A code amendment now lets county-sponsored or manager-authorized events — think a gun show or a Civil War reenactment — include firearms in county parks, approved case by case with facility use agreements covering insurance and security.
FBLA leadership conference trip to Washington DC
Students from Currituck County High and JP Knapp will attend the FBLA Fall Leadership Conference in Washington DC, November 4-7, traveling by Amtrak.
Holiday Parade Participation
The animal services advisory board will take part in the Currituck holiday parade, with a planning meeting on November 6 at the Animal Shelter. It's a fun way to showcase adoptable pets and shelter volunteers to the community.
Mackey Island Fish and Wildlife Meeting
Fish and Wildlife will present its response to community input on Mackey Island improvements on Wednesday, October 7, at 6 p.m. at Knotts Island Elementary School.
NC Forest Service Annual Report
Ranger Will Rose reported 53 fire calls including 39 wildfires, $21 million in protected property value, and 444 acres of forest management plans for the past fiscal year.
Poplar Branch boat access oversight
A new commission — with five resident members and Commissioner Payment as the board's liaison — will oversee the Poplar Branch boat access facility.
Currituck Education Foundation Teacher Store
The teacher store opened for beginning teachers this week and to all staff next week, offering free classroom supplies funded by community donations and a Currituck BBQ fundraiser.
Farmers Market Voucher Program
Currituck seniors got 20 sets of farmers market vouchers, 14 already used. A second trip to the Edenton Farmers Market is set for August 19, and every voucher must be spent by September 1.
Kamstrup Water Meter Purchase
A sole-source purchase of Kamstrup water metering equipment from Fortiline Waterworks was on the agenda for county water system operations.
Meeting schedule change to second Thursdays
Board member Jay Laughmiller wants meetings moved to the second Thursday of each month starting in September, skipping the busy July season. Residents who attend or follow meetings should note the new dates.
Moyock Branch staffing vacancy
Mercedes resigned from the Moyock Branch, and the board is weighing three applicants for the job. Filling the position keeps services running smoothly at Moyock.
Unauthorized use of county seal
Since counties can no longer trademark their seals, a new ordinance makes unauthorized use of the Currituck County seal a code violation with fines and criminal penalties — aimed at people falsely holding themselves out as county officials. Second reading pending.
Resubmittal rules for denied applications
A state-law-driven cleanup: denied or withdrawn applications can be refiled immediately, though evidentiary-hearing cases still must show substantial changes.
US 168/158 Corridor Cleanliness
Former commissioner Mary Etheridge urged the Board to keep cleaning the highway corridor and to avoid rezonings and tattoo parlors that could hurt its appearance.
Exemption for county-owned minor utilities
The county wants its own small water and sewer pump stations exempt from setback, parking and landscaping rules so it can build them on tight highway easements, including one across from the high school. The board recommended approval 4-0.
New Library Director position
The county created and approved a job description for a Library Director position through the consent agenda.
Solar property tax exclusion under review
Commissioner Breathwaite reported that the NC Association of County Commissioners is pushing to eliminate the 80% tax exclusion on solar property — a change worth an estimated $755,000 a year to Currituck. The county manager will verify the figures.
Transfer station permit process text amendment
The county sponsored a text amendment changing the required permit process for public convenience center/transfer station sites, approved through the consent agenda.