Posts written by Terry Hobgood

Notice of Filing Period for Soil and Water District Supervisor

Posted June 5, 2024

The filing period for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor will begin on Monday, June 10, 2024 at noon and end on Friday, July 5, 2024 at noon.  The Granville County Board of Elections office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and will not close for lunch.  The Board of Elections office will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in observance of Independence Day. Please note that the Board of Elections office has moved to 208 Wall Street, Oxford, NC. 

There is one Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor seat up for reelection.  The filing fee is $5.00.  Anyone with questions about filing may contact the Granville County Board of Elections office at 919-693-2515.   

Board of Commissioners Meeting Recap – June 3, 2024

Posted June 5, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, June 3 at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center. The meeting featured the approval of the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget, and the appointment of Karen Evans as the new Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners.

The fiscal year 2024-2025 budget was approved as recommended by the County Manager by a vote of 6-1, with Commissioner Russ May voting in opposition. The $87,236,613 operating budget provides for investments in employee salaries and benefits, expands the County’s EMS capabilities, and addresses capital needs across the County as well as at Granville County Public Schools and Vance-Granville Community College.  The 2024-2025 budget is supported by a county property tax rate of $0.631 per $100 valuation; this is a reduced rate from the current $0.84 per $100 valuation, although it is $.09 higher than the revenue neutral rate of $0.54.

To expand and enhance fire protection across the County, and with the support and counsel of the Granville County Fire Commission, the Fire Protection Service District tax rate will remain at $0.06 per $100 valuation, which represents a $.021 increase above the revenue neutral rate of $.039.

The full budget document is available to view on the Granville County website HERE.

Karen Evans was formally appointed to fill the role of Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and Chair Timothy Karan administered the Oath of Office. Evans was originally hired in September 2023 as Deputy Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and succeeds outgoing Clerk to the Board Debra Weary who will retire from Granville County on June 30.

Other business conducted on June 3 included:

– An update from Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) President Dr. Rachel Desmaris on the state of VGCC including the planned Advanced Manufacturing Center at the Triangle North Granville Business Park.

– An update from Granville County Search and Recovery.

– Approval of special amendments to the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget for Granville County’s allocations to Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM) and Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start. Those allocations could not be approved in the regular budget ordinance due to Commissioner Sue Hinman serving as Executive Director of ACIM and Commissioner Tony Cozart’s role as Executive Director of Franklin-Granville-Vance Smart Start. Both recused themselves from voting on their organization’s funding allocation.

– Approval of six resolutions at the request of the Granville County Board of Education supporting their requests to the State of North Carolina for changes to school safety funding, changes to the English as a Second Language (ESL) entry/exit criteria, request for funding allocation for required devices to conduct state testing, request for additional funding for Exceptional Children Services, supporting professional development in linguistics and financial consideration for the ESL program, and supporting changes to state retirement restrictions for educators.

– Approval of a contract with the Granville County Board of Education for the purchase of the former G.C. Hawley Middle School on Hawley School Road in Creedmoor. The agreement includes stipulations that Granville County will take on all expenses for demolition and hazard abatement, that the site will honor the legacy G.C. Hawley and the school itself, and that any future facilities constructed on the site will allow priority usage by Granville County Public Schools (GCPS). The contract also commits Granville County to increase capital outlay funding to meet the repair and renovation needs of other GCPS schools.

– Approval of a financial consulting services contract with Davenport & Company, LLC.

– Approval of a maintenance contract and support agreements with Southern Software, Inc. for various software and hardware at the Granville County Emergency Communications Center.

– Reappointing Jennifer Currin (District 2), Andrea Westcott (District 4), and Angela Gooch (District 6) to the Animal Control Advisory Committee.

– Appointing David Hinton (District 2) and Randy Green (District 5) to the Citizens Advisory Committee for Environmental Affairs.

– Reappointing Ronnie Boyd (District 2), Harriet Morton (District 4), and Allan Strickland (District 6) to the Veterans Affairs Committee.

– Appointing William Lyon (District 7) to the Granville County Planning Board.

– Approval of budget amendment #11 for fiscal year 2023-2024.

– Approval of realignment of assigned fund balance for economic and physical development.

– Approval of request for lottery funding for school construction.

– Approval of tax refunds, releases, and write-offs for May 7, 2024, to May 20, 2024.

– Approval of Board of Commissioners meeting minutes for April 15, 2024.

– Approval of revisions to the Granville County Personnel Policy.

The next meeting of the Granville County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Monday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Granville County Convention and Expo Center.

To stay informed about upcoming meetings of the Board of Commissioners, visit the Granville County website at www.granvillecounty.org where you can sign up for the “Sunshine List” and follow the county on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GranvilleCountyGov.

Request for Proposals – Street Sign Installation

Posted June 3, 2024

Pursuant to North Carolina Gen. Stat. §143-131, Granville County (“County”) is requesting informal bid proposals from qualified vendors to install county street signs within the County. The purpose of this request for proposals (“RFP”) is to obtain informal bids is to select a qualified bidder (the “Bidder”) for the installation of street signs and storage of street sign materials and hardware. It is the County’s objective to select a bidder (the “Service Provider”)based on this RFP and recommend to the Granville County Board of Commissioners the award of a three-year contract. All labor, equipment, supplies, insurance and permits necessary to meet the requirements of this RFP shall be included in this quote.

Electronic copies are preferred and should be forwarded by email to: david.schexnayder@granvillecounty.org with an email subject line of “Granville County – RFP – Street Sign Installation.”

Paper copies will also be accepted and can be submitted to the Attention of the Management Analyst at P.O. Box 906, Oxford NC (mail) or 104 Belle Street, Oxford NC (hand-delivered). Postmarks will not be considered as eligibility in meeting the due date. All proposals must be received on or before the due date in order to be considered.

The County invites and encourages participation in this procurement process by minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and businesses owned by disabled persons.

The designated individual responsible for coordination of the RFQ is:

David Schexnayder
Management Analyst
104 Belle Street | P.O. Box 906
Oxford, NC 27565 (984) 256-1500
david.schexnayder@granvillecounty.org

The final deadline to submit proposals is 4:00 p.m. on July 1, 2024.

Download the full RFP at this link.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Notice – June 3, 2024

Posted May 31, 2024

The Granville County Board of Commissioners will meet at the Granville County Convention & Expo Center, 4185 Highway 15, Oxford, NC on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. for the regular scheduled meeting.   A copy of the agenda can be found at this link.    

Any questions should be directed to Debra Weary, Clerk to the Board, at 919-603-1307 or emailed to  debra.weary@granvillecounty.org 

Please take notice that the Board will gather immediately before the meeting to share a light meal.  No business will be discussed.

Board of Elections Meeting Notice – June 4, 2024

Posted May 31, 2024

The Granville County Board of Elections will meet on June 4, 2024 from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the Board of Elections office located at 208 Wall Street, Oxford NC to consider a request to move the Creedmoor precinct from GC Hawley Middle School (former Creedmoor Elementary School location) to the Creedmoor Community Center.  The Board will also meet in closed session for the Director’s review.  If they do not finish on June 4, 2024 by 5:00 pm, they will recess and reconvene on June 6, 2024 at 2:30 pm and end the meeting at 5:00 pm.  If they complete everything on June 4, 2024, the June 6, 2024 meeting will be cancelled.

Granville DSS Recognizes Foster Parents

Posted May 30, 2024

Granville County Department of Social Services (DSS) recognized the work of local foster parents and DSS staff on Wednesday, May 29 at the Granville Athletic Park (GAP). The event was organized by the DSS Foster Care Unit and featured a meal catered by Homestead Steakhouse that provided the opportunity for foster families to build community and camaraderie while enjoying an evening at the GAP.

Social Services Board and County Board of Commissioners members Sue Hinman and Tony Cozart were joined by Commissioner Zelodis Jay and Guardian Ad Litem coordinator Samantha Branch to thank foster families for their work protecting and housing some of the most vulnerable members of our community. They also recognized the work of DSS staff, particularly those who work most closely with children in foster care in the Child Protective Services and Foster Care units.

Granville County, along with all other counties in North Carolina, is always seeking additional qualified adults interested in completing the foster parent training program. For more information, contact Lama Elkhatib by email at lama.elkhatib@granvillecounty.org or by calling 919-693-1511.

Notice of Tourism Development Authority Budget Hearing – June 26, 2024

Posted May 29, 2024

All interested persons, please take notice that the Granville County Tourism Development Authority will meet Wednesday, June 26, at 2:00 p.m. to conduct regular business and hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025.

The meeting will take place at Granville Expo Center located on 4185 US-15, Oxford, NC and there will be a Microsoft Teams phone/video conference link for the meeting.

Participants need to register with Tourism Director, Angela Allen by June 21st to be given access via Microsoft Teams.

Allen can be contacted by email at angela.allen@granvillecounty.org or by calling 919-693-6125.

Animal Management Hosts Rabies Clinic

Posted May 29, 2024

Several times a year, Granville County Animal Management holds clinics to provide free rabies vaccinations for pets across the county. The last clinic was held at Corinth Volunteer Fire Department in May 2024, and over a three-hour period, volunteers administered vaccines to 103 dogs and cats.

Rabies vaccines are required by the State of North Carolina for all pets, and it is a very simple way to protect your pet from wild animals and ensure that they are not a danger to other pets, your family, or neighbors. The Corinth event was made possible with the assistance of the dedicated Corinth firefighters who provided space and staff for traffic control. Animal shelter volunteers Sara Jones, Michael Page, Dr. Trudi Bowden, and Kacey Katz as well as Animal Management staff Carlos Landrau, Lauren Mangin, and Kellie Page also helped make this event a success.

Vaccinations are available at the Granville County Animal Shelter for $6 and appointments are recommended. Free clinics are also held throughout the year. For more information, visit the Granville County Animal Shelter website at this link or call 919-693-6749. The Animal Shelter is located at 515 New Commerce Drive in Oxford and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Extension Master Gardeners Tour NC State Plant Sciences Building

Posted May 23, 2024

Members of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association of Granville and Person County (EMGVAGP) recently enjoyed a field trip to Raleigh to visit the State Farmers Market and NC State’s Plant Sciences Building (PSB) on NC State’s Centennial Campus. Members had the opportunity to shop and have lunch at the market before conducting their monthly business meeting and taking a tour of PSB.

The tour included a visit to the rooftop greenhouses that we are tall enough for tree height plant research, observation of students working in state-of-the-art labs, growth/atmospheric chambers for plant research, and makerspaces. The group also learned about partnerships with numerous departments on N.C. State’s campus regarding plant science research.  The Extension Master Gardener Volunteers also discovered how the NC State Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI) allows growing companies to use PSI lab spaces to research their products.

The group ended their day with an ice cream treat at NC State’s Howling Cow Creamery.

Interested in becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer? The next training for folks in Granville and Person counties begins August 8th. For more information, contact Extension agent Johnny Coley (johnny_coley@ncsu.edu) or visit the group’s Facebook page (Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association of Granville/Person County) at this link: https://www.facebook.com/granvilleandperson.mastergardeners/

Request for Proposals – Fire Department Agreed Upon Procedures Report

Posted May 23, 2024

Granville County is accepting proposals from qualified CPA firms to provide agreed-upon procedures reports based on a review of cash receipts, disbursements, and changes in cash balances (“Agreed-Upon Procedures Reports”) for up to twelve non-profit volunteer fire departments. We invite your firm to submit a proposal to us by 2:00 p.m. June 14, 2024, for consideration. A description of the organizations, the services needed, and other pertinent information follows.

Granville County funds twelve non-profit volunteer fire departments from the Fire Department Service District tax fund. Granville County contracts with each of these departments to provide fire suppression service in their respective district on an annual basis. This Agreed-Upon Procedures Report requirement is part of the contract with these agencies to be conducted yearly. Granville County will provide reimbursement to each of these departments for an Agreed-Upon Procedures Report.  The selected CPA firm will contract directly with each department.  Departments are not required to use the CPA firm selected by the County as a result of this RFP and may use another CPA firm of their choice.

Beginning with fiscal year 2023-2024, the Fire Department agrees to present to Granville County an annual agreed-upon procedures report based on a review of cash receipts, disbursements, and changes in cash balances prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by an independent certified public accountant for the preceding fiscal year no later than 5:00 PM on the last working day of December of the current fiscal year. The Fire Department is responsible for making a good faith effort to submit their data to the CPA in accordance with this timeline. Granville County will issue a request for proposals (RFP) for certified public accounting firms to provide the above-described agreed upon procedures reports for those departments that wish to contract with the selected accounting firm. The County will reimburse each department from the Granville County General Fund, subject to appropriation by the Granville County Board of Commissioners, for the agreed upon procedures review up to the amount offered by the firm responding to the RFP.

The proposal should be submitted by 2:00 p.m., June 14, 2024, at the Granville County Finance Office, 141 Williamsboro Street, Oxford, NC 27565 and be clearly marked “Response to RFP for VFD Financial Review”. The proposals will be opened at that time. All inquiries and submissions are to be directed in writing to: Jennifer Baird, Finance Director, at the above address. The Finance Office will review the proposals and make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on July 1, 2024, at which time the contract will be awarded.

Download the full RFP at this link.