FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting held at 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2025, in Room 118 the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. Agendas and supporting materials are available at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.
Chairman Kirk deViere highlighted the first day of the new school year and recognized August birthdays, including Commissioner Dr. Jeannette Council and Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips.
Commissioner Glenn Adams led the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones recognized the Sandhills Purple Heart Dinner held on Aug. 23, 2025, honoring Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families. She commended Clerk to the Board Andrea Tebbe for her role in planning the event and noted her recent appointment as State Chair of the Purple Heart Foundation of North Carolina.
RECOGNITIONS
The Board recognized:
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Planning and Inspections Department for the Marvin Collins Honorable Mention Award: The Planning & Inspections Department received a 2025 Marvin Collins Honorable Mention Award for its North Central Area Land Use Plan, developed fully in-house; a first in recent history. The plan was one of nearly 50 statewide submissions recognized by the NC Chapter of the American Planning Association.
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Retired Chief Building Inspector Michael Naylor: The Board recognized of Chief Building Inspector Michael Naylor who is retiring at the end of August after 22 years of service to the county. Planning and Inspections Director Rawls Howard presented Mr. Naylor with a plaque recognizing his time with the county and his outstanding service and career.
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County Building Inspectors: The Building Inspections Division received the NC Building Inspectors Association’s Special Service Award for their response to Hurricane Helene. Inspectors conducted more than 2,200 assessments in a short period to ensure public safety. The Board recognized Inspectors Gilbert Sanchez, Terry Streets, Kim Cannizzaro, and Chase Lloyd for their dedication and professionalism.
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County Departments for NACo Awards: Cumberland County received 17 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in 2025, as well as recognition as a Top Digital County in its population category. Awards highlighted innovative programs in public health, emergency management, finance, public information, library services, and technology. The Board commended employees for their contributions to service excellence. Highlights included:
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Leveraging Social Media for Engagement: The Public Information Office’s bold approach to short-form video and social media led to a 611% increase in engagement, broadening community outreach and visibility.
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Cumberland County Baby Store: An innovative health incentive program providing essential baby supplies in exchange for attending critical maternal and child health appointments, aimed at reducing infant mortality rates.
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Connected Care Program: A holistic, multi-department initiative addressing social determinants of health through coordinated care for vulnerable families.
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Cumberland County Healthy Conversations: A unique partnership with local barbershops and salons to bring health education directly into the community.
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C-FORT and Partner Portal: A coordinated opioid response effort that has reduced opioid-related ER visits and strengthened community collaboration through a custom-built digital platform.
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CumberlandONE: A comprehensive digital transformation strategy enhancing resident services, internet access, and equity in government interactions.
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Employee Childcare Center & Ignite Internship Program: Workforce-focused programs supporting county employees and developing future public service leaders.
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Miller’s Brew at Café West: A Public Library partnership providing job training and employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.
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Soldiers to Agriculture: A Cooperative Extension partnership with Fort Bragg to provide soldiers transitioning out of the military and veterans the opportunity to participate in a five-week program designed for active-duty military (within 180 days of retiring), veterans and spouses that have chosen agriculture as their next career.
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WIC on Ft. Bragg: A Public Health Partnership with Fort Bragg Public Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center to address health disparities using data-driven strategies.
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Community Navigator: A Public Library position designed to address the increasing and evolving needs of the local community.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
A public comment period was held.
1. AGENDA
The Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes:
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Addition of Consent Agenda item AC, Proclamation to Recognize Black Breastfeeding Week August 25-31, 2025.
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Removal of Public Hearing item 4A, CASE # ZON-25-0017.
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Removal of Item of Business 5B, Proclamation Honoring Chief Owen Harris.
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Removal of the Closed Session.
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Addition of a directive to the Clerk to the Board to create a Proclamation recognizing deceased Town of Wade Community Fire Department Chief Linwood Hill to be presented to his family during the Fire Department Honors and graveside service on August 28, 2025.
2. PRESENTATION
The Public Information Office shared a short video summarizing the FY2026 Adopted Budget, highlighting funding priorities and investments. The video is available on the County website, social media, CCNC-TV Spectrum Channel 5, and can be viewed on the county’s YouTube channel.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
The Board unanimously approved the following consent items unless otherwise noted:
A. Approval of a Proclamation Honoring Battalion Chief Calvin Bishop
B. Approval of a Proclamation Honoring Chief Owen Harris
C. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Cumberland County
D. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing the Southeastern Regional North Carolina Poetry Slam
E. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing the Greek Festival
F. Approval of Induction of 2025 Agricultural Hall of Fame Nominee
G. Approval of Formal Bid Award for Opioid Settlement for Public Health Department- This item was moved to Item of Business 5F.
H. Approval of Opioid Settlement Resolution - Purdue/Sackler
I. Resolution Authorizing The Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and the Associated Budget Amendment #B260613- This item was moved to Item of Business 5G.
J. Cumberland County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Funding Allocations for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026
K. Approval of Bid Award for Assembly Court and Parkton Road Convenience Center Construction Project
L. Approval of Emergency Shelter Project
M. Approval of Proposal Award for On-Call Utility Services
N. Approval of Public Water Connection Agreement for County Owned Property at 2736 Cedar Creek Road
O. Approval of Letter of Conditions from USDA Rural Development for NORCRESS
P. Approval of Fast Track Sewer System Extension Application for the Godwin Subdivision Project to the NORCRESS Sewer System
Q. Approval of Issuing a Field Report for Crown Coliseum Door Replacement
R. Approval of Capital Improvement Project Assessment
S. Approval of Technology Project Capacity Assessment
T. Approval of Maintenance & Repair Project Capacity Assessment
U. Approval of Surplus Vehicles
V. Approval of Membership to the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce
W. Approval of the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland County, Inc. Name Change
X. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendments for the August 25, 2025 Board of Commissioners' Agenda
Y. Approval of Funding for CoC Positions and Associated Budget Ordinance Amendment #B260462- This item was moved to Item of Business 5H.
Z. Approval of Funding Contract with NC History Center Foundation
AA. Approval to Pay Prior Year Invoices
AB. Revision of Rules 20 and 25 of Board's Rules of Procedure- This item was moved to Item of Business 5I.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. CASE # ZON-25-0017- This item was removed by unanimous vote.
B. CASE # ZON-25-0018
Rezoning from A1 Agricultural District and R40 Residential District to R40 Residential District or to a more restrictive zoning district for a parcel comprising 2.82 +/- acres; located at 3003 H. Clark Rd; submitted by Erin and Mark Rice (Owners). The Board voted 5-1 to approve the rezoning request.
C. CASE # ZON-25-0019
Rezoning from R10 Residential District to RR Rural Residential District or to a more restrictive zoning district for two parcels comprising 16.84 +/- acres; located at 6766 Rockfish Rd and an adjoining parcel; submitted by Marion and Kimberly Starling (Owners).The Board voted 5-1 to approve the rezoning request.
D. CASE # ZON-25-0021
Rezoning from A1 Agricultural District to C2(P) Planned Service and Retail District or to a more restrictive zoning district for a parcel comprising 1.00 +/- acres; located at the northwest intersection of NC HWY 87 S and Pummill Rd; submitted by Jeff Riddle (Agent) on behalf of Chaudhuri Investments, LLC (Owners). The Board unanimously approved the rezoning request.
E. CASE # ZON-25-0024
Rezoning from A1 Agricultural District to R40A Residential District or to a more restrictive zoning district for a parcel comprising 2.85 +/- acres; located at 6512 Cedar Creek Road; submitted by Juanita Philyaw (Agent) on behalf of Beulah Mae Johnson Heirs (Owners). The Board unanimously approved the rezoning request.
F. CASE # ZON-25-0025
Rezoning from R6A Residential District and RR Rural Residential District to R6AResidential District or to a more restrictive zoning district for a parcel comprising 2.74 +/- acres; located at 169 Snow Hill Rd; submitted by Jazmine Scott (Agent) on behalf of Tweety Enterprise, LLC (Owners). The Board unanimously approved the rezoning request.
G. CASE # ZON-25-0027
Rezoning from A1 Agricultural District to R20 Residential District or to a more restrictive zoning district for a parcel comprising 5.11 +/- acres; located at 487 Palestine Rd; submitted by Ernest and Barbara Smith (Owners). The Board unanimously approved the rezoning request.
5. ITEMS OF BUSINESS
A. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing Calvin Bishop
The Board honored Calvin Bishop for more than 40 years of public safety service, including as a Battalion Chief, LEPC member, and technical rescue instructor. A proclamation was presented to his family.
B. Approval of a Proclamation Recognizing Fire Chief Owen Harris- This item was removed from Items of Business by unanimous vote.
C. Consideration of Homeless Prevention and Stabilization Voucher Program and Associated Budget Ordinance Amendment #B260456
The Board unanimously approved a $250,000 pilot program providing short-term rental, utility, and transportation assistance for households at risk of homelessness. The program will run for six months or until funds are expended, with outcomes reported back to the Board.
D. Grant of a Franchise Agreement for a Deli at the Courthouse and DSS - Second Reading
The Board unanimously approved the second reading, and granted a three-year franchise renewal for Go ‘N Joy Restaurant.
E. Consideration of Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Engineering Services for Ann Street Environmental Complex Office Building
The Board unanimously selected Smith Gardner, Inc. as the most qualified firm to develop an adaptive reuse plan for the Ann Street Environmental Complex Office Building. Staff will negotiate scope and cost for future Board consideration.
F. Approval of Formal Bid Award for Opioid Settlement for Public Health Department-
This item was moved from the Consent Agenda to an Item of Business by unanimous vote:
The Board voted unanimously to approve the formal bid award.
G. Resolution Authorizing The Expenditure of Opioid Settlement Funds and the Associated Budget Amendment #B260613- This item was moved from the Consent Agenda to an Item of Business by unanimous vote: The Board voted unanimously to approve the resolution and associated budget amendment.
H. Approval of Funding for CoC Positions and Associated Budget Ordinance Amendment #B260462- This item was moved from the Consent Agenda to an Item of Business by unanimous vote: The Board voted 5-1 to approve the funding and associated budget amendment.
I. Revision of Rules 20 and 25 of Board's Rules of Procedure- This item was moved from the Consent Agenda to an Item of Business by unanimous vote: The Board unanimously approved the revisions to Rule 25, excluded the proposed revisions to Rule 20, and directed that Rule 20 be added to a future agenda session for further discussion.
6. NOMINATIONS
There were no nominations during this meeting.
7. APPOINTMENTS
There were no appointments during this meeting.
8. NORCRESS WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEETING
The Board recessed the regular Board of Commissioners meeting and convened as the Norcress Water and Sewer District Governing Board.
A. Approval of Letter of Conditions from USDA Rural Development for NORCRESS
The Board approved a $2.93 million wastewater rehabilitation project for the NORCRESS system, including a $2.2 million USDA grant and $733,334 in County funds.
B. Approval of Fast Track Sewer System Extension Application for the Godwin Subdivision Project to the NORCRESS Sewer System
The Board approved a Fast Track Sewer Extension Application allowing a 116-lot subdivision in Godwin to connect to the NORCRESS system.
The Board adjourned the Norcress Water and Sewer District Governing Board meeting and reconvened the Board of Commissioners meeting.
9. CLOSED SESSION
The Closed session was removed by unanimous vote.
The meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 9 a.m. in room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.
Board of Commissioners regular meetings and agenda sessions are livestreamed through the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. All documents associated with this meeting can be found on the Cumberland County website to include meeting agendas, minutes and links to the videos under the Board of Commissioners tab. Cumberland County can be found on social media by searching CCNCGov.