FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is summary of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Agenda Session held at 1:30 p.m. on March 12, 2026, in Room 564 the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. Agendas and supporting materials are available at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/commissioners.
Chairman Kirk deViere opened the meeting by recognizing and thanking members of the armed services who are currently serving abroad.
Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENTATIONS
A. Bond and Debt Issuance This item was added by unanimous vote.
Doug Carter of Doug Carter and Associates provided an overview of bond and debt issuance options, including general obligation bonds, limited obligation bonds, revenue bonds and special obligation bonds. Carter outlined the requirements and issuance structures associated with each option. County Manager Clarence Grier also briefly discussed financing the $30 million in school-related debt previously approved by the Board and noted staff will begin working with Cumberland County Schools on that process.
B. Cumberland County Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025, Audit Presentation by Cherry Bekaert, LLP
Finance Director Robin Koonce and Cherry Bekaert Senior Manager Linda Suggs presented audit results for Cumberland County’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The audit was performed by Cherry Bekaert LLP, with the report issued Feb. 20, 2026. The Board unanimously adopted the audit.
C. 2026 USI Health Insurance Update
Ed Boardman of USI provided an update on the County’s health insurance program, including claims data, current financial status and preliminary renewal projections for the 2026–27 plan year. The Board requested additional health insurance option information be presented at a Special Meeting on March 24, 2026.
D. Voice Dispatch Update
Emergency Services Director Garry Crumpler provided an update on the Voice Dispatch Project, which aims to modernize the County’s emergency communications system. The Board unanimously accepted the report.
E. Planning and Inspections Interlocal Agreement Review
Planning and Inspections Director Rawls Howard presented a review of the Planning and Inspections Interlocal Agreement, which outlines services the County provides to eight municipalities. The Board unanimously directed the County Manager to present a framework and cost structure for baseline and enhanced service levels within 60 days. The Board also directed the County Attorney to review the existing interlocal agreements.
F. Data Center Ordinance Update This item was removed by unanimous vote.
G. Public Records Request Process Modernization Presentation
Communications Director Diane B. Rice presented an overview of the County’s public records request modernization initiative. The County implemented NextRequest, a public records request management platform, on Jan. 8, 2026.
H. County Water District Information Sessions Update
Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips provided an update on planned community information sessions related to the proposed East Central and Cedar Creek Water Districts.
Public hearings were held during the Jan. 19 Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting. At that time, Commissioners directed staff to host information sessions to provide residents with additional details and answer questions about the proposed districts. The first session will be held at 6 p.m. on March 31, 2026 at Stedman Elementary School.
I. Joint 911 Recommendations This item was added by unanimous vote.
County Manager Clarence Grier presented an outline of recommendations regarding the proposed joint 911 communications center. The outline included a potential implementation plan should a County-run consolidated center be selected. The Board unanimously directed the County Manager to bring forward a proposal, agreed upon by both the County and City Managers, to be presented at the April 13, 2026 Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda with the following changes:
-
Removal of Item 3B, Mobile Incident Command Post Funding Model
-
Removal of Item 3D, Alternative Site for Unhoused Support Center
-
Removal of Item 3H, Contract Approval for SFL+a Architects for Architectural Services and addition of the item to Section 4B, Other Items
-
Removal of Item 3I, Gillespie Street Lot and addition of the item to Section 4D, Other Items
-
Addition of Item 3M, Manchester Fire District
-
Addition of Item 4A, Crown Theatre and Arena Renovation Timeline and Project Updates
-
Addition of Item 4E, Courthouse Parking Update
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Board unanimously approved the Feb. 12, 2026 Agenda Session minutes.
3. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS
The Board moved the following items to the March 16, 2026 Regular Meeting Consent Agenda unless otherwise noted.
A. Local Emergency Planning Committee Funding.
At the Feb. 26, 2026 LEPC meeting, Committee members unanimously approved a request for $30,000 to support critical incident and active threat training and exercises for high-risk facilities in Cumberland County. The Board unanimously approved the funding and associated budget ordinance amendment.
B. Mobile Incident Command Post Funding Model This item was removed by unanimous vote.
C. HUD Return of Funds - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Housing Rehabilitation Program
Staff requested approval to return $98,000 to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development associated with a residential rehabilitation project that did not proceed due to the death of the assisted client prior to the start of construction. The Board unanimously approved the return of funds.
D. Alternative Site for Unhoused Support Center This item was removed by unanimous vote.
E. Opioid Settlement Funds Contracts
In November 2024, the Board approved the use of $4 million from Cumberland County’s projected $31.6 million opioid settlement allocation to fund up to five four-year pilot programs addressing the opioid crisis. A total of $3,955,043 will be appropriated in the FY2026 Opioid Settlement Fund budget to support eligible organizations implementing approved strategies. The Board unanimously approved the contracts.
F. Resolution of Intent for Regional Water Supply Planning
General Manager for Natural Resources and Solid Waste Director Amanda Lee presented a resolution of intent for regional water supply planning. The resolution reflects Cumberland County’s commitment to securing a safe, dependable and long-term water supply for residents and communities across the County. The Board unanimously approved the resolution.
G. Amendment of Contract for Professional Auditing Services for Fiscal Year 2025
At the Dec. 15, 2025 meeting, the Board approved an amendment to the FY2025 contract for professional auditing services. The extension was necessary due to a federal government shutdown that delayed the release of the Office of Management and Budget Compliance Supplement. The Board unanimously approved the amendment.
H. Contract Approval for SFL+a Architects for Architectural Services This item was removed from Items of Business and moved to Other Items by unanimous vote.
I. Gillespie Street Lot This item was removed from Items of Business and moved to Other Items by unanimous vote.
J. Updates for Boards and Commissions
Clerk to the Board Andrea Tebbe presented updates regarding rules and procedures for boards and commissions. The Board unanimously approved the updates.
K. Commissioner Agenda Item Request Form
Clerk Tebbe presented a Commissioner Agenda Item Request Form and proposed protocol for submission. The Board unanimously approved the form and procedures.
L. Contract for Funding Cape Fear Regional Theatre
County Attorney Rick Moorefield presented a request from the Cape Fear Regional Theatre for $3.5 million over four years to support capital expansion. The project includes design and construction services for renovation and expansion of the theatre facility on Hay Street in Haymount. The Board unanimously approved the request.
M. Machester Fire District This item was added by unanimous vote.
County Manager Clarence Grier presented an update regarding fire protection services for the Manchester Fire District. Under a proposed agreement, the fire protection and emergency services contract for the district will transfer to the Town of Spring Lake beginning July 1, 2026. The County will provide $647,507 in annual funding to the Town of Spring Lake, consistent with the funding formula used for volunteer fire districts across Cumberland County. As part of the transition, the County will provide a $50,000 mutual aid transition payment to support immediate response coverage within the district. Under the agreement, the Spring Lake Fire Department will operate Manchester Fire Station 11 and respond to fire and emergency calls within the district. The Board unanimously approved the agreement and directed the County Manager to continue working with Spring Lake and the West Area Fire Department to finalize operational and equipment transition details.
4. OTHER ITEMS
A. Crown Theatre and Arena Renovation Timeline and Project Updates This item was added by unanimous vote.
County Manager Clarence Grier provided an update on the Crown Theatre and Arena renovation project, including a recent Owner’s Representative meeting and a timeline for selecting a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). No action was taken.
B. Contract Approval for SFL+a Architects for Architectural Services This item was removed from Items of Business 3H and added to Other Items 4B by unanimous vote.
County Manager Grier presented a proposal from SFL+a Architects for the Cumberland Crown Theatre and Arena Modernization/Renovation Project. The item was moved to Closed Session under Attorney Client Privilege for further discussion.
C. Aquatic Center Update This item was added by unanimous vote.
County Manager Clarence Grier provided an update on the Aquatic Center project, noting recommendations from a feasibility study will be presented to the Board at a meeting in April.
D. Gillespie Street Lot This item was removed from Items of Business 3I and added to Other Items 4D by unanimous vote.
General Manager for Natural Resources and Solid Waste Director Amanda Lee presented options and cost estimates for converting the Gillespie Street lot into green space or other temporary uses. The Board requested additional cost estimates and options, including temporary staff parking, be presented at a future meeting.
E. Courthouse Parking Update This item was added by unanimous vote.
County Manager Clarence Grier provided an update on courthouse parking, including plans for expanded juror parking and additional parking in nearby lots.
5. MONTHLY REPORTS
The Board unanimously accepted the following reports:
A. Finance Report
B. Health Insurance Update
C. Grants Update
D. Fee Waiver Report for Flu, COVID and RSV
E. Capital Improvement Projects Report
F. Unhoused Support Center
6. COMMISSIONER REQUESTS
A. Consolidated Human Services Agencies
Commissioner Henry Tyson presented an overview of potential consolidation of the Board of Health and Social Services Board into a single governing body. Three models commonly used across North Carolina were presented. The Board voted 3–1 to direct the County Manager to present recommendations within 30 days.
B. Airport Funding
Commissioner Pavan Patel requested funding support for the Fayetteville Regional Airport Air Service Development Program to help attract additional airline service. The Board unanimously directed the County Manager and County Attorney to draft an economic development incentive agreement in the amount of $400,000. The proposal will be presented at the April 16 Agenda Session for consideration.
7. CLOSED SESSION
The Board entered Closed Session to discuss:
No action was taken following Closed Session.
The Board adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.
The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held March 16, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. in the Cumberland County Historic Courthouse, 130 Gillespie Street, Fayetteville.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meetings and Agenda Sessions are livestreamed on the County’s website cumberlandcountync.gov, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. Cumberland County can be found on social media by searching CCNCGov.