FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The following is a summary of the May 5, 2025, Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, which was held at 9 a.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. To view the agenda and supporting materials for this meeting, go to www.cumberlandcountync.gov/bocmeetingmaterials.

Chairman deViere called for a moment of silence for two County staff members who recently passed – Chief Jailer of the Cumberland County Detention Center Major Tandra Adams and Department of Social Services Housekeeper Team Lead James H. Gist, Jr.

Deputy Clerk to the Board Iva Clark gave the invocation and Commissioner Pavan Patel led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board recognized Finance Accountant Manager Jessica Hullender and Purchasing Manager Sophia Murnahan for earning the Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO) designation. Both received their certifications at the 2025 North Carolina Association of Government Purchasing (NCAGP) Spring Conference. The CLGPO certification signifies expertise in areas such as public contracting law, competitive bidding, property disposal, and ethics in government purchasing. Out of 29 participants in the 2025 CLGPO program, Hullender and Murnahan were among only 17 to complete the rigorous requirements, which include four core courses from the UNC School of Government, 22 continuing education points, and at least three years of experience in governmental purchasing. Hullender was also honored with the 2025 Steven C. Graham Achievement Award for earning a near-perfect exam score of 99%, tying for the highest score in the state.

1. The Board unanimously approved the AGENDA with the following changes:

   • Addition of item 3D, proclamation honoring the life of Major Adams, Chief Jailer at the Cumberland County Detention Center.

2. The Board heard the following PRESENTATION:

   A. Cumberland County Stream Gauge Mitigation Project: Garry Crumpler, Interim Emergency Services Director, presented information about the stream gauges installed after hurricanes Matthew and Florence. The gauges help detect potential flooding and provide data to support evacuation decisions. Citizens are encouraged to report any damage to stream gauges by contacting the Emergency Services Department. Commissioner Tyson presented a certificate of appreciation to North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR) Resilience Policy Advisor Andrea Webster for the agency’s development of the Mid-Carolina Regional Resilience Portfolio, a catalyst for receiving stream gauge funding from the Duke Energy Foundation.

3. The Board unanimously approved the following CONSENT AGENDA items unless otherwise noted:

   A. Approval of a proclamation of May 11 - 17 as Law Enforcement Officers Week and May 15, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Cumberland County.

   B. Approval of a proclamation recognizing May 5 - 11 as Hurricane Preparedness Week in Cumberland County.

   C. Approval of a proclamation recognizing May 12 - 16 as Economic Development Week in Cumberland County. Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones read the proclamation which was presented by Chairman deViere and received by Robert Van Geons of the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC).

   D. Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment for the May 5, 2025, Board of Commissioners’ Agenda.

   E. Approval of Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Agenda Session Items:

   1. Employee Health Center Provider- This item was moved and placed as item 4B, Item of Business, by unanimous vote.

   2. Approval of Capital Investment Transfer and Associated Budget Ordinance Amendment #250864 and Approval of Assigned Freed Up Capacity Fund Balance

   F. Approval of a Proclamation Honoring Chief Jailer Adams- This item was added to the agenda by unanimous vote. Chief Jailer Major Tandra Adams passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025. Major Adams began her service with Cumberland County in September 2002 as a Detention Officer and devoted more than 22 years to serving the Cumberland County community. She played a key role in launching the County’s community backpack giveaway program, demonstrating her deep commitment to outreach and service. Beyond her professional achievements, Major Adams was a devoted member of her church and a passionate, published writer. She treasured time with her family and had a love for travel. Her sudden passing is a tremendous loss to Cumberland County and all the lives she touched.

4. The Board discussed the following ITEMS OF BUSINESS.

   A. Consideration of Amendment to the Sales Tax Distribution Interlocal Agreement: County Attorney Rick Moorefield presented an amendment to the Sales Tax Distribution Interlocal Agreement that changes how any increase or decrease in sales tax revenue for FY2025 (compared to FY2022) is shared. Specifically, the county will now receive 50% of any increase in sales tax revenue over FY2022 levels, rather than 100%. Likewise, the county will absorb 50% of any decrease, instead of its FY2022 proportional share. This amendment applies only to FY2025. Moorefield also noted that the City of Fayetteville has now paid its outstanding amount for FY2024. The Board approved the amendment in a 5-1 vote.

   B. Employee Health Center Provider- This item was moved from 3E1: Finance Director Robin Koonce presented an update on the County’s contract with Proactive M.D., the provider for the Employee Health Center. The renewed contract includes an additional cost of $470,922, attributed to an increase in on-site medical staff. The Board voted 5-1 to receive the amended contract, which will be presented for formal approval at the May 19, 2025, meeting.

5. There were no NOMINATIONS for this meeting.

6. APPOINTMENTS: The following were appointed to the associated Boards and Commissions:

   • ABC Board: (2 vacancies)- Terri Thomas (reappointment), Wade Fowler

   • Civic Center Commission: (4 vacancies)- Lee Spruill, Chloe Thaler, Lyndora Thompson, Allen Rogers

   • Cape Fear Valley Board of Trustees: (3 vacancies)- Shannon Matthews, Dr. Sanjay Shah, Dr. Rakesh Gupta

   • Equalization and Review Board: Appointment of Officers - George Turner (Chairman), William Holland (First Vice Chair), Rodney Sherrill (Second Vice Chair)

   • Fayetteville-Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation: (2 vacancies)-Kristie Allen, Brian Krakover

   • Tourism Development Board: (1 vacancy)- Michelle Williams

The Board went into CLOSED SESSION to discuss an Attorney Client Matter Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) and an Economic Development Matter Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4).

The Board took no action resulting from the closed session and adjourned the meeting at 10:38 a.m.

Board of Commissioners regular meetings and agenda sessions are live streamed on 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.