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Cumberland County Commissioners April 16 Agenda Session Wrap-Up

Apr 21, 2026, 14:19 PM by Diane Rice

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held an Agenda Session on April 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Room 564 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. A portion of the meeting was completed, and the Board reconvened to continue the Agenda Session on April 20 at 2 p.m. Agendas and supporting materials are available at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/commissioners.

Commissioner Marshall Faircloth led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENTATIONS

A. Alliance Health Quarterly Update

Representatives from Alliance Health provided an update on the Cumberland County fund balance, expansion of services, and follow-up information from the Feb. 12 Agenda Session.

B. Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation District Proposed FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan

The Board received an overview of the proposed FY27 operating budget and capital improvement plan for the Parks and Recreation District. A full presentation will be provided at a meeting in May.

C. Homeless Prevention and Stabilization Voucher Program - Final Closeout and Financial Literacy Options Update

Chief of Staff Tye Vaught presented an update on the Homeless Prevention and Stabilization Voucher Program, a $250,000 pilot funded with ARPA dollars. Staff will bring a proposal in May regarding a potential financial literacy program.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The Board unanimously approved the agenda with the following changes:

  • Addition of a proclamation recognizing Ms. Eleanor Edwards on her 100th birthday

  • Addition of a Closed Session pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3)

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The Board unanimously approved the March 12 Agenda Session minutes.

3. CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA ITEMS

The Board moved the following items to the April 27 Regular Meeting Consent Agenda unless otherwise noted.

A. Preliminary Resolution Adoption and Call for Public Hearing

The Board voted 5-1 to adopt a preliminary resolution for installment financing, not to exceed $5.5 million, and to call for a public hearing on April 27.

B. Human Services Consolidation

Following the Board’s March 12 direction, staff presented initial findings on three organizational options for human services delivery:

  • Traditional structure

  • Consolidated Human Services Agency (CHSA)

  • County commissioner governance

Assistant County Manager Tufanna Bradley presented staff input and information from the School of Government.

Board discussion included:

  • Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones noting an April 13 meeting with the Board of Health and Social Services Board and her request that their letters be read into the record.

  • Commissioner Glenn Adams emphasizing the need for input from external stakeholders, including the military, hospitals, courts, public safety partners, Alliance Health and residents.

  • Commissioner Henry Tyson supporting additional stakeholder input and requesting a future presentation from the School of Government.

  • Commissioner Marshall Faircloth requesting additional information and discussion.

  • Chairman Kirk deViere requesting a School of Government presentation at the May 14 Agenda Session.

4. CLOSED SESSION

The Board entered Closed Session to discuss:

  • Real Property Matters Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(5)

  • Attorney Client Privilege Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) This item was added by unanimous vote.

Following Closed Session, the Board:

  • Voted unanimously to approve a settlement in the amount of $9,000

  • Voted 4-1 to approve a settlement in the amount of $85,000

The Board voted to recess the meeting and reconvene the April 16 Agenda Session on April 20 at 2 p.m. The April 16 Agenda Session is available on the County’s YouTube Channel.

Commissioner Glenn Adams led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance at the reconvened April 20 meeting.

The following items remained on the agenda and were considered when the meeting reconvened.

C. Bid Award for Post Event Recovery Shelter Generator Installation

Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips presented. In 2024, Cumberland County Engineering began the Post Event Recovery Shelter Generator Project to install generators at four designated recovery shelter locations: Mac Williams Middle School, W.T. Brown Elementary School, Pine Forest High School and South View High School.

The project ensures these locations can operate as recovery shelters during emergency situations. These schools are not included in the Cumberland County Board of Education’s School Consolidation and Facility Recommendations.

The Board unanimously approved the contract for generator installation to B.E.C.P. LLC in the amount of $1.45 million, including the base bid and alternates.

D. Expanded Contract for Courthouse Security

Facilities Director Jeremy Stefanko presented. Due to vacancies and increased security needs, staff explored expanding services with Allied Universal. The estimated cost is $587,467 and includes 10 full-time positions, two part-time positions and one supervisor.

No action was taken.

E. Declaration of Surplus County Property, Authorization to Accept Insurance Settlement, and Approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment B260921

Chief Financial Officer Robin Koonce presented. A Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office 2022 Ford Explorer was damaged in an accident on Feb. 24.

The Board unanimously declared the vehicle surplus and directed the County Manager to pursue recovery from the at-fault insurance company and return with an update within 60 days. The Board also directed staff to replace the vehicle.

F. Resolution for funding assistance for the Vander Water and Sewer District

General Manager for Natural Resources Amanda Lee presented. Staff identified the Vander water and sewer district as potentially eligible for funding through the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure.

The funding would support water supply, treatment and distribution improvements in areas impacted by emerging contaminants in private wells. A local government resolution is required as part of the application.

The Board unanimously approved the resolution.

G. Resolution for funding assistance for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Plant

General Manager for Natural Resources Amanda Lee presented. Staff identified an opportunity to pursue funding through the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure for a renewable natural gas plant to convert landfill gas into a usable fuel source. A local government resolution is required.

The Board unanimously approved the resolution.

H. Service Agreement with Meyers Engineering, PLLC for NORCRESS Wastewater

System Rehabilitation Project

Cumberland County, in partnership with the Northern Cumberland Regional Sewer System (NORCRESS) District, is advancing a project to address aging infrastructure, reliability concerns and capacity limitations.

Public Utilities Project Manager Amy Hall recommended approval of a service agreement with Meyers Engineering, PLLC in an amount not to exceed $195,000.

No action was taken.

I. Airport Economic Development Incentive Funding and Associated Budget Ordinance Amendment B260295

At the March 12 Agenda Session, Commissioner Pavan Patel requested $400,000 for the Fayetteville Regional Airport Incentive Fund. The funding would also serve as matching funds for a potential $750,000 U.S. Department of Transportation grant. The Board previously approved the request, contingent on a public hearing and execution of a contract prior to expenditure.

The Board voted 5-1 to approve the incentive funding and associated budget ordinance amendment.

A public hearing will be scheduled at a future date.

J. Ordinance Imposing a Moratorium of the Issuance of Any Development Permits for Siting Data Centers Within Cumberland County’s Zoning Jurisdiction

County Attorney Rick Moorefield presented a proposed ordinance to temporarily halt the issuance of zoning and building permits for siting data centers within the County’s zoning jurisdiction.

The Board directed staff to provide additional information, including clearer definitions related to water and electricity usage, examples of similar moratoriums, and input from the City of Fayetteville.

The Board unanimously approved a public hearing to be held on May 18.

The Board also unanimously approved allowing the Joint Planning Board and planning staff to engage with the City of Fayetteville.

5. PROJECT UPDATES

A. Aquatic Center: LS3P has been selected to complete a comprehensive study. Once complete, the study will be presented to the Board.

B. Crown Theatre and Arena Modernization and Renovations: Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) interviews will be held April 23. Additional information and timelines will be provided. A pre-planning meeting is scheduled for early May.

C. Feasibility Study for Facilities: The estimated cost to conduct a County facility feasibility and usability study is between $450,000 and $500,000.

D. Joint 911: Discussions with the City of Fayetteville are ongoing.

E. Shaw Heights: A community survey will be distributed within 30 days. Results will be presented to the Board.

F. Unhoused Support Center: A project timeline was presented. Without a site and design decision this month, the project will be delayed. The Board unanimously approved an additional $54,887 for Manna Church. A final contract will be presented at the May 14 meeting following legal sufficiency and pre-audit. The Board also unanimously approved an amendment for LS3P in the amount of $75,840. A final contract will be presented at a future meeting following legal sufficiency and pre-audit.

G. Water and Sewer: The County continues to evaluate regionalization efforts and its Water and Sewer District model to address needs across the county. Potential partnerships and shared cost opportunities are being explored.

6. MONTHLY REPORTS

The Board unanimously accepted the following reports:

A. Finance Report

B. Health Insurance Update

C. Wellpath, LLC Quarterly Statistical Report on Inmate Health Care

D. Grants Update

E. Billing for Out of County Residents Report

F. Fee Waiver Report for Flu, COVID and RSV

G. ARPA Quarterly Project and Expenditure Report as of March 31, 2026

H. Capital Improvement Projects Report

7. COMMISSIONER REQUESTS

A. Resolution for Enforcement Actions by DEQ

Chairman Kirk deViere presented a letter and resolution addressing PFAS contamination of private drinking water wells linked to the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility. The documents request that the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality take enforcement action related to:

  • Corrective action plan

  • GAC system maintenance failures

  • Unresolved financial obligations for public water connections

The Board unanimously approved the resolution.

8. CLOSED SESSION

The Board entered Closed Session to discuss:

  • Attorney Client Privilege Pursuant to NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3) This item was added by unanimous vote.

Following Closed Session, no action was taken.

The Board adjourned the meeting at 6:19 p.m.

The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held April 27, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. in Room 118 of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville.

Board of Commissioners Regular Meetings and Agenda Sessions are livestreamed on the County’s website, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. Cumberland County can be found on social media by searching CCNCGov.