The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners will meet Thursday to discuss the agenda for its next regular session. Topics include federal funding for COVID pandemic relief, drug testing for transit operators and cleanup of the Gray's Creek watershed.
Here’s what’s on the docket:
American Rescue Plan recommendations
The county’s use of American Rescue Plan funding — the $1.9 billion federal COVID-19 stimulus package approved in 2021 — is in its second phase. Commissioners are set to approve a combined $811,118 in funding to assist 21 businesses.
Renewal of Fort Liberty Animal Services contract
Commissioners will consider a modification to the county’s Animal Services contract with Fort Liberty, which was initiated in 2016 and renewed in 2021. The new agreement includes fee increases for surrendered animals and impounding. The base cost of Animal Services’ work at Fort Liberty is $170,000 annually.
Mandatory drug testing for county transit operators
A new U.S. Department of Transportation rule that requires drug testing of all drivers working in the Cumberland County transportation program has been updated as of June. The rules now allow for both urine and oral fluid drug testing, but the policy needs the commissioners' approval.
PFAS cleanup
Commissioners will consider hiring HDR engineering to help address PFAS contamination and the ongoing cleanup for the Gray's Creek watershed. The plan is expected to cost $225,000.
Chambers of commerce
Commissioners will vote on whether the county will become members of the Greater Sandhills Chamber of Commerce and Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce.
Homeless shelter updates
County administrators will recommend that the board hire the LS3P architectural firm to design a homeless support center. LS3P, which has multiple locations in the Southeast, has designed more than 25 homeless support centers.
Reports and updates
Commissioners will hear an updated report on the county's finances, plus hear updates on a county-funded health insurance plan and current engineering projects.
The board will meet at at 1 p.m. Thursday in Room 564 of the Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St.
Contact Char Morrison at cmorrison@cityviewnc.com.
