Della Batts, Herald Staff Writer

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JACKSON — Northampton County Commissioners gave the go-ahead to County Manager Wayne Jenkins to do a “needs assessment study” for the courthouse at their first monthly meeting for the new year.

The study, which will be performed by an architectural firm will provide a free estimate with information for a new court services facility including possible reuse of the existing facilities.

Once a plan is approved and funds are available the county “will proceed with the selected firm for full architectural services.” Specific tasks for the study include a space needs study, a caseload analysis, a detention data analysis, five-year projections, conceptual designs and a site plan for the proposed site. Any company interested in submitting a proposal should contact Jenkins at (252) 534-2501.

The board approved plans to run natural gas lines from Conway to Severn to facilitate Hampton Farms.

The project is estimated at a little over $1.1 million. Funds for the project will be provided by a $630,000 Community Development Block grant for economic development and with funding derived from the Utility Fund through the NC Department of Commerce. Hampton Farms, a peanut facility located in Severn, plans to create 42 new jobs. 

Commissioners expressed concern because Progressive Resources and Opportunities (PRO) was recommended for grantwriting purposes. Jenkins responded pointing to the criteria set by the N.C. Department of Commerce. Those standards rated PRO as the best qualified with the best price.

Jenkins added, “If you get an inexperienced firm they may not be able to take you through to the end and the money will revert back to the state.”

The county has agreed to sign a subordination agreement with USDA/Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation (REMC) for $350,000 to facilitate expansion and the purchase of new equipment and machinery for Fineline Industries, Inc. in Woodland. The company received a $450,000 loan in 2000, and to date has repaid $350,000. The USDA requested that the county renew its subordination agreement with REMC for the balance of reversionary interest, $68,000. Commissioner Deloatch recused himself from the vote.

The County will honor a commitment of $5,625 to the Peanut Belt Rural Planning (RPO) Organization. Commissioners decided earlier in the year to pay $2,000 toward its share of contribution leaving a $3,625 deficit. Jenkins explained that Bertie, Halifax and Hertford counties had all contributed their share of the funds and that if Northampton backed out, RPO would lose a total of $18,125 due to a loss of funding from the Department of Transportation. Commissioner Spruill moved to fund the deficit from the current year’s budget.

In other news, Commissioner Chair Carter will represent Northampton County as legislative liaison to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and a public forum will be held at Lake Gaston Feb. 11. Jenkins said that he will make the arrangements for the forum and expects it to be held at the Lake Gaston Community Center on Highway 46 in Henrico at 6 p.m.