ROANOKE RAPIDS — Encouraging citizen participation in the county government is a “critical issue” in the eyes of the Northampton County commissioners and was a focus of discussion during their recent retreat.

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Commissioner Virginia Spruill said she thought there should be some type of participation from the public.

One method, County Manager Wayne Jenkins pointed out was the county’s Web site. “We need to redevelop the county’s Web site to make it more user friendly and government friendly,” he said.

He added the board should consider putting direct access to some parts of the government and its service online, so people wouldn’t have to drive to Jackson.

Spruill asked if other commissioners were reluctant to sit across the table with citizens “eye to eye” and talk.

Commissioner Chairman Robert Carter said, “It has been one of my platforms for the last nine to 10 years to hold public forums. I believe in sharing with citizenry what is going on.”

But, Spruill said, citizens want to be heard by the commissioners.

Commissioner Vice-chairwoman Fannie Greene thought this was a good. “As long as it is not a bashing session,” she said. “I don’t want to be bashed or ambushed.”

Jenkins noted nothing was keeping commissioners from having individual town hall meetings in their districts.

The public is always invited to make comments during a portion of the commissioners’ meeting.

“It is not a proper setting to educate the public about government but there is a world of opportunity at a town hall meeting,” Jenkins said. “You have a golden opportunity.”

Carter said he is always interested in meeting with citizens.

Greg Godard, facilitator for the event, said most citizens would rather have dialogue with the entire board instead of some members. He discussed with them the possibility of an annual forum in the eastern and western ends of the county with ground rules set in advance.

Another issue commissioners talked about was access to medical care for citizens.

Commissioner the Rev. James Hester felt the county’s access to care was good. He noted several health screenings which have been held at the Cultural and Wellness Center.

Jenkins said the county did need an urgent care facility and that Rural Health Group was working on using grant funds to extend to more traditional hours.

“An urgent care is needed,” Spruill said. “Our population is getting older and when you get older, you breakdown.”

Commissioner Fannie Greene said Rural Health Group is open to 7 p.m.

Commissioner Chester Deloatch said there were four doctors for every 10,000 citizens with about 22,000 citizens.

The Cultural and Wellness Center was another issue discussed. The debt payment for the Center is $200,000 annually.

Carter said the fitness equipment is used everyday by 50 to 65 people. He broached the subject of a small user fee of about $10 a month for those ages 18 to 64 and senior citizens are free.

Jenkins said a majority of users surveyed would pay a reasonable user fee.

Carter asked about extending hours to Saturday. The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

Jenkins said the county doesn’t have the staff to extend hours. Greene suggested having the three staff members rotate Saturdays.

The decision was made to have the recreation director prepare a decision paper to present to the commissioners at the first meeting in January. Carter said he wanted Jenkins to talk with the staff at the center about working rotating Saturdays. “We will work out a couple of options,” Jenkins said. “However, the staff works hard.”