WHITEVILLE — Columbus County commissioners worked through a full agenda Monday night, approving several budget amendments, hearing updates on county projects, and fielding concerns about EMS staffing and facility needs as the fiscal year winds down.
The board met at the Dempsey B. Herring Government Center for its regular session.
Budget amendments approved
Commissioners signed off on a series of end‑of‑year budget amendments, including:
- General Fund adjustments to reconcile departmental spending
- Grant allocations tied to state and federal programs
- Line‑item transfers for departments nearing year‑end deadlines
Finance staff told the board that the county remains on track for the June budget presentation.
EMS staffing and response concerns raised
EMS leadership briefed commissioners on:
- Ongoing staffing shortages
- Increased call volume in the eastern and southern districts
- Delays caused by hospital turnaround times
Commissioners asked for a follow‑up report on recruitment efforts and potential incentives.
Explore: EMS staffing issues
Water and Sewer District updates
The board, sitting as the Water and Sewer District governing body, received updates on:
- The Hwy. 74/76 force main project
- Repairs to aging lift stations
- State‑funded infrastructure grants currently in progress
No action was required, but commissioners requested monthly updates.
Explore: Water project status
Facility maintenance issues
County maintenance staff reported:
- HVAC issues at multiple county buildings
- Roof repairs needed at the Aging Center
- Ongoing work at the Animal Shelter
Commissioners directed staff to prioritize safety‑related repairs.
Explore: County facilities
DSS and Aging Department reports
The board received routine monthly updates from:
- Department of Social Services — caseloads, staffing, and state reporting
- Aging Department — senior meal program participation and transportation needs
No major changes were requested.
Public comment period
Speakers addressed:
- Road safety concerns in the Evergreen area
- Drainage issues affecting private property
- A request for additional recreation programming
Commissioners referred each item to the appropriate department.
Resolutions and recognitions
The board approved:
- A Memorial Day proclamation
- A resolution recognizing local veterans and Gold Star families
Explore: Memorial Day resolution
Next steps
The county manager will present the 2026–27 recommended budget in early June, followed by a public hearing.
Below is the streaming videos from Monday’s meeting.
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