Finalizing appropriations for post-storm debris collection and other emergency responses while also likely discussing this past week’s house collapses in Buxton, funds to the recently establish housing nonprofit, and an update on a countywide healthcare intiviate are among the highlights of the agenda for the November meeting of the Dare County Board of Commissioners.
The board will hold its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday at 9 a.m. in the commissioners meeting room, which is adjacent to the Dare County Administration Building located at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo.
The $5 million transfer to the county’s Disaster Recovery Fund from the county’s fund balance is part of the board’s consent agenda, and will ensure a timely response in the event of further storm impacts, according to County Manager Bobby Outten.
Outten explained at the October commissioners meeting that the transfer would provide immediate access to resources for cleanup and recovery without relying on delayed FEMA reimbursements, which can take 2 or 3 years.
It was noted by Outten that localized storm events that do not meet the criteria for state or federal disaster declarations often require the county to cover costs directly.
He added that establishing or enhancing the storm fund may also positively influence the county’s AA+ credit rating, which is affected by its storm preparedness.
Commissioners will also officially establish a $200,000 annual appropriation for the newly formed Dare Housing Foundation, as part of efforts to establish a sustained, county-led investment in affordable and workforce housing.
The foundation was incorporated earlier this year as a nonprofit organization to expand the county’s role in developing, financing, and managing attainable housing options for local workers.
Its formation follows several years of housing studies and partnerships that underscored the region’s chronic shortage of affordable units — a challenge driven by rising property values, short-term rentals, and limited available land.
The state-funded Affordable Housing Grant had provided initial seed money to launch housing efforts but was not renewed in the state budget.
Outten told the board in October the transition to a local funding model will allow greater control over priorities and timelines, including partnerships with towns, developers, and local employers to address workforce housing shortages.
Both the disaster recover fund and housing nonprofit appropriations were given initial approval at the October meeting, but a second vote at a separate meeting is required to finalize the spending.
Dr. Sheila Davies, Deputy County Manager and Director of Health & Human Services, and Amy Montgomery, Executive Director of Operations for Outer Banks Health, will provide an overview of the partnership between Dare County, Outer Banks Health and the community for Thrive OBX.
The presentation will highlight upcoming activities and how people can get involved in activities and programs that inspire well-being and longevity, cultivating a community where people thrive.
The board will also hold a public hearing on a proposal to repeal a county ordinance requiring “return to” addresses on real estate documents filed with the Register of Deeds.
County officials say the rule has become unnecessary with modern “eRecording” systems and has slowed down document processing.
Also on the agenda is a modification to the county’s lobbying contract, shifting from a $5,000-per-month fee to a $50,000 annual retainer — a move county leaders say would save about $10,000 a year because the General Assembly now meets year-round.
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Executive Director Kevin Leonard will present to the board about the association’s activities and resources.
Other items on the board’s consent agenda include:
- A budget amendment establishing funding for the America 250 Committee, which will coordinate local activities marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- Authorization of a utility easement for Dominion Energy.
- A resolution exempting a FEMA grant consulting contract from the state’s Mini Brooks Act.
- Adoption of revised Public Library Advisory Board bylaws, effective July 1, 2026.
- Authorization of a sole-source purchase of a reverse osmosis treatment unit for the Hatteras Water Plant.
- Approval of a Telehealth Infrastructure Grant from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to care for underserved residents.
Commissioners will also recognize county employees for years of service and hear updates on various ongoing initiatives.
Public comments are welcome at the start of each meeting, allowing citizens to speak for up to five minutes on any topic.
Comments can be made in person at the Dare County Administration Building (954 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo) or at the Fessenden Center Annex (47013 Buxton Back Road in Buxton).
Meetings are live streamed on Dare County’s YouTube channel and CurrentTV.org, and they are also available for streaming on-demand on both platforms.
Videos of meetings are generally available the next day on the Dare County website, DareNC.gov.
Local Spectrum TV customers can watch the meetings live on Channel 191 (Current TV).
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