NCACC holds first board meeting of Williams’ term as president

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — – The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) held its first board of directors meeting of Commissioner Frank Williams’ term as NCACC President in Guilford County October 22 and 23.

The board discussed a range of topics, including recent developments on issues affecting counties at the N.C. General Assembly and how the Association is providing support to counties on navigating use of American Rescue Plan Act funds. NCACC is working closely with state and federal stakeholders to gather pertinent information and develop tools counties can utilize to ensure these funds are used effectively and within U.S. Treasury guidelines.

Thomas Stith, President of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), presented an update to the Board. Stith said, “There are many pathways for student success offered by the community colleges, including dual enrollment, early college, registered apprenticeships, and customized training programs.” President Stith noted that the NCCCS is undertaking a statewide strategic planning process, which began in September and will culminate with a comprehensive plan to be published summer 2022.

Stith also spoke about his recent meeting with NCACC President and Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams, during which they discussed Williams’ 100 Counties Prepared Initiative. The year-long initiative focuses on equipping county commissioners with the tools they need to lead effectively during emergency situations. Many NCCCS colleges offer emergency preparedness courses, and some courses are offered at reduced cost to local and state responders.

Stith commented that, “The time to prepare is not in the midst of emergency,” and spoke about the importance of state partnerships for effective emergency preparedness. The community college system’s focus on emergency preparedness represents one of many opportunities for collaboration between the NCCCS and NCACC.

The Board also heard an update on Williams’ 100 Counties Prepared presidential initiative, which formally kicked off earlier this month with its first task force meeting. The task force co-chairs, Commissioner Randy Thompson of Brunswick County and Commissioner Kay Cashion of Guilford County, spoke to the Board about the productive meeting. The co-chairs outlined direction the effort is headed in, with plans to design a training oriented around three components: communication, education and relationships. Williams reinforced the vision of the initiative saying, “We need to ensure every one of our commissioners can lead effectively when something heads their way.”

The Board approved new members of the North Carolina Property Tax Solution (NCPTS) Oversight Committee, which oversees the state-of-the-art property tax program, owned, and licensed by the NCACC. The NCPTS Oversight Committee decides collectively on investments for new software enhancements for the program and responds to member counties’ needs as they arise.

New NCPTS Oversight Committee members include Donnie Shumate, Tax Administrator, Hyde County – Small County member, Alan Lumpkin, Tax Administrator, Wayne County – Medium County member, and Darlene Burgess, Tax Administrator, Henderson County – Chair of Land Records and CAMA Committee.

Board members also heard a report on the Association’s finances and approved its annual audit report. The next NCACC Board meeting is scheduled for January 28-29 in Wake County. 

For more information on the 100 Counties Prepared Task Force and its work, visit 100countiesprepared.com.