Onslow Commissioners pass three items, strong economic forecast
by Trevor Normile
In a short 23 minute meeting of the Onslow County Board of Commissioners, the county came away with all three proposals granted and a bright economic outlook so far in 2011.
Commissioners W.C. Jarman and Lionell Midgett couldn’t be present for the meeting; both were out due to health issues.
The first item was a list of procedures and a code of conduct pertaining to contracts. In order to be eligible for funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and Federal Emergency Management Agency, local agencies are required to have procedures in place to deal with bid protests and disputes when awarding contracts, as well as a code of conduct for employees.
“These procedures ensure that everything is done in accordance with law and in an ethical manner,” said Purchasing Agent Laura Jones at the meeting. “This also ensures that everything is done in accordance with law and in an ethical manner.”
Onslow County must also renew its debris removal contracts.
Since 2006, the county has employed three separate companies for debris removal, but has chosen to go with two larger companies. Crowder Gulf will serve as the primary contractor for debris removal, clearance and cleanup. Unified Recovery will serve as the secondary, in the event of large scale disaster.
“These companies are so large that we feel like two companies could handle it,” Onslow County Emergency Services Deputy Director Norman Bryson said.
The contract is for five years and will be activated in the event of a disaster and upon a Notice to Proceed issued by the county.
Thirdly, the commissioners awarded a contract to ABL Management for food services in the Onslow County jail.
“All responses were evaluated in great detail. The factors considered throughout the evaluation process consisted of the cost per meal, experience in detention facilities of comparable size, financial strength of the company, their operational plan, quality assurance program, and the proposed menu plan,” read the agenda.
“After reviewing each company’s cost per meal, experience in detention facilities, financial strength of the companies, operation plans and menus we decided it was in the best interest of the county to contract with ABL Management,” said Purchasing Agent Jones.
The contract will be for two years, with a three year mutual extension. The cost will not exceed $575,000, and money paid will be per meal, per inmate.
After the items were passed, County Manager Jeffrey Hudson spoke to the wildfires in Pender County, as well as the improving financial stature of the county.
“We are thinking about the emergency responders in Pender County and pray they will be safe as they fight the fire,” he said.
Hudson also said that the county is seeing in increase in sales tax receipts which would imply that businesses are selling more products.
“At this time I can report that this figure has gone from $175,000 to $270,000 above where we were at this time last year. We are still seeing very good growth in our local economy. Certainly we want to be better, but it is still very good news,” he said.
Contact Trevor at 910.285.2178 or at tjnormile@readcapefear.com
