Craven County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting - May 4, 2026

The Craven County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on May 4, 2026, which included detailed budget presentations and discussions primarily focused on funding requests from Craven County Schools and Craven Community College for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The school system highlighted challenges such as declining enrollment, facility maintenance needs, and uncertainties due to the state budget not being finalized, requesting a 13% increase in local funding to address a $3.8 million shortfall. The college presented its largest funding request in history, totaling approximately $2.97 million, to support personnel, operating costs, and capital projects including new facilities and technology upgrades. The board approved a $320,355 budget for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council and passed a resolution recognizing Professional Clerks Week. Additionally, the board approved participation in the Attainment NC initiative to support workforce development. Several capital improvement projects for school facilities were discussed, including HVAC replacements, underground utilities, and safety enhancements. The meeting also included appointments to various county boards and committees, and commissioners shared community updates and acknowledgments.