ELIZABETHTOWN — The Bladen County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday answered questions posed by Sadie Perry regarding the Bladen County Schools’ consolidation plan.

Perry told the board that she read the statement issued by the Bladen County Board of Commissioners from the last meeting.

“You made it clear that you have given them additional funds,” said Perry.

She added the board also made it clear that they have not cut funds. Perry told the board that there are many rumors in the community regarding the Bladen County Board of Education’s proposal.

Perry, who was joined by Phyllis Miller, gave the board a copy of the Bladen County Schools ad hoc committee minutes from its Sept. 1 meeting along with copies of other materials related to the proposed consolidation plan.

Perry asked the commissioners if their board had told the Board of Education they had to consolidate three schools or not receive more funding.

Bladen County Commissioners Chairman Charles Ray Peterson replied the commissioners have not told the Board of Education to consolidate schools. He also told Perry the board had not agreed to fund any school consolidations.

Perry explained that a group of concerned folks had met with Bladen County Schools Superintendent Robert Taylor.

“He (Taylor) said a commissioner speaking to a board (of education) member has said they (the commissioners) support consolidation and will fund it,” said Perry.

She proceeded to ask why the Board of Education’s ad hoc committee on consolidation did not have a member from the Board of Commissioners, a parent representative or student representative. Peterson told her he would have to get back to her with an answer.

“We, as the Board of Commissioners, do not have a vote on that (consolidation),” said Peterson.

In other business:

— The board presented two proclamations — one to Marjorie Walker with Families First Inc. proclaiming October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and to members of Bladen County’s 4-H groups proclaiming the week of October 4-10 as National 4-H Week.

— Mary A. Miller addressed the board and requested information regarding the termination of former Bladen County Tax Assessor Chris Ellis. Peterson told Miller that Bladen County Manager Greg Martin would find out from the county attorney what information he can release and give it to her on Wednesday.

— The board approved a fee increase for administering the flu vaccine and a provider agreement with One Call Care Management.

— The board approved a request to apply for a $2,500 grant for a food program self-assessment.

— The board approved a resolution authorizing county inmates to work on projects to benefit Bladen County.

— Martin provided a binder to the board members of the rules of procedure for the Bladen County Board of Commissioners. He told the board the original set was adopted in January and they were amended in July. Martin told the board he had also included some other policies that might be of interest to commissioners for their review and comment.

— Martin presented the board with a proposed Bladen County credit card use policy and bank credit card agreement and proposed financial and budgetary policies for their review. Martin told the commissioners those items will be on the agenda at the Oct. 19 meeting for adoption.

— The board appointed Peterson and Commissioners Mike Cogdell, Wayne Edge and Author Bullock to meet with the Lumber River Council of Government regarding the strategic planning process.

— The board met in closed session for a personnel matter. When the board reconvened, they voted to appoint Wayne Raynor as the interim DHHS director.

Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.

Erin Smith|Bladen Journal Bladen County Commissioners Chairman Charles Ray Peterson presents Marjorie Walker of Families First Inc. with a proclamation naming October as Domestic Violence Awareness month.
https://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Commish11.jpgErin Smith|Bladen Journal Bladen County Commissioners Chairman Charles Ray Peterson presents Marjorie Walker of Families First Inc. with a proclamation naming October as Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Erin Smith|Bladen Journal Bladen County commissioners Chairman Charles Ray Peterson presents Bladen County 4-H President Anna Kate White with a proclamation naming the week of October 4-9 as National 4-H Week.
https://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Commish21.jpgErin Smith|Bladen Journal Bladen County commissioners Chairman Charles Ray Peterson presents Bladen County 4-H President Anna Kate White with a proclamation naming the week of October 4-9 as National 4-H Week.
Peterson: ‘We, as the Board of Commissioners,do not have a vote on that (consolidation)’

By Erin Smith

erinsmith@civitasmedia.com