This is an unofficial summary of the meeting produced by the Dare County Public Relations Department. It does not include all items that were discussed at the meeting. To view a PDF of the full agenda packet for the meeting that was held at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, please click here.

To view the video of the meeting on Dare County’s YouTube channel, please click the button below. Official minutes for the meeting are posted once they have been approved by the board, typically at the board’s next meeting, which is usually held on the first Monday of the following month. To access minutes for meetings dating back to 2017, please click here.

During his opening remarks, Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard shared details of an important regional effort he is spearheading to support North Carolina’s commercial fishing industry. Chairman Woodard has formally reached out to leaders in coastal counties across the state to propose the formation of a North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition. The coalition would serve as a unified voice for counties with commercial fishing and working waterfronts, allowing them to coordinate responses to proposed legislation and to advocate more effectively for the future of the commercial fishing industry.

In his comments, Chairman Woodard emphasized that the commercial fishing industry is not only a critical part of the coastal economy but also a key element of the region’s heritage and identity. With recent legislation such as House Bill 442 raising concerns within the industry—though ultimately defeated—he stressed the importance of taking a proactive approach to protect and support commercial fishermen and their communities. 

The North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition would allow each coastal county to designate a representative and will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 1 p.m. in Carteret County. The location of this meeting has not yet been determined; further details will be released once this information is available.

Dare County Finance Director Matt Motyka presented the Recommended Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY 2026 through FY 2030, which was approved by the Dare County Board of Commissioners.

The CIP is a strategic planning tool that outlines the county’s major infrastructure and capital investment needs over a five-year period. It supports essential services such as emergency response, public safety, public works and community facilities through responsible long-term planning and funding.

The recommended CIP totals $108.3 million and includes 57 projects, 19 of which are new requests totaling $18 million. Significant investments are focused on public safety, EMS and Public Works. Anticipated funding sources include approximately $65.8 million in Limited Obligation Bonds, as well as short-term debt, pay-as-you-go (Paygo) funding and other revenues.

The CIP is updated and adopted annually. Projects approved for FY 2026 will move forward immediately, while those in FY 2027–2030 may be adjusted based on costs, revenues and other variables.

Key FY 2026 Projects Include:

• $42.5 million: Roanoke Island Public Works facility replacement
• $8.2 million: Buxton Public Works facility replacement
• $12 million: Dare County EMS Station 5 (Nags Head)
• $2 million: Dare County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Criminal Investigations Division building
• $2.8 million: Dare County Sheriff's Office communications microwave system replacement
• $2.4 million: Dare County EMS cardiac monitors replacement
• $1.6 million: Portable radio replacements for Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Dare County EMS and Dare County Emergency Management

For the 34th consecutive year, the Dare County Finance Department has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association. The esteemed honor was received in recognition of the department’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2024. 

During the meeting, Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard presented Assistant Finance Director Sally DeFosse with the award, which is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Established in 1945, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program encourages local governments to take complex financial information and produce reports that are accessible and easy for all citizens to understand.

Following the presentation, Dare County Manager Bobby Outten provided meaningful context for the award, emphasizing how the Dare County Finance Department’s efforts directly benefit the community. Outten shared that, thanks to the county’s strong financial standing and AA+ credit rating—bolstered by the Finance Department’s continued efforts—Dare County was recently able to sell bonds for the new Early College project in Manteo at a lower interest rate than many other highly rated counties.

After noting that the demand for our bonds saved Dare County over $200,000 on the Early College project alone, Outten also stated that this is just one example of how the Finance Department’s hard work and dedication translates into tangible savings for Dare County taxpayers—and reflects the value of the recognition they receive year after year.

Chairman Bob Woodard presents Assistant Finance Director Sally DeFosse with the award during the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation designating July as Parks and Recreation Month, which was presented by Dare County Public Services Director Spencer Gregory. The proclamation highlights the many ways that parks and recreation enhance the community—promoting physical and mental health, supporting childhood development through youth programs, and providing opportunities for residents to stay active and connect with nature.

Additionally, the proclamation emphasizes the broader benefits of parks and recreation, including economic growth, environmental preservation and community resilience. The Dare County Board of Commissioners’ adoption of the proclamation shows the county’s support for the important role parks and recreation play in improving quality of life across Dare County. To view the proclamation, click here.

Family Fun Block Party Reminder: Friday, July 18, 2025

Following the proclamation of July as Parks and Recreation Month by the Dare County Board of Commissioners, Dare County Public Services Director Spencer Gregory reminded the community that, in celebration of the occasion, residents, visitors and property owners from throughout the community are invited to attend the Dare County Parks & Recreation Department’s second annual Family Fun in the Park Block Party on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

This free event—which will feature a cookout, inflatable water slide, games, scavenger hunts and emergency services vehicle displays, among other activities—will take place in a loop along Mustian Street and within Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills. For more information about the 2025 Family Fun Block Party—including an event flyer, map, and list of participating organizations and activities—please visit DareNC.gov/BlockParty or click the button below.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners welcomes citizen participation on advisory boards and committees. This type of grassroots public involvement is the foundation of democracy and a vital part of maintaining Dare County as a quality place to live. Following is a list of Dare County advisory boards and committees with terms expiring during the next three months: 

August 2025

• Dare County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board
• Jury Commission
• Dare County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• Stumpy Point Community Center Board
• Virginia S. Tillett Community Center Board 

September 2025

• Health & Human Services Board 
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council 

October 2025

• Fessenden Center Advisory Board
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and once an application is submitted to the Clerk to the Dare County Board of Commissioners, it will remain on file for three years. For a full listing of current vacancies, and to access the online application, please click here. For more information, please contact Clerk to the Dare County Board of Commissioners Skyler Foley at Skyler.Foley@DareNC.gov or 252-475-5700. 

Click here to view a PDF of the full agenda packet for the Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting that was held at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025. To view a video of the meeting on Dare County’s YouTube channel, please click here.