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, November 3, 2025, pleaseclick here.

To view the video of the meeting onDare 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, Chairman Bob Woodard addressed the ongoing situation in Buxton, where five additional private homes collapsed on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 during a coastal storm. He noted that many local residents and property owners have contacted county officials asking why a State of Emergency hasn’t been declared—or can’t be declared—to help move homes in danger of collapse or to assist with debris removal efforts. To help clarify the situation, Chairman Woodard asked Dare County Manager Bobby Outten to provide more detailed information regarding what constitutes a State of Emergency, as well as who has the authority to issue one.

Outten explained that there are three entities authorized to declare a State of Emergency: the President, the Governor and local governments. Presidential declarations are reserved for large-scale disasters that cause widespread damage and pose significant threats to public safety. Governors can declare a State of Emergency for a wide range of situations—such as hurricanes, natural or manmade disasters, technological failures or public health crises—such as the State of Emergency that was issued by Governor Josh Stein in September 2025 due to impacts from Hurricane Erin.

Outten clarified that declaring a State of Emergency is not a mechanism for distributing funds or allowing property owners to move or repair damaged homes. Rather, it’s a tool used to protect public safety and provide governmental authority to implement emergency measures such as travel restrictions, curfews, evacuations or the delivery of critical supplies. Additionally, Outten emphasized that the current conditions in Buxton do not meet the necessary threshold for such a declaration, and that the county currently has the resources it needs to manage the situation without state or federal intervention.

During the public comment portion of the meeting that followed shortly after, three citizens addressed the board regarding the situation in Buxton, providing feedback and offering suggestions related to debris management and recovery efforts.

Honoring Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy with a Resolution from the Board of Commissioners on Her 80th Birthday

During the chairman’s remarks portion of the meeting, Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard surprised longtime Hatteras Island resident and community advocate Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy by presenting a resolution passed by the board in her honor. The resolution recognized Goodloe-Murphy on the occasion of her 80th birthday and celebrated her as a true Dare County ambassador whose decades of service have strengthened and enriched both the Hatteras Island community and Dare County as a whole. For nearly four decades, Goodloe-Murphy has devoted herself to public service and local journalism, covering Dare County issues and events forThe Coastland Timeswith fairness, accuracy and dedication since 1990. Her many contributions include founding the Outer Banks Hotline thrift shop in Rodanthe, serving with the local volunteer fire department and helping to establish Radio Hatteras, an all-volunteer community station that provides vital information during hurricanes and emergencies. Through her grant writing and advocacy, she has also championed projects that brought new pathways and public amenities to Hatteras Island—efforts that continue to benefit residents and visitors alike. In presenting the resolution, Chairman Woodard commended Goodloe-Murphy for her vision, leadership and selfless service, which have made a lasting impact on Dare County. The resolution also highlighted her numerous accolades, including being named both Dare County Citizen of the Year and Outer Banks Citizen of the Year, as well as receiving the prestigious Order of the Longleaf Pine and the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Pelican Award. The recognition serves as a heartfelt tribute to Goodloe-Murphy’s lifelong commitment to her community and her enduring role as one of Dare County’s most dedicated ambassadors.

Dare County Department of Health & Human Services Director Dr. Sheila Davies and Outer Banks Health Executive Director of Operations Amy Montgomery provided an overview of Thrive OBX, a collaborative initiative between Dare County, Outer Banks Health and the community that focuses on promoting wellness and community well-being across the Outer Banks.

Designed for both residents and visitors, Thrive OBX is a community-wide movement that brings together a wide range of educational programs and wellness initiatives. The program integrates seamlessly with existing food and nutrition organizations, parks and recreation groups, volunteer-led fitness programs, spiritual and community gatherings and local businesses—all working together toward a shared vision of a healthier, more vibrant Outer Banks.

To view the slides from the presentation-which highlighted upcoming opportunities for community involvement and ways for individuals to engage in programs that support physical, mental, and social well-being—please click the button below.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners adopted the following proclamations and resolutions to highlight and address various issues of interest and concern:

• Resolution Authorizing the Use of a Sole Source Purchase Pursuant to G.S. 143-129(e)(6)
• Resolution in Opposition of Proposed Blue Crab Harvest Restrictions
• Resolution Honoring Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy on her 80th Birthday and Recognizing Her as a Dare County Ambassador
• Resolution to Repeal a Portion of the Ordinance Regarding Requirements for Recording Instruments Affecting Real Property
• Resolution Reaffirming Opposition to the Inclusion of New Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Off the Coast of North Carolina in the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program
• Resolution Authorizing the Dare County Board of Commissioner to Exempt the County from the Mini-Brooks Act

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:

December 2025

• Equalization and Review Board
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
• Special Motor Vehicle Valuation Review Committee
• Tourism Board

January 2026

• Working Watermen Commission

February 2026

• Dare County Planning Board

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.govor 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, November 3, 2025. To view a video of the meeting on Dare County’s YouTube channel, please click here.