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. View a PDF of the full agenda packet for the meeting that was held at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.

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.

Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard presented special recognition to Nags Head resident Murray Parker, the first participant to officially complete the Dare A250 Passport Program, during the Board of Commissioners meeting. Launched January 1, 2026 as part of Dare County’s 2026 commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, the program invites residents and visitors to explore 13 historic sites that collectively tell the story of the community known as the “Land of Beginnings.” Participants visit locations across the county—from the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, Bodie Island Lighthouse, Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Jennette’s Pier—as well as Island Farm, Bethany Church, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, Pea Island Cookhouse, Buffalo City, the Flat Tops of Southern Shores and the Icarus Monument to a Century of Flight—scanning QR codes at each stop to collect digital stamps and create a personalized journey through centuries of local history. Parker completed all 13 sites in just weeks, demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm for the county’s shared heritage and setting a high standard for community participation in the yearlong A250 celebration. Chairman Woodard noted that the Passport Program is designed to inspire exploration, appreciation and deeper connection to the people and places that shaped Dare County, encouraging others to begin their own journey. Parker was presented with the Dare A250 Passport Program John Hancock Certificate of Completion in recognition of his accomplishment and leadership in launching what officials hope will become a meaningful and widely embraced community tradition.

Murray Parker holds his certificate next to Dare County GIS Analyst and Dare A250 History Subcommittee Member Kristen Stilson.

Following a virtual discussion with Greer Beaty Consulting regarding a recently submitted proposal, the Dare County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to retain the firm to develop coordinated short-, mid- and long-term strategies to address recurring closures of N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island. Dare County Manager Bobby Outten stressed the urgency of the issue, noting that the county must identify a more affordable and reliable way to maintain access and that a clearly defined plan is essential to making measurable progress.

Over the past decade, $72.6 million has been spent to keep N.C. Highway 12 passable. If maintenance continues at the same pace, costs over a typical 50-year project lifespan are projected to reach approximately $343.4 million. The proposal noted that N.C. Highway 12 is a critical piece of infrastructure for Dare County, whose tourism-driven economy generates more than $2 billion annually and relies heavily on reliable highway access.

As part of the proposed strategy, Greer Beaty Consulting will work in concert with the community, elected officials, and key staff at NCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration to develop a comprehensive plan that outlines practical short-term solutions, identifies potential funding sources and provides a clear roadmap toward a long-term strategy. One key concept presented is the installation of temporary bridges in chronic erosion “hotspots” on Hatteras Island to reduce washouts and eliminate the repeated cycle of costly dune rebuilding. 

Temporary bridges are estimated to cost approximately $3,000 per linear square foot—about 80 percent less than the $15,000 per linear foot cost of permanent long-term projects. By pursuing cost-effective interim solutions while advancing long-range planning and funding efforts, the county aims to protect public safety, strengthen economic stability and move toward more reliable access to N.C. Highway 12.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution formally authorizing the county to hold a referendum on a one-quarter of penny ($0.0025) sales and use tax to fund improvements to the county’s Parks and Recreation facilities. While the board previously voted at its February 2026 meeting to place the referendum on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot, this resolution is the legally required step under North Carolina law to set the referendum in motion. In addition to establishing the official ballot question, the resolution also directs the Dare County Board of Elections to conduct the vote and ensures that all procedures comply with state statutes. 

The resolution follows several years of input from the county’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, as well as members of the public regarding the need to improve and expand Dare County Parks and Recreation facilities. In response, the county engaged McGill and Associates to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the community’s recreation needs. The study concluded that approximately $56.9 million is required to address current and future facility improvements. 

As existing revenue sources are not sufficient to fund the proposed improvements, the board determined that presenting the quarter-cent ($0.0025) sales and use tax option to Dare County voters is an appropriate next step. If approved by voters during the General Election on November 3, 2026, the additional quarter-cent ($0.0025) sales tax will be dedicated to funding Dare County Parks and Recreation improvements across Dare County. No tax increase will occur unless approved by voters on November 3, 2026.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proposed rate adjustment for Dare County Transportation services that applies solely to non-emergency medical transportation. Dare County Social Services Director Chuck Lycett presented the proposal, which sets the county’s billing rate at $3.92 per direct mile—the actual cost to operate its transit buses. The county had previously been operating at a rate of $1.70 per mile, a figure established prior to COVID-19.

The rate adjustment applies specifically to non-emergency Medicaid transportation and brings the county’s billing rate in line with Medicaid’s reimbursement rate. Lycett emphasized that there is no change to self-pay fares or regular transit fares under the Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP), and individual Dare County Transportation riders will not see any increase in out-of-pocket costs. Aligning the reimbursement rate with actual operating costs helps maintain the long-term sustainability of the transit system while continuing to provide reliable transportation for residents.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Dare County Manager Bobby Outten’s request to allow the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to use Dare County’s disposal pit in Rodanthe for sand storage. This will provide NCDOT with a ready supply of sand to help maintain and rebuild the dunes along N.C. Highway 12 on Hatteras Island, particularly after storms when overwash occurs, covering the roadway with sand and water.

NCDOT’s dune maintenance involves moving sand that naturally washes from the east side of N.C. Highway 12 to the west. The sand is then pushed back onto the east side to rebuild the dunes that protect the road; however, some sand is inevitably lost each time this occurs. To ensure enough sand is available for these ongoing dune-rebuilding efforts, the county’s disposal pit located near the helipad in Rodanthe will now serve as a storage site for NCDOT. 

The disposal pit was originally designed to hold sand dredged from the nearby emergency ferry channel; but because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is unable to dredge the channel due to budget and timing constraints, the county has obtained its own permits to dredge as needed. When dredging is done with a hopper dredge, there is no need for sand storage, leaving the Rodanthe pit available for NCDOT’s use in storing sand. 

The approval comes with conditions: NCDOT must maintain the disposal pit’s overflow drain and repair any damage caused by sand storage. Additionally, if the county ever needs the site for dredging, NCDOT has agreed to remove their sand to make the area available. Commissioners emphasized that this arrangement provides “another tool in the box” to support ongoing efforts to protect and maintain N.C. Highway 12.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the demolition of the older section of the former College of The Albemarle (COA) building located at 132 Russell Twiford Road in Manteo, while allowing COA to continue using the newer portion of the building as part of its COA-Dare campus in Manteo. 

Originally, the Russell Twiford Road property was expected to revert to the county once COA moved all programs to the new two-story COA academic building located at 205 U.S. Highway 64 in Manteo; however, due to the growth and success of COA, it now requires both the new campus and the newer portion of the Russell Twiford Road building to accommodate its programs. The board’s action ensures COA can continue operating at the Russell Twiford Road location now, while the property would still return to the county if at some point in the future COA no longer needs the space.

The older western section of the building was determined to be unsuitable for use and too costly to repair. Demolishing this portion of the structure will remove a safety hazard, reduce ongoing maintenance expenses and open up space for potential improvements, including expanded parking to support COA operations. Dare County will oversee the demolition to ensure it is completed safely and efficiently, while COA continues using the newer eastern portion of the building for educational programming.

During his opening remarks, Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard provided an update on the ongoing efforts to advocate for long-term solutions to the challenges facing N.C. Highway 12. Chairman Woodard shared that he, Dare County Manager Bobby Outten and the county’s lobbyists recently traveled to Jacksonville, North Carolina, to meet with Senator Michael Lazzara, who has a strong interest in transportation issues statewide. 

During the meeting, county representatives outlined the urgency of addressing recurring storm damage, overwash and closures that impact Hatteras Island and the broader Outer Banks. Chairman Woodard described the discussion as productive and encouraging, noting that Senator Lazzara expressed understanding of the highway’s importance and offered his support in finding solutions.

Chairman Woodard also noted that he, County Manager Outten and Commissioner Mary Ellon Ballance will travel to Raleigh this week to attend a meeting of the North Carolina Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee. During their time in Raleigh, he anticipates having another opportunity to present concerns and priorities regarding N.C. Highway 12 to state leaders. These efforts are part of a continued commitment to secure support and ensure the reliability of this critical roadway, which serves as the primary transportation corridor connecting Hatteras Island to the northern beaches.

Chairman Woodard also shared an update on the ongoing discussions related to beach nourishment funding, noting that North Carolina Senator Bill Rabon responded positively to a letter he sent to state legislators in November 2025 urging funding for the state’s Beach Nourishment Fund, which was established several years ago to support beach nourishment projects but has not yet received any dedicated funding.

Chairman Woodard said recent discussions have also touched on both short-term and long-term solutions for N.C. Highway 12, as well as the state’s ban on hardened structures. Chairman Woodard noted that he, Dare County Manager Bobby Outten and Commissioner Mary Ellon Ballance will meet with Senator Rabon in Raleigh this week to continue these conversations, and he expressed cautious optimism that it will help advance practical solutions to address these issues.

Chairman Woodard also shared concerns for Dare County’s commercial fishermen and their families regarding the potential revival of legislation that would ban shrimp trawling in North Carolina’s sounds. Woodard stated that he has received reliable information indicating that legislation similar to House Bill 442—which was defeated last year—could be reintroduced during the short session of the North Carolina General Assembly that begins on April 21, 2026. House Bill 442 proposed prohibiting shrimp trawling in inland waters, a measure that local fishermen and coastal leaders argued would significantly impact the region’s seafood industry and the families who depend on it for their livelihoods.

Chairman Woodard noted that if such legislation should move forward again, he would encourage local fishermen to rally in Raleigh as they did in June 2025, when commercial fishing families and supporters traveled to the North Carolina General Assembly to voice opposition to the proposed ban. He emphasized the importance of unity among coastal communities and stated that the issue will be placed on the agenda for discussion at the upcoming North Carolina Coastal Fisheries Coalition meeting that will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 in Morehead City. The coalition is expected to discuss strategies for addressing the matter and communicating the region’s concerns to state lawmakers.

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: 

April 2026

• Airport Authority
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
• Manns Harbor Marina Commission
• Older Adult Services Advisory Council

May 2026

• Veterans Advisory Council
• Zoning Board of Adjustment - Dare County

June 2026

• College of the Albemarle Board of Trustees
• Extra Territorial Jurisdiction District - Town of Nags Head
• Fessenden Center Advisory Board
• Hatteras Community Center Board
• Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
• Library Board - Dare
• Manns Harbor Community Center Board
• Northeastern Workforce Development Board
• Roanoke Island Community Center Board
• Transportation Advisory Board
• Waterways Commission

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. View a full listing of current vacancies, and access the online application.

For more information, please contact Clerk to the Dare County Board of Commissioners Skyler Foley at Skyler.Foley@DareNC.gov or 252-475-5700. 

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, March 2, 2026. To view a video of the meeting on Dare County’s YouTube channel, please visit YouTube.com/DareCounty.