The board will convene at 6 p.m. in the historic courthouse in downtown Carthage.
However, a curious item appears on the consent agenda, where the minutes of closed sessions dating to 1999 are listed. The board usually orders the minutes sealed after closed sessions, opening them later after the issues are resolved.
The proposed sale to the village of the water system serving the Pinehurst area is on the agenda for discussion. The sale is not yet a sure thing.
During the meeting, the board will be asked to make appointments to the Planning and Social Services boards.
One hearing is scheduled, to consider proposed amendments to the road naming and addressing ordinance.
Other items on the agenda include a revised functional classification system related to the proposed N.C. 24-27 bypass of Carthage and appropriation of $57,322.90 from the fund balance to pay off the outstanding balance on the airport fuel farm loan to Exxon.
WESTMOORE — State House Co-Speaker Richard Morgan has announced that Westmoore Elementary School will receive a $2,500 arts grant from the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.
Westmoore Principal Bruce Williams said the school can put the money to good use. Among the suggestions are a new pottery kiln and sponsorship of a Benjamin Franklin Day, complete with a live portrayal of the early American leader. New art supplies are also in the works.
“Cultural awareness is a critical aspect of our youth’s education,” Morgan said in a news release. It’s so important to make learning fun through creative means, and I’m sure Westmoore will put this grant to good use for the students.”
Williams said, “We really appreciate this money, and I know it will help develop our art department. I can’t wait to hear our teachers’ ideas about how to use the money.”
MARSHALL — Moore County Democrats will honor Secretary of State Elaine Marshall with a social Wednesday from 3 until 4 p.m. at party headquarters at Belvedere Plaza.
Democratic offices are on the first floor of the Belvedere complex at 120 West Pennsylvania Avenue in Southern Pines.
The public is invited to meet Marshall in person. Admission is free of charge, but contributions to her campaign fund will be accepted, according to the party invitation.
KNOLLWOOD — Registered Republicans living in Knollwood Precinct are being invited to a voter information meeting to be held at Belle Meade Retirement Resort Friday at 7 p.m.
Refreshments will be served. Joe Nelson, Republican candidate for county commissioner, announced the meeting.
Interested persons can call Paul Brodict at 695-1345 for information and directions.
TOBACCO — The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a corporate tax bill that includes provision for a federal tobacco quota buyout.
The bill is headed to the Senate and an uncertain future.
The vote was 251-178 in favor of the $155 billion bill, of which $9.6 billion is designated for the buyout.
Moore County tobacco growers are among the 400,000 allotment owners who might benefit from the buyout, which would signal the end of the federal price-support system. It would also mean a drastic reduction in the amount of tobacco raised in this country.
Under the House bill, quota owners who grow tobacco would be paid $10 a pound and those who rent out their allotments would receive $7 a pound, with the other $3 going to the farmer who rents the crop. Payments would be issued over a five-year period.
