News About Town: The Board of Commissioners will go into closed session after the regular meeting this Monday. There are nine distinct reasons a Board can go into closed session as dictated by state legislation; the vast majority of public meetings are conducted with open access for the public in a transparent manner. This particular closed session is to consider acquisition of real property, which falls under North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(A)(5). For a deeper dive, Port City Daily News recently published a full article detailing closed sessions.

News Around Town: With over 6% of North Carolina receiving unemployment benefits, utility payments may be a difficult burden this winter. Piedmont Natural Gas has suspended nonpayment disconnects (the Executive Order preventing utility shut off expired in July) and is offering relaxed payment agreements to customers. The company also has resources for financial assistance listed on their website.

Don’t Forget: Vote for COS Kids up to 10 ties a day in the to win a $25,000 Neighborhood Assist Grant contest from State Farm.The contest ends October 2 and winners will be announced November 4.