STAFF REPORT

Before conducting its regular August meeting Monday, the Hyde County Board of Commissioners will convene and spend about two hours (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) touring properties for the proposed relocation of the Ocracoke EMS station.

The board will reconvene in regular session at 6 p.m. at the Ocracoke Community Center, and via telephone at the Hyde County Government Center for people who cannot make it to Ocracoke to attend the meeting.

During its meeting, the board will hear a presentation concerning the Tideland Electric Membership Corp.’s generator on Ocracoke, a presentation regarding the fireworks show for Ocracoke in 2016, consider a resolution supporting Gov. Pat McCrory’s Connect NC bond initiative, receive an update on proposed changes to ferry pass fees and conduct other business.

Expansion of the Hyde County Health Department into the building housing the Ocracoke EMS station is causing the county to seek a new location for that EMS station.

McCrory has proposed issuing nearly $3 billion in state bonds to pay for infrastructure related to meeting needs in transportation, public health, education, technology, parks, ports and supporting military operations in the state.

Hyde County opposes the proposed $150 priority ferry pass fee, saying it would impose an economic hardship on most of the 650 resident (free) priority pass holders. County officials argue the ferry system is an extension of the state’s road system, which county residents already support by paying various taxes, including the statewide gasoline tax.