ROCKINGHAM In one East Rockingham area, three homes are set to be demolished.

The Richmond County Board of Commissioners issued orders last week to demolish and remove properties at 160 Safie Fifth St., 180 Safie Sixth St., and 259 Safie Second St.

According to the county code, all three of the houses are unfit for human habitation, according to the ordinances.

The agenda folder’s photos seem to depict the dwellings in complete chaos.

The first house listed burned in August 2023, and the complaint process began earlier this year, according to County Planner Tracy Parris.

In addition to fire damage, a falling tree has passed through the second house. The process for that residence started in October 2023, Parris said. The third house burned in March of this year, according to Parris.

In certain circumstances, local fire departments throughout the county employ certified demolition houses for burn training.

That will not be an option in other situations, though, Parris said.

They will be torn down and properly cleared, Parris told the RO via email on November 22. Unfortunately, those properties are burned so severely that the fire department would not be able to use (them) with their training exercises.

ALLOCATION OF OPIOID

Earlier in the meeting, commissioners agreed to increase money for the Richmond County Jail s substance abuse program by more than $10,000.

The program is funded through the county s allocation of various opioid settlements.

During the May meeting, commissioners approved a previous request for $41,215.97. The adjusted figure is now $52,615.97.

Thressa Smith, interim Social care director, stated that the sum is being adjusted to match the costs of behavioral health care, which would be mandated by law.

Commissioner Andy Grooms hinted at what could become another unfunded demand from the state government.

So luckily, we ve got 16 years of a settlement to support this before the county then has to, Grooms told reporters.

PAVING PROJECT

Barnhill Construction was awarded a proposal for prepaving the parking lot at the Health and Human Services Complex on Caroline Street.

According to County Manager Bryan Land, the project will involve revamping the whole parking lot in front and behind the facility that houses the Health Department, Department of Social Services, and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

According to Land, all of the current asphalt will be removed, and the property will be regraded and paved. Concrete driveways will also be replaced.

Barnhill s low bid was $551,020, more than $123,000 less than Fred Smith Company s bid.

Land explained that the project will be paid through the county s Medicaid escrow account. Paving is planned to begin shortly before Christmas and last approximately two weeks. However, Land stated that the project could be delayed depending on the weather.

Land jokingly stated that it was a retirement present for outgoing Health Director Cheryl Speight.

She s been wanting it for quite some time now, we just haven t been able to find a way to get it done.

Commissioners also authorized an extension of the 2025 tax listing period to April 15, as well as a resolution authorizing electronic listing of personal property for tax purposes.

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