In the Age of Coronavirus, Beaufort County's Commissioner will Continue to Meet in Public | Eastern North Carolina Now

    This next Monday night, April 6, 2020, Beaufort County's Commissioners will meet in their monthly general meeting, in compliance with North Carolina's Open Meeting statutes, which dictate the condition and manner that North Carolina politicians do the People's business. What may seem irrational to some - the gathering of public officials to act publicly to mind the local government of Beaufort County - is truly a necessity on so many levels, but mainly - to govern openly as elected to serve no matter what may occur.

    To accomplish this feat of governing necessity, the Beaufort will meet this April 6th while achieving all social distancing guidelines, which will dramatically restrict the space available for the public and staff in Beaufort County government's new and spacious public chambers. As a member of the public, if you are unable to be accommodated by there being enough space to for you to attend, you can always watch and hear the entire meeting at a later date here on BCN.

    Here below are the "Social Distancing guidelines" as set out by Beaufort County's manager Brian Alligood.

• Commissioners,
• The Chairman asked that we prepare for an in-person meeting for April 6th with the possibility of converting to a virtual meeting in the future. With that direction, the County Attorney has reviewed the Governor’s Executive Order to make sure we are complying with it. The Health Director has also reviewed the layout of the meeting room to make sure it is compliant with social distancing measures. The layout of the room will allow for the Chairman and 2 Commissioners on the dais, 2 Commissioners at the staff table and 2 Commissioners at a second table directly across from the staff table. We will use the wireless mics for the additional table. The podium has been moved to the center of the room and staff will sit in the audience seats. The audience seats will be marked off to allow for social distancing. This will allow for 12 seats (4 staff and 8 public) in the audience. We will keep presenters out of the room until they are called in order to not take up seats. If you are not comfortable with attending in person, we can make arrangements for you to call into the meeting but please let me know as soon as possible so we can get it arranged.


• Thanks.
• Brian M. Alligood, County Manager
• Beaufort County, North Carolina