Craven County officials told the board on Nov. 17 that the county received an unexpected National Grand Award HCCBG allocation of $101,667.

Clayton Gaskins said providers met to recommend allocations. The county will retain $73,688 for local providers (including Coastal Community Action and congregate meal providers) and return $27,979 to the AAA for distribution across the region. The funding requires a 10% county match; staff asked the board to approve the HCCBG budget for fiscal year 2025–26 as recommended by the aging planning board, and the board approved the motion by roll call.

Commissioners noted the agencies' decision to return funds to support neighboring counties in need and praised careful distribution planning.