In Other Business: Commissioners January 20, 2026

In addition to budget issues and economic development matters, the Caswell County Commissioners considered the following during the Board's January 20th meeting.

Update on OSHA Fines

County Manager Scott Whitaker reminded the Board that the county expected a reduction in OSHA fines imposed after a June OSHA inspection. Staff reported that they had received communication from the NC Department of Labor that the settlement agreement, which details those reductions has been delayed.

Details of the settlement once offered and a discussion of whether or not the Commissioners will accept or dispute that settlement will be discussed in closed session upon receipt of the settlement offer.

The OSHA inspection findings that led to fines also prompted a reboot of the county's safety program. You can read more about the findings and county's safety program in THIS ARTICLE.

Comments and Announcements

• Commissioner Frank Rose applauded the various agencies and county departments that participated in a January 14 table top exercise facilitated by NC Emergency Management. The exercise brought together representatives from 12 county departments, providing a valuable opportunity to review roles, responsibilities, communication, and coordination during a simulated incident. These discussions help identify strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and reinforce how departments and agencies work together when a large-scale incident takes place.
• On a related note, Rose urged county residents to prepare for the forecasted winter weather and utilize tools like CodeRed to receive important updates in case of a significant weather event.
• Commissioner Tony Smith, who serves on the Library Advisory Board, shared that the Gunn Memorial Public Library offers free access to Ancestry.com for those doing genealogy work.
• County Attorney Russel Johnston shared that there were nine pending civil actions in District Court related to delinquent property taxes and that he would be attending the NC School of Government county attorney conference January 29 and 30.
• Commissioner Tony Smith asked that the County Manager "stay on top of" a suggestion from the Commissioners' January 13th meeting with the Board of Education that the two entities work together to determine how to best utilize the Caswell County Civic Center.
• Commissioner Brian Totten voiced two concerns he says his constituents have raised regarding mud being tracked onto the roadway from hunters accessing the Wildlife Gamelands on Badgett Sisters Parkway and the rough pavement at the intersection of Hwy NC 62 and Main Street (the stop sign at the high school)
• County Manager Scott Whitaker announced that multiple departments were coming together to host a Valentine's Day Food Drive.